state department travel to turkey

• Consular Info
• For Foreigners
• Visa Information
• Visa Information For Foreigners

• The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was launched on 17 April 2013 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. This system allows visitors travelling to Türkiye to easily obtain their e-Visas online (www.evisa.gov.tr), in approximately three minutes.

It is possible to obtain e-Visa 7/24 at everywhere with internet connection. The applicants can obtain their visa after they fill in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport and travel dates and pay visa fee online.

• Please note that e-visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. For other purposes, such as work and study, visas are given by Turkish Embassies or Consulates.
• The term "official passports" covers diplomatic, service, special and official passports.

You are kindly advised to have a travel document/passport valid for at least 6 months as from the date of your arrival in Türkiye.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues efforts to strengthen the e-Visa system and to better enable foreign nationals to easily obtain their visas.

In this context,

- In addition to English, French, and Spanish; Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, German, Arabic and Chinese language options will be added to the e-Visa system.

- In addition to Visa and Master Card, payment is accepted from other commonly used credit cards and debit cards.

- Tour operators may apply for group e-Visas and make lump sum payments for them.

- Necessary arrangements will be made to allow foreign visitors to obtain e-Visas from authorized airline companies offices, including those companies’ offices in airports.

- Fees for e-Visas obtained via the e-Visa website (www.evisa.gov.tr) are lower than the fees for visas obtained upon arrival to Turkish airports. Information regarding visa fees can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

( http://www.mfa.gov.tr/data/KONSOLOSLUK/vize-harc-miktarlari-en.pdf ).

Visa regime for truck drivers of a country may differ from the overall visa regime effective for citizens of that particular country. For further information, please contact the nearest Turkish mission.

Regardless of the visa regime applied towards the citizens of a country, the travel document holders of that country need to obtain visa from Turkish missions beforehand.

Foreigners who will shoot a documentary film conduct a research or an archeological excavation should get a special permission from the Turkish authorities in advance.

If you have a valid visa, you do not need a residence permit up to 90 days. On the other hand, foreigners who shall reside, work or study in Türkiye, should register themselves at the nearest local police department upon their arrival in Türkiye, regardless of the validity of their visa.

Information on Work Visa: To work in Türkiye, you must apply to the nearest Turkish mission to obtain work permit and visa. Your passport, visa application form and a letter from your employer are the necessary documents for your application. Other documents should be submitted to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) by your employer within ten working days after your application.

You may find the list of those documents in the MLSS’s website (http://www.csgb.gov.tr). Applications are finalized by the MLSS within thirty days at the latest. Right after your arrival in Türkiye (before starting to work), you should be registered at the local police department within one month to obtain the necessary residence permit.

As of 1 January 2015, in accordance with the article 7.1b of “the Law on Foreigners and International Protection” no. 6458, foreigners wishing to enter Türkiye should carry a travel document (passport) with an expiration date at least 60 days beyond the “duration of stay” of their visa, e-Visa, visa exemption, or residence permit.

The citizens of the countries which are stated at the below link are exempted form this Article;

Example A: In order to enter Türkiye having a visa with 90 days “duration of stay”, foreigners should hold a travel document valid at least for an additional 60 days which totals to 150 days (90 days + 60 days) of validity at the time of entrance.

Example B: In order to enter Türkiye having a visa with 30 days “duration of stay”, foreigners should hold a travel document valid at least for an additional 60 days which totals to 90 days (30 days + 60 days) of validity at the time of entrance."

The following categories are exempted from this provision:

- Citizens of countries who are allowed to enter Türkiye with their national ID’s in accordance with “European Agreement on Regulations governing the Movement of Persons between Member States of the Council of Europe”,

http://www.mfa.gov.tr/countries-whose-citizens-are-allowed-to-enter-turkey-with-their-national-id_s.en.mfa

Holders of diplomatic and official passports are also exempted from this Article.

Afghanistan: Ordinary, Special and Service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Albania:  Official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months starting from the first entry date.

Algeria:  Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holder Algerian citizens, under the age of 15 and above the age of 65 are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 day period for their touristic visits. Ordinary passport holders between the age of 15 and 65 are required to have visa. Ordinary passport holder Algerian citiziens between the ages of 15-18 and 35-65 with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr.  www.evisa.gov.tr . 

