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Turkey (Europe & Russia)

Advice for all destinations, vaccinations and malaria risk.

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: none.
• Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: none.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

Risk is higher if travelling to countries where there hepatitis A is circulating in the local population, or to areas where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for those visiting more frequently, staying longer, visiting friends and relatives, children through bites, cuts and scratches and those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Malaria not normally present unless the illness was contracted abroad.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

• 02 Aug 2024 - Diseases spread by insects in travellers returning from Europe
• 56 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Can I go to Turkey? Travel restrictions from the UK explained

Here’s what you need to know about the UK's travel rules for when you return from the country, plus Turkey’s own entry requirements for people looking to visit.

Is Turkey on the red list?

Turkey is one of eight countries that was removed from the red list on Monday 4 October 2021. 

However, from Friday 18 March 2022, there are no Covid travel rules in the UK, which means that those returning to the country do not need to test, quarantine or fill in a passenger locator form , regardless of their vaccination status. The government will also no longer manage any quarantine hotels from the end of March. 

What are the entry requirements for Turkey?

As of 1 June 2022, all Covid entry requirements to Turkey have been dropped. This means that you can now enter Turkey regardless of your vaccination status and without needing to show proof of a negative Covid test. 

Previously, all travellers aged six and over needed to complete an online form a maximum of 72 hours before travelling.

Fully vaccinated travellers could enter without needing to test or quarantine, but had to show proof of their vaccination status, while unvaccinated travellers had to show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entry, rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before entry, or proof of a recent recovery from Covid-19 within the last six months. 

Coronavirus entry requirements could still change at short notice, so travellers are advised to check the specifics with their airline before travelling. For the latest advice, please check the UK government's advice on Turkey's entry requirements . 

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Turkey travel warning to UK holidaymakers as Foreign Office issues update

Areas to avoid and threat of terrorist attacks reiterated as more than a million brits plan to head off on a turkish summer break, article bookmarked.

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Holidaymakers travelling to Turkey this summer have been warned against visiting certain areas of the country, in updated travel advice from the UK government.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) “advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria” and “advises against all but essential travel” to the city of Sirnak and the Hakkari province (both in the south of the country, also near the Syrian border). It also clarifies that “no travel can be guaranteed safe” and anyone visiting Turky should purchase suitable travel insurance.

While not a huge departure from the previous advice, it highlights the political turbulence in a country already struggling in parts following t he 5.6 magnitude earthquake earlier this year . It’s also worth remembering that the majority of holidays in Turkey are without trouble.

The FCDO told The Independent : “The safety of British nationals is always our main concern in determining our travel advice. We constantly review our travel advice for each country or territory to ensure it includes up-to-date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living there.

“The changes to the terrorism section of each Travel Advice page reflects the fact that global terror threat is now more diverse and not limited to those inspired by Islamist ideologies.

“FCDO Travel Advice is just that – advice. It provides information to help British nationals make informed decisions about foreign travel but we cannot enforce it and it remains a decision for individuals whether they feel it is safe for them to travel”.

What are the entry requirements for Turkey?

UK nationals visiting Turkey must have a passport that is valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive, and it must have at least one full blank page for entry and exit stamps. If you are entering turkey via a land border, make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing.

Anyone visiting Turkey for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period does not need a visa. However, if you need to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days, apply for a longer stay visa or get a residence permit before the end of your 90-day stay.

It is worth noting for the future that Turkey is not one of the countries where visitors will need an ETIAS travel permit from next year onwards.

Local laws and customs

There are local laws that tourists should be aware of. It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey, and smoking is illegal on public transport and in all indoor workplaces and public places.

It is also illegal to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface currency. This can include comments about the Turkish state, and carries a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.

Remember to dress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine, and do not take photographs near military or official installations.

While homosexuality is legal in Turkey, the FCDO warns that “many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and showing affection in public could result in unwelcome attention”.

