Türkiye

Access to some e-sim services is restricted in Turkey. Check with your provider before travelling.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims in Turkey. The next Ramadan will likely begin between early February and early March in 2027 and will last for 29 or 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

During this time, it may cause offence if you:  

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car  

• play loud music or dance  

• swear in public  

You should also:  

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  

• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens  

• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time  

• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk  

• be patient and show tolerance – fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening

It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks. There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks.

There are some reports of hotels refusing to check-in children aged 17 and under who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian, unless written parental consent has been provided (and in some cases notarised). Check with your accommodation provider in advance.

Dress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine to avoid causing offence.

There are reports of tourists being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness in Turkey. Find out what you can do if you have suffered a personal injury on the Citizens Advice website. Only make a 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.

Smoking is illegal on public transport and in all indoor workplaces and public places. Smoking is restricted in some outdoor areas where cultural, artistic, sports or entertainment activities are held.

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long prison sentence of 4 to 24 years and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.

Airports in Turkey have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Most towns and cities have stray dogs. Packs congregate in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive. Take care and do not approach stray dogs. If you’re bitten, get medical advice immediately. Rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.

Buying or exporting antiquities is illegal. You could be fined and receive a prison sentence of 5 to 12 years. Some historical items found at local markets and in antique shops can be sold within Turkey but are illegal to export. Confirm the status of antique items before you buy them.

Do not take photographs of or near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. However, some parts of the country are socially conservative and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised.

Since 2015, authorities have banned or dispersed Pride events. Anti-LGBT+ statements by senior public figures have increased in recent years, and restrictions on LGBT+ organisations have increased. Turkish authorities have carried out operations against LGBT+ organisations and activists across the country.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag. Insulting the President or the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is also a criminal offence. These laws can apply to comments or images online no matter where you were or when you posted them. Defacing Turkish banknotes is also illegal. Offences under these laws are punishable by a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.

Many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. These can be high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake which occurred in the Sea of Marmara in April 2025, was felt strongly in Istanbul. Be aware of the risk of aftershocks. See Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority’s (AFAD) earthquake page for the latest information about seismic activity in Turkey.

Follow advice from local authorities, tour operators and accommodation providers. See the US Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months.  

The NHS has information on how to cope in hot weather.

Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer.

You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited.

If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.

If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112.

Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides across Turkey, damaging roads and bridges. Some routes may become impassable, making it difficult to travel and reducing essential services.

If you’re in an affected area:

• monitor local media
• follow instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders