Turkey

Many nationalities, including citizens of most EU countries, the UK, the US and Canada, can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days in 180. Some other nationalities can get an e-Visa online before travel, and others need a visa from a Turkish embassy.

Passport validity

At least 150 days of validity from arrival (UK rule; yours may differ)

e-Visa

Official site: evisa.gov.tr only

Visa-free stay

Usually up to 90 days in 180 days, by nationality

Confirm with

evisa.gov.tr or a Turkish embassy

Istanbul Airport is the home of Turkish Airlines, which flies to more countries than almost any other airline. Antalya, Izmir and Dalaman airports have direct seasonal flights from Europe, and Bodrum serves the Aegean resorts. Istanbul has a second airport, Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), on the Asian side. For Cappadocia, fly into Kayseri or Nevşehir.

Coastal airports

Antalya (AYT), Dalaman (DLM), Bodrum (BJV), Izmir (ADB)

High inflation means lira prices change often, and many hotels and tours quote in euros, so check the currency before you pay. Cards are widely accepted in cities and resorts; carry cash for small shops and markets. Bargaining is expected in bazaars, and a tip of about 5 to 10% is usual in restaurants.

Bargaining

Expected in bazaars

• Use bank ATMs and decline 'conversion' to your home currency.

Most visitors to Turkey need no special vaccines. Private hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and the resorts are of a good standard; carry travel insurance that covers treatment and evacuation. Drink bottled water, since tap water is treated but not usually drunk. Pharmacies (eczane) take turns on a rota for night opening.

Summer

Strong sun and heat inland

• Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

Most visits to Turkey are trouble-free. Petty theft and tourist scams occur in Istanbul, where friendly strangers may steer you to a bar or a carpet shop. Some governments advise against travel near the Syrian border; UK advice covers the area within 10 km of it. Call 112 for any emergency, and carry your passport for ID checks.

Emergency number

Call 112 (all emergencies)

Before you go

Read your government's current travel advisory for Turkey

• Use official taxis or ride-hailing in Istanbul.

Pick a base for each region and stay several nights. In Istanbul, Sultanahmet suits sightseeing and Karaköy or Beyoğlu suit nightlife. In Cappadocia, sleep in a cave hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp. On the Turquoise Coast choose Kaş, Fethiye or Antalya's old town, Kaleiçi. On the Aegean, Selçuk is closest to Ephesus and Bodrum has beaches.

Istanbul

Sultanahmet for sights, Karaköy or Beyoğlu for nightlife

Turkey is big, so domestic flights between Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast save whole days. Comfortable long-distance buses with assigned seats reach almost every town, and high-speed trains link Istanbul, Ankara and Konya, taking about 4 to 5 hours from Istanbul to Ankara. Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus fly domestic routes. In Istanbul an Istanbulkart covers the metro, trams and ferries.

Domestic flights

Turkish Airlines, AJet and Pegasus

• YHT high-speed trains take about 1 hour 45 minutes from Ankara to Konya; book on the TCDD website or app.
• From Istanbul Airport (IST), the M11 metro or a Havaist bus reaches the old city, about 90 minutes to Aksaray.
• From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), the M4 metro reaches Kadıköy in about an hour, then a ferry crosses to the old city.
• Coaches leave from each city's otogar; compare firms on obilet and pick a 2+1 seat layout for overnight runs.
• Free servis minibuses often link out-of-town bus stations with the centre.
• The scenic Doğu Express from Ankara to Kars takes about 26 hours.
• A foreign licence is valid for 6 months after entry; keep your passport in the car for routine police checkpoints.

Tourist SIM packages from Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom are sold at airports and carrier stores, and you need your passport to buy one. International eSIMs also work well for shorter trips. Phones used on a foreign SIM for a long time may need registration, so check before planning an extended stay.

Networks

Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom

Turkey is a secular republic with a Muslim-majority population. Hospitality is a point of pride, and a glass of çay is offered everywhere, so accept it. In mosques women cover their hair and everyone removes their shoes; visit outside prayer times. Criticising the state or Atatürk can be a crime, and military sites must not be photographed.

Mosques

Women cover their hair; everyone removes shoes

• Out east during Ramadan, avoid snacking on buses or in the street.