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Britons warned about holidaying in Turkey as tourists are told to 'be extra vigilant'

The Government warned Britons to remain vigilant when visiting a popular tourist destination

By Anna Barry

Published: 13/02/2024

Updated: 23/02/2024

Britons heading to popular holiday hotspot Turkey have been warned about potential dangers

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Whether you're after a beach holiday, glorious resort stay or city break filled with food and fabulous landmarks, Turkey has it all.

The beautiful country, which is partly located in Europe and partly in Asia, is very popular among Britons. However, holidaymakers have been issued a warning with regards to their safety in the country.

The UK Government updated its Turkey travel advice, with updated information on 2023 crime statistics, as well as comments about the nation and flag.

Sexual assault

GOV.UK stated: "In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. Most sexual assault cases reported to British consular staff in Turkey have happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas.

"Many were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations."

Do you have a travel story you'd like to share? Contact our team by emailing [email protected].

Istanbul boasts beautiful landmarks, exceptional views, delicious food and a vibrant culture

GETTY IMAGES

Britons should also be aware of street robberies and pick-pocketing, which are" common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul".

Tourists were also warned about drink and food spiking. Holidaymakers must beware of strangers offering them food and drink, to change money, or to take them to a restaurant or club.

GOV.UK also warned that in a small number of cases, counterfeit alcohol has caused the death of tourists. Britons were urged to seek advice from their tour operator or the Turkish authorities if they have any concerns.

Tourists to Turkey were also advised to take registered taxis rather than accept lifts from strangers. Ensure that you note the registration number before getting in a taxi.

Comments about the nation and flag

GOV.UK said: "It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation, state or the national flag, or to deface Turkish currency. These laws can also apply to comments or images online wherever they were uploaded. "Offences under these laws carry a penalty in Turkey of a prison sentence of between six months and three years."

Britons should be aware of other risk factors if they plan on visiting Turkey, one being terrorism.

The Government warned: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times."

For information on how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad, Britons can consult GOV.UK.

GOV.UK said: "Most terrorist attacks have happened in Southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Citizens from Western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in major cities.

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Britons have also been given updated travel advice to Cyprus regarding airport arrival and political demonstration risks

Terrorists may target places visited by foreigners, such as public buildings, places of worship, major events and large public gatherings.

Holidaymakers should follow the advice of the local security authorities, monitor media reports and cooperate fully with security officials at airports.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria, all but essential travel to Sirnak (city), and all but essential travel to Hakkari province.

For more information on the Government's advice for travel in Turkey, consult GOV.UK. This will include guidance on terrorism, the political situation, crime, laws and cultural differences, outdoor activities and adventure tourism, transport risks, and extreme weather and natural disasters.

Britons have also been given a warning about another popular tourist destination as "tensions heighten".

Tourists were given updated airport arrival guidance and information on political demonstration risks.

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Turkey travel warning as Foreign Office changes guidance after shooting

The UK Government also continues to advise people against all travel to some parts of Turkey

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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued new guidance for anyone planning to visit Turkey from the UK.

The Government department regularly updates people about potential risks of travel to any of 226 nations and territories in a bid to help people make informed decisions and stay safe, and on Saturday the FCDO issued a new alert to anyone with plans to visit Turkey.

It comes after a man was killed during a shooting at a church in Istanbul.

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Turkish officials have said two masked assailants attacked the Roman Catholic during services on Sunday (January 28). According to a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter , by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, the armed assailants attacked the Santa Maria Church in the Sariyer district of the city at 11.40am local time.

He did not specify what kind of weapons were used or whether anyone else was injured. Hours later, Mr Yerlikaya announced that two men he described as members of so-called Islamic State had been arrested.

One is from Tajikistan and the other from Russia, he said at a news conference.

A new FCDO alert reads: "On the morning of 28 January 2024, an incident occurred at the Santa Maria Church in the district of Sariyer in Istanbul. We advise all British Nationals in the area to follow the advice of the Turkish authorities. British Nationals in the region should remain vigilant."

