Turkey travel guide for Britons

Britons do not need a visa for Turkey for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Enter with a passport valid for at least 150 days from your arrival date, and be ready to show proof of accommodation and a return ticket if asked. The rules can change, so check the latest guidance before you fly.

UK citizens can enter Turkey without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is a generous allowance, but it is not a right to live or work in Turkey; longer stays, work or study require a different visa or residence permit.

Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in Turkey. Border officials may ask to see proof of accommodation, a return ticket and evidence of funds. Keep a printed copy of your hotel booking and flight details with your passport.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or to work, study or volunteer, apply for the correct visa or residence permit before you travel. Overstaying the 90-day limit can lead to fines and a ban on re‑entry.

The British Embassy in Ankara and consulates in Istanbul and İzmir provide consular assistance to UK citizens in Turkey. For passport emergencies, lost documents or legal issues, contact the nearest office. The embassy website has up‑to‑date contact details and appointment booking.

Turkey is generally good value for UK travellers, though prices have risen with inflation. A budget traveller might spend £30–£50 a day on a hostel, street food and local transport. A mid‑range traveller could spend £60–£100 a day on a comfortable hotel, restaurant meals and occasional tours. For a week, plan on £400–£700 per person, excluding flights.

Flights from the UK to Istanbul or Antalya typically cost £100–£250 return in low season, rising to £300–£500 in summer. Domestic flights within Turkey are cheap, often £20–£40 one way. Use the cost of travel in turkey page for a detailed breakdown.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) to Istanbul take about 4 hours. Flights to Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum take about 4–4.5 hours. From Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, expect similar times with a possible stop. Turkish Airlines, British Airways, easyJet and Pegasus operate routes.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main hub, about 40 km from the city centre; a taxi or airport bus takes 45–60 minutes. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side is used by budget carriers and is further from the centre. Use the flight‑time planner to check exact times from your home city.

Turkey uses the same plugs as most of Europe: types C and F, with a voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50 Hz. UK appliances with a three‑pin plug will need an adapter, but most modern chargers handle 230 V. Bring a universal adapter if you have devices from other regions.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave 5–10 % if service is not included. Round up taxi fares to the nearest lira. Tip hamam staff and tour guides a few lira or a small percentage. In hotels, a few lira for housekeeping is common. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry lira in small notes for tips and small purchases.

The universal emergency number in Turkey is 112, which connects to police, ambulance and fire services. English‑speaking operators are usually available. For non‑emergency police, call 155. Keep your embassy's number and your travel insurance details handy.

Common questions from UK travellers about visiting Turkey.

Information on this page is based on official UK government travel advice and Turkish entry rules. Always check the latest guidance before travel.