Andorra: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Angola: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holder citizens of Angola are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Antigua-Barbuda:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. They can also get their visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad or they can obtain their three month-multiple entry visas upon their arrival to Türkiye at the ports of entry.

Argentina:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Armenia:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain one-month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Australia:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Austria:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Azerbaijan:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Bahamas:  Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Bahrain:  Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Official passport holder Bahraini citizens may obtain visas for up to 15 days at border crossings. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Bangladesh:  Bangladeshi nationals holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Barbados:  Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travel up to 90 days.

Belarus:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Total period of stay should be no longer than 90 days within 1 year.

Belgium:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Belize:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Benin : Ordinary, special and service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Bhutan : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Bolivia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Bosnia-Herzegovina:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Botswana : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Brazil : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Brunei : Diplomatic, Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa to enter into and transit through and stay in Türkiye for a period not exceeding 30 days.

Bulgaria : Identity card and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Burkina Faso : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Burundi : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa requirement for a period not exceeding 90 days within any 180 days period. Special, service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter into Türkiye.

Cambodia : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Cameroon : Official passport (Diplomatic, Service and Special) holders and members of official delegations are exempted from visa requirements to enter into, exit from, transit through and stay temporarily in Türkiye for a maximum period of 90 days, reckoned from the first entry date. Official passport (Diplomatic, Service and Special) holders, who are not members of official delegations, are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Canada : Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Cape Verde: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Cape Verde citizens with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled, may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr .

Central African Republic: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Chad : Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Chile : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

People's Republic of China:  Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. These passport holders can obtain their 30 days single entry e-Visas via the web site  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Colombia : Colombian nationals holding diplomatic, official and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Comoros : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Costa Rika:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Cote d’Ivoire: Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Croatia :Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Cuba : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Czech Republic:  Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Democratic Republic of Congo:  Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 days period. Ordinary and service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Denmark : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Djibouti : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Dominica : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Dominican Republic:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. They can also get their visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad or they can obtain their three month-multiple entry visas upon their arrival to Türkiye at the ports of entry.

East Timor:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

East Timor citizens may get their 30 days single entry e-Visas via the web site  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Ecuador : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Egypt : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they have a valid Schengen or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit and that they travel to Türkiye with Turkish Airlines or Egypt Air.

Besides, those ordinary passport holders who are under 20 or over 45 years old may get their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr .

El Salvador:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Equatorial Guinea: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Equatorial Guinean citizens with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled, may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. Diplomatic, official and service passport holder citizens of Equatorial Guinea are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Eritrea : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Estonia : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date.

Eswatini : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Ethiopia : Ethiopian nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa.

Fiji : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders may obtain their one-month single-entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . They can also get their 90-day multiple-entry visas from Turkish missions.

Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Finland : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

France : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Gabon : Ordinary passport holder citizens of Gabon are required to obtain visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic, service and official passport holder citizens of Gabon are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Gambia : Ordinary, special and service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Georgia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Germany : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Ghana : Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travel to Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Greece : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Grenada : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Guatemala : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Guinea : Guinean nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Guinea-Bissau: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and official passport holder citizens of Guinea-Bissau are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Guyana : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye and they can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Greek Cypriot Administration:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Both official and ordinary passport holders may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Haiti : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Honduras:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of PRC:  Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC: Ordinary and official “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ( SAR ) Passport” holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Hong Kong citizens who have "British National Overseas Passport" are subject to visa and they can obtain their three month period multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr  Holders of "Document of Identity for Visa Purposes-Hong Kong (D.I)" must get their visas from the Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad.

Hungary : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days reckoned from the date of first entry.

Iceland : Ordinary and Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

India : Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels to Türkiye up to 90 days. Ordinary, Special and Service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary, Special and Service passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Indonesia : Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa up to 30 days for each entry provided that they do not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period. Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Iran : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Iraq : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Ireland : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Israel : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Italy : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Jamaica : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Japan : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Jordan : Diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months starting from the first entry date. Diplomatic and official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Truck and bus drivers and co-drivers, crew members of civil airplanes, trains and ships, engaged in international transport of goods and passengers, are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Kazakhstan : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Kenya : Citizens of Kenya holding diplomatic, official, service and special passport are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Kiribati : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Kosovo : Citizens of Kosova holding diplomatic, official