The Foreign Office also continues to advise against all travel to any part of Turkey that is within 10km of the border with Syria, and against all but essential travel to Sirnak or Hakkari, both of which are in close proximity to borders with Syria and Iraq, respectively.

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Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Latest FCDO travel advice explained as earthquake death toll rises

The fcdo has updated its travel advice for turkey, after a devastating earthquake struck in the popular british tourist destination.

The death toll from a devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria has now passed 35,000 , making it one of the world’s worst natural disasters in the past decade .

In the early hours of Monday 6 February, a powerful 7.8 magnitude quake hit Gaziantep in the south-east of Turkey .

This was followed by another 7.5 magnitude tremor in the neighbouring province of Kahramanmaras later that day.

Thousands of rescue teams searched for survivors among the rubble of decimated towns and cities in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, with the UN warning that the death toll is likely to climb far higher .

The Turkish government has declared a national emergency in 10 provinces affected by the earthquake :

• Kahramanmaras

Here’s everything you need to know if you were planning to travel to Turkey from the UK .

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Following the earthquakes, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its guidance for people visiting Turkey from the UK.

It advises: “The Turkish government has stated that only vehicles which carry aid teams and aid materials will be allowed to enter cities deemed to be inside the area of the disaster.

“If you are in the affected area, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.”

For people who require consular assistance, the FCDO has a 24-hour helpline you can contact at +90 312 455 3344, selecting the option of “consular services for British nationals”. It also has a web contact form, which you can access here .

More on Turkey-Syria earthquake

The FCDO also directs UK travellers to AFAD, the Turkish disaster management service, which operates a series of regional hubs.

There is a list of the specific local contact numbers on the FCDO website, which you can find here , while calls to Turkish emergency services on 112 will also redirect to AFAD.

As part of its more general guidance the FCDO advises against all travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria, which has been ravaged by civil war for much of the past decade.

The body also advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari, which is near the Iraq border.

It adds that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey” with a risk of “indiscriminate” strikes.

However, the FCDO also states: “Most visits are trouble free. Be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with foreign nationals, including during festival periods.”

Have flights or holidays been cancelled?

Despite the devastation, the earthquakes and their aftershocks did not affect the main tourist areas that are popular among British holidaymakers.

As a result, no flights or package trips from the UK to Turkey were cancelled in the aftermath of the quakes, with Jet2, Hays Travel and Thomas Cook confirming to i that there have not been cancellations.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest network of independent travel agents, said: “The UK Foreign Office advice to British travellers in Turkey is to avoid the affected areas and to listen to the advice of local authorities.

“At this time, no flights have been cancelled from UK airlines. Anyone wanting to discuss travel to Turkey can call their local agent for further advice.”

Airports in the south-east of Turkey closed after the disaster, including Adana Sakirpasa Airport in the southern province of Adana, Hatay Airport in Hatay Province, and Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport in Gaziantep.

Ashley Quint, director of the TimeTravel World travel agency, said it was not a particularly busy time of year for UK tourism to Turkey.

He recommended holidaymakers who are concerned about trips to Turkey to speak to their travel agent, tour operator or airline, especially if travelling imminently.

“Unless travelling to Gaziantep or Adana, it’s unlikely either will offer additional flexibility, unless there is specific threat of aftershocks elsewhere and/or the FCDO advice changes,” he added.

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Foreign Office issues update on Turkey travel advice and urges holidaymakers to 'be alert'

The Government department has changed previous advice warning against 'all but essential travel' to parts of the country

• 19:46, 12 AUG 2022

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The UK Foreign Office has issued an update for holidaymakers planning to travel to Turkey.

The country is a popular tourist destination, with Brits making more than 2.5 million visits to Turkey in 2019 with most popular resorts found on the west coast. But the Foreign Office previously advised people to avoid “all but essential travel” to a number of the nation’s provinces, the Liverpool Echo reports .

