Turkey Travel Advice
Turkey spans both southeastern Europe and western Asia, with coastlines along the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas.
Its landscapes vary widely, lush forests and fertile lands in the northwest, arid central plains, the rugged Taurus and Pontic mountain ranges, and Mediterranean beaches. Climate conditions range from a Mediterranean climate on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts to a temperate climate on the Black Sea, while inland regions experience more extreme temperatures.
Istanbul, Turkey’s cultural hub, exemplifies this blend, with iconic sites such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, reflecting both Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman legacies. Beyond Istanbul, sites like Ephesus (a major Roman port city) and Cappadocia (known for its rock formations and ancient cave churches) attract visitors worldwide.
Turkey is a presidential republic with a significant role in regional and international politics. Its relationship with the European Union has been complex; Turkey is a candidate country but faces challenges over human rights and democratic practices. As a NATO member, Turkey holds strategic influence, especially given its geographic proximity to conflict zones in the Middle East and Europe.
Although a candidate for EU membership, Turkey’s human rights record and political shifts under President Erdoğan have stalled accession talks. Still, Turkey maintains economic and migration deals with the EU, especially in managing the flow of refugees into Europe, granting Turkey leverage in European relations.
Turkey has a diversified economy, spanning sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, electronics, and tourism. Major industries include automotive manufacturing, textiles, and electronics, while agriculture remains vital in rural regions, particularly in the production of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Tourism is a significant economic contributor, with historical sites, coastal resorts, and cultural attractions drawing millions annually. However, the country has faced economic challenges recently, including high inflation and currency devaluation, which impact its trade and foreign investment potential.
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Key Information for Turkey
Emergency Services
Police emergency: 155
Fire emergency: 110
Fire emergency: 177 (Woodland/Forest fire service)
Medical emergency: 112
Maritime emergency (Coastguard): 158
Missing child/Women's helpline: 183
Tourist Police: 0212 5274503 (Istanbul only)
Country Overview
Capital City: Ankara
Official State Language(s): Turkish
Official State Religion(s): Islam (Hanafi Sunni)
State Currency: Turkish Lira (₺)
Current Capital Time:
How safe is Turkey?
Turkey’s current security situation is complex, with varying risk levels across regions.
Recently, a heightened terrorist threat has impacted key areas, notably with a recent attack on a Turkish Aerospace firm in Ankara in October 2024, which caused multiple casualties. Terrorist groups like the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) continue to pose risks, particularly targeting urban centers, government facilities, and popular tourist sites. The U.S. and other governments have advised travelers to exercise increased caution, especially in places frequented by foreigners such as shopping centers, public transport, and areas near government offices.
Turkey’s southeastern regions, particularly near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, remain especially volatile. The Turkish government advises against all travel to the provinces of Şırnak and Hakkari and areas within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border due to the persistent threat of terrorist attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, and cross-border conflicts.
Additionally, recent regional tensions, particularly those related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, have sparked demonstrations in cities like Istanbul and Ankara. Travelers should avoid large gatherings, monitor local media for updates, and adhere to any safety advisories from local authorities to mitigate potential risks during their visit.
Turkey has emerged as a major transit hub for organized crime, notably for cocaine trafficking from Latin America to Europe, with an estimated $2.9 to $5.8 billion in annual cocaine transit through the country. This role is supported by Turkey’s strategic location and alleged corruption within the judiciary and law enforcement, which allow criminal networks relative freedom. Political figures and prominent families are reportedly involved in enabling drug smuggling, laundering funds through Northern Cyprus casinos, and protecting criminals from extradition.
Recent reforms have aimed at addressing these issues due to scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), but organized crime persists as a major concern for Turkey and neighboring regions.
For those traveling to Turkey, it’s wise to stay alert, carry ID at all times, and be prepared to adjust travel plans in response to any emerging threats or official warnings.
Islamic customs:
Travelers should adhere to local laws and customs, as Turkey is a predominantly Islamic country with strict regulations on behavior, public displays of affection, and alcohol consumption. Public displays of affection, especially near religious sites, and sexual activity outside of marriage may lead to legal consequences. It’s important to remain respectful of cultural norms, particularly in more conservative areas. For more information on Islamic culture, please see: Guide to Islamic culture.
Health Emergencies in Turkey
Turkey's medical facilities are varied, with advanced hospitals in urban centers and challenges in rural and affected disaster regions. Here’s an overview of Turkey’s healthcare infrastructure:
Public and Private Healthcare System:
Public Sector: Managed by Turkey's Ministry of Health, the public healthcare system provides a large portion of healthcare services. The country has a universal healthcare system, where citizens and residents can access services with minimal costs through the Social Security Institution (SGK).
Private Sector: Turkey also has a substantial private healthcare sector, often preferred by those seeking faster service or specialized treatments. Private hospitals tend to be more prevalent in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Urban vs. Rural Access:
Urban Centers: In major cities, Turkey’s hospitals are often modern and well-equipped with advanced medical technologies, catering to both domestic patients and medical tourists. These facilities offer services ranging from routine care to specialized treatments, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
Rural and Underserved Areas: In remote and rural regions, healthcare facilities may be less advanced and experience staff shortages, leading to limited availability of specialized services. Patients in these areas often travel to larger cities for more complex care.
Impact of the 2023 Earthquakes:
The devastating earthquakes in southeastern Turkey damaged over 125 hospitals and healthcare facilities, disrupting healthcare access in affected areas. Efforts led by WHO and Turkish authorities included establishing temporary medical facilities and deploying Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) to address trauma and provide ongoing care.
Rehabilitation needs remain significant, particularly for earthquake survivors requiring long-term physical and mental health support. Reconstruction of health infrastructure and mental health services are current priorities.
Medical Tourism:
Turkey has become a leading destination for medical tourism, attracting patients globally, especially for cosmetic surgery, dental care, and specialized surgeries. Medical facilities catering to international patients are typically private and accredited, meeting international healthcare standards.
Current Challenges:
Despite significant improvements, challenges persist in equitable healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions. The health system also faces pressures from a large refugee population, which increases demand on public healthcare services, particularly in border areas.
Turkey’s healthcare facilities range from highly modern in urban areas to more basic in rural regions, with ongoing efforts to address gaps exacerbated by recent natural disasters.
FAQs for visiting Turkey
You can find the following embassies in Turkey for the US and UK:
U.S. Embassy Ankara
110 Atatürk Blvd,
Kavaklidere,
06100 Ankara,
Turkey
Telephone: +90 312 455 5555
Telephone: +90 212 335 9000 (Istanbul)
Telephone: +90 322 346 6262 (Adana)
Telephone: +90 232 464 8755 (Izmir)
British Embassy Ankara
Şehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A,
Çankaya,
Ankara,
Turkey
Telephone: +90 312 455 33 44
Telephone: +90 212 334 6400 (Istanbul)
Telephone: +90 232 465 0858 (Izmir)
Telephone: +90 242 228 2811 (Antalya)
Telephone: +90 252 412 6488 (Bodrum)
Telephone: +90 252 614 6302 (Fethiye)
Telephone: +90 252 412 6488 (Marmaris)
To visit Turkey, the visa requirements vary based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Here’s an outline of the typical visa options and requirements for travelers:
Visa-Free Entry:
Eligible Countries: Citizens of some countries can enter Turkey without a visa for tourism or business purposes, generally for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These include much of Europe, select Latin American countries, and a few Asian countries like Japan and South Korea.
e-Visa:
Eligibility: Many nationalities, including U.S., Canadian, Australian, and several Asian countries, can apply for an e-Visa before travel. This visa is issued online and allows short stays for tourism or business.
Validity: Typically, e-Visas permit multiple entries, valid for 180 days, allowing stays of up to 90 days per entry (with some variations based on nationality).
Application Process: The application is completed on Turkey’s official e-Visa website, requiring passport information, a credit card for payment, and typically instant approval.
