Turkey travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealanders do not need a visa for Turkey for tourist visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Enter with a passport valid for at least 150 days beyond your stay, and be ready to show proof of accommodation and a return ticket. Rules can change, so check the official Turkish visa page and your own government's travel advice before booking.

New Zealand passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days beyond your planned departure from Turkey. At border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. Overstaying can lead to fines and a ban from re-entry.

New Zealand does not have an embassy in Turkey. The nearest accredited mission is the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, but it may be a small office with limited services. For consular help, New Zealanders can also contact the Australian Embassy in Ankara, which provides consular assistance to New Zealand citizens in Turkey. Check the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) website for current contact details and services.

Turkey is generally affordable for New Zealanders. A budget traveller might spend NZ$80–120 per day, a mid-range traveller NZ$150–250 per day, and a luxury traveller NZ$300+. These are 2026 estimates and can vary with season and location. Istanbul and coastal resorts cost more than inland cities. Carry some cash in lira for small purchases and tips.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Turkey. Most routes go via Australia, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East. A typical journey from Auckland to Istanbul takes 24–30 hours with one or two stops. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates fly to Istanbul from major hubs. Book early for better prices, and consider a stopover to break the journey.

Turkey uses type C and F plugs, the same as Europe. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. New Zealand uses type I plugs at 230 V, so you will need an adapter for Turkish sockets. Your devices will work with the voltage, but check that any appliance is dual-voltage before plugging in.

Tipping is common in Turkey. In restaurants, leave 5–10% if service is not included. Round up taxi fares to the nearest lira. Tip hamam (Turkish bath) staff and tour guides, typically 10–20% of the service cost. In hotels, a small tip for housekeeping is appreciated. Tipping is not required but is expected in tourist areas.

In Turkey, dial 112 for all emergency services: police, ambulance, and fire. This number works from any phone, including mobiles. For non-urgent police matters, you can also call 155, but 112 is the main number. Save it in your phone before you travel.

Answers to common questions for New Zealanders travelling to Turkey.

Information on this page is based on official government sources and the parent country facts. Verify current requirements before travel.