However, as of Thursday 12 August the department has updated its guidelines on Turkey, saying that it no longer advises against travel to the Tunceli, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces. It continues to advise against all travel to areas within 10km of the country’s border with Syria, as well as all but essential travel to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari.

READ MORE: Urgent search for Darlington boy, 4, missing in Turkey after going on holiday with his mum

The Foreign Office added that “most visits are trouble free”, but urged travellers to “be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with foreign nationals, including during festival periods”.

The advice reads: “The effect of the attempted coup in July 2016 is still deeply felt in Turkey although the situation is now considerably calmer. A state of emergency imposed after the coup attempt has been lifted, although some restrictions remain in place.”

The department warned that terrorist groups are “very likely” to attempt attacks in Turkey, warning that further attacks “could be indiscriminate” and that most had taken place in the south east of the country, as well as in the country’s two most populated cities of Istanbul and the capital Ankara. They have urged tourists to carry their passports with them at all times due to Turkish authorities performing random ID checks in some busy areas.

The Foreign Office has also urged holidaymakers to follow the instructions of local security authorities and keep up to date with the latest media reports and travel advice. You can read more information on the Gov.uk website .

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Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy brands Putin 'sick old man' in video message; Russia and Ukraine swap 115 prisoners each

Russia and Ukraine have swapped 115 prisoners of war, including some who were captured during Ukraine's invasion in Kursk in recent weeks. In an independence day message to Ukrainians, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russian president would not dictate his "red lines" to Kyiv.

Saturday 24 August 2024 22:56, UK

• Ukraine and Russia exchange 115 prisoners of war 
• Zelenskyy brands Putin 'sick old man' in video to Ukrainians
• Telegram CEO arrested in France - reports
• Muted celebrations for Ukraine's independence day
• Residents evacuate key eastern town as Russian troops advance
• Your questions answered : Is there a larger response to come from Russia over the Kursk invasion?
• Live reporting by Katie Williams

That brings an end to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine for this evening - thanks for following along.

We'll be back with any major updates overnight, and will return to our rolling coverage tomorrow.

Before we go, here's a round up of today's key events:

• Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 115 prisoners of war as Ukraine marked its 33rd independence day. The Russian prisoners were soldiers captured during Ukraine's invasion of Kursk;
• In a video message to the Ukrainian people, Volodymyr Zelenskyy branded Vladimir Putin a "sick old man from Red Square" who would "not dictate any of his red lines to us";
• Belarus and Iran congratulated Ukraine on its independence day despite the two countries' close ties with Russia;
• At least five people were killed and five others injured in a Russian attack in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region;
• Pavel Durov, the founder and chief executive of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested in France , according to French media reports.

The founder and chief executive of the Telegram messaging app has been arrested in France, according to French media reports.

French television network TF1 reports that Pavel Durov was arrested at the Bourget airport outside Paris this evening.

According to the network, the Russian-born businessman had been travelling aboard his private jet and was the target of an arrest warrant in France.

Telegram has not responded to a request for comment by the Reuters news agency.

Mr Durov - who also founded the now-state controlled Russian social media service VK - left Russia in 2014 after resisting government pressure to hand over the data of Ukrainian protesters.

He now lives in Dubai and holds dual citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France.

Telegram, which launched in 2013, is one of the top five most downloaded apps in the world.

Lithuania has announced a fresh batch of military aid for Ukraine - including drones and air defence missiles.

Prime minister Ingrida Simonyte said the package would help Ukraine "send Russian occupants back to where they belong".

In a post to X, Ms Simonyte said the aid would consist of "short-range air defence systems and missiles as well as anti-drones, guns, ammunition and equipment".

The package would reach Kyiv by September, she said.

Vilnius has also pledged to send around 5,000 Lithuanian-made drones to Ukraine by the end of autumn as well as allocating €35m (£29.6m) to purchase radars and demining equipment.

Polish-supplied tanks are being used by Ukraine in its offensive in the Kursk region, president Andrzej Duda has confirmed.

