From 4 July, Turkey is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. However, the following advice within Turkey remains in place:

The FCDO advise against all travel to:

areas within 10 km of the border with Syria, except the city of Kilis (see below)

The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to:

all other areas of Sirnak, Kilis (including Kilis city) and Hatay provinces

the provinces of Diyarbakir, Tunceli and Hakkari

For more information on these areas, see Local travel and Terrorism

Travel to Turkey is subject to entry restrictions All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks

If you show symptoms on arrival, you’ll be required to undergo a PCR test coronavirus. See Entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel. Preparing for your return journey to the UK If you’re returning to the UK from overseas, you will need to: provide your journey and contact details before you travel

check if you need to self-isolate on your return

Check our advice on foreign travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sign up for email alerts for this travel advice.

If you’re planning travel to Turkey, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO ’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

British nationals made over 2.5 million visits to Turkey in 2019. Most visits are trouble free. Be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with foreign nationals, including during festival periods.

If you’re travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes, you are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. See Visas

Many parts of Turkey are subject to earthquakes. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and follow the advice of the local authorities. See Natural disasters

The situation has calmed following an attempted coup in July 2016. A state of emergency imposed after the coup attempt has been lifted, although some restrictions remain in place. See Political situation

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey. Terrorist groups, including PKK, Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) and far left organisations, continue to plan and carry out attacks. Further attacks could be indiscriminate. Most attacks have taken place in the south-east of the country, and in Ankara and Istanbul. While there is a potential that citizens from western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in the major cities, attacks are most likely to target the Turkish state, civilians and demonstrations. You should be vigilant, follow the advice of local security authorities, monitor media reports and keep up to date with this travel advice. See Terrorism

It’s illegal to be a member or supporter of a terrorist organisation in Turkey, including expressions of support on social media. Some organisations in the region though not proscribed in the UK, such as the YPG and the Gülen Movement are illegal in Turkey.

You should carry your passport and a printed copy of your visa (if applicable) or residence permit at all times. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the Turkish authorities are stopping members of the public to conduct ID checks. See Local laws and customs

There have been reports of an increase in holidaymakers being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness during their stay. You can find more information about the action you can take if you have suffered a personal injury on the Citizens Advice website. You should only consider pursuing a complaint or claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness. If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Turkey.

You can contact the emergency services by calling 155 (police), 112 (ambulance) and 110 (fire).