Sticker Visa (Consular Visa):
Required for Certain Nationalities: Some travelers who do not qualify for visa-free entry or an e-Visa must apply for a traditional sticker visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate before departure. This also applies to those visiting for work, study, or longer stays.
Requirements: The application often requires supporting documents, such as an invitation letter, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds.
Special Visas for Work, Study, or Extended Stay:
For stays beyond 90 days or purposes other than tourism or business (such as work or study), a specific visa is required. Applications must be made at a Turkish embassy or consulate and may involve additional documentation like a work contract, admission letter from a Turkish educational institution, or sponsorship details.
Transit Visa:
For Passengers in Transit: If you are passing through Turkey en route to another country and will not leave the airport, you usually do not need a transit visa. However, if you need to leave the airport, it’s best to check specific transit requirements for your nationality.
Turkey’s visa policies are frequently updated, so it’s advisable to confirm the latest requirements via Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the official Turkish e-Visa website before traveling.
In October 2024, a terrorist attack targeting the Turkish aerospace sector escalated security concerns in Turkey.
The attack, attributed to the PKK, led to military strikes by Turkey on PKK locations in northern Iraq and Syria, reinforcing the tense cross-border conflict. This incident highlights Turkey's ongoing struggles with domestic and regional terrorist threats, especially from the PKK and ISIS affiliates.
Amid this crisis, the Turkish government imposed strict media controls, limiting access to social media to manage information dissemination and prevent unrest. Government measures also included deploying enhanced security forces across strategic sites to prevent further incidents, particularly in high-risk urban areas like Ankara and Istanbul.
Before traveling to Turkey, it's essential to be up-to-date on standard vaccines and consider some additional ones based on health recommendations:
Routine Vaccines
Make sure you're up to date on routine vaccinations:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP)
- Polio
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Influenza
Hepatitis A
Recommended because Hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food or water, a common risk in Turkey.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for travelers, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids, such as through medical care or intimate contact.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers, particularly if you're visiting rural areas or planning to eat street food.
Rabies (Optional)
Consider the rabies vaccine if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or work with animals, especially in rural areas of Turkey.
Always consult a healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before traveling to Turkey for personalized advice.
Public Transportation in Turkey:
Urban Transit::
Istanbul: The public transit system is extensive, with buses, metro lines, trams, funiculars, and ferries. The Istanbulkart provides easy access to all modes, offering a convenient, cashless option. Other large cities like Ankara and Izmir also have metro and bus systems.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are plentiful in urban areas, and BiTaksi and Uber operate in major cities, though taxis can sometimes lack meters, making app-based rides more transparent.
Intercity Travel:
Buses: Turkey’s intercity bus network is reliable, with many companies offering modern, comfortable buses on popular routes. Bus terminals (otogars) are common in cities and link well to smaller towns.
Trains: High-speed rail connects cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, and Eskisehir, with comfortable facilities and a convenient alternative to flying for medium distances.
Domestic Flights: For long-distance routes, Turkey’s domestic airlines (such as Turkish Airlines and Pegasus) offer frequent and affordable flights to many regional airports.
Driving in Turkey:
Travelers can drive with a valid foreign license for up to six months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is often recommended, especially if the license is not in Latin script.
Road Conditions:
Highways: Major highways are generally well-maintained, with toll roads on key routes like Istanbul to Ankara. Toll payments require a prepaid HGS sticker or OGS device.
City Roads: Urban areas have good-quality roads but can experience heavy traffic, particularly in Istanbul. Rural and Mountainous Roads: These may be less maintained, with winding routes, limited signage, and occasionally rough surfaces, especially in mountainous regions or remote areas.
Driving Culture: Driving habits can vary, with some drivers being assertive. Lane changes, speeding, and disregard for lane markings are common, especially in busy city centers.
Parking: In major cities, parking can be challenging, especially in densely populated areas. There are parking garages and street parking, though options can be limited.
Our closest office
For any enquiries about our security services in Turkey, please contact our London office and our team will assist you.
Intelligent Protection International
330 High Holborn
WC1V 7QT
London
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 207 4566740
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Turkey is provided for information only.
Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.