"We are touched to see how the PT-91 Twardy tanks, given by Poland [to Ukraine] more than one year ago, are defending today Ukraine on the battlefields, fighting in the Kursk region," he said. 

Vladimir Putin has vowed a "worthy response" to any use of Western weapons in the invasion.

Mr Duda's visit to Kyiv today coincided with Ukraine's independence day celebrations.

In a speech to mark the occasion, he also expressed confidence that the war "will soon end in [Ukraine's] victory".

"I have never had, and do not have, the slightest doubt that, through their united efforts and struggle, the courageous Ukrainian people will uphold their independence," he said.

A Russian air attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy this evening has left seven people injured, officials have said.

The Sumy regional administration said on Telegram that Russia carried out a missile attack on civilian infrastructure in the city.

Seven people are wounded, including two who are in a serious condition.

"Take care of yourself and your loved ones, do not ignore the air warning signals," the administration said.

Sumy is the administrative centre of the wider Sumy region, which lies in Ukraine's northeast on the border with Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed several laws targeting Russia today - including one that bans religious organisations linked to Moscow.

The series of laws included ratifying a statute that paves the way for Ukraine to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ratification increases the chances of Russia being prosecuted for war crimes it has allegedly committed during its invasion of Ukraine, according to Mr Zelenskyy's office.

Meanwhile, a law has been signed prohibiting the the operation of religious institutions in Ukraine that have links to Russia.

The legislation, which was approved by the Ukrainian parliament earlier this month, created the legal tools for the government to ban a Russia-linked branch of the Orthodox church.

Organisations would have nine months to cut ties with Moscow's linked religious entities under the new law.

Mr Zelenskyy also signed a law offering Ukrainian citizenship to foreigners fighting in his army against Russia.

Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk presented Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the coveted WBC heavy weight champion belt as the pair met to mark independence day.

Mr Zelenskyy posted a video of the meeting on his Telegram channel, saying it was an "honour" to receive the belt.

"Thank you for everything you do for Ukraine. For glorifying Ukrainian strength and invincibility. Thank you!" he wrote.

Usyk beat the UK's Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world back in May.

In an interview with Sky News last month, the boxer revealed how he has cried behind closed doors about the war in his country.

Belarus and Iran have both sent their congratulations to Ukraine on its 33rd year of independence from the former Soviet Union, despite the two countries' close ties with Russia.

According to Belarusian news agency Belta, president Aleksandr Lukashenko said his citizens have "always had a special respect and warm regard" for the Ukrainian people.

"We are united not only by the common fate and family ties, but also by the desire to be friends and get along with neighbours," he was cited as saying.

Belarus acted as a staging post for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Mr Lukashenko is one of Vladimir Putin's key allies.

Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign ministry published a message on social media saying it was congratulating the government and people of Ukraine on its independence.

Tehran is alleged to have provided Moscow with hundreds of deadly drones, as well as other weapons, for use in its war on Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has used an independence day message to brand Vladimir Putin a "sick old man from Red Square".

In a video address to the Ukrainian people, Mr Zelenskyy used derisive language to describe Russia's 71-year-old president and his nuclear rhetoric.

"A sick old man from Red Square who constantly threatens everyone with the red button will not dictate any of his red lines to us," the Ukrainian leader said in the video posted to Telegram.

In his speech, Mr Zelenskyy noted that the war started by Russia had spread to its own territory.

"Those who seek to sow evil on our land will reap its fruits on their own soil," he said.

He also said "those who sought to turn our lands into a buffer zone should now worry that their own country doesn't become a buffer federation".

Five people have been injured after a Russian shelling in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, authorities have said.

The country's state emergency service said Russian forces targeted the village of Novoosynove in the Kupyan district with rockets today.

Four women and a man were injured, it said, while two residential buildings and an area of dry grass caught fire.

"Rescuers extinguished the fire and prevented the flames from spreading to other homes," the emergency service said on Telegram, adding that medics were at the site of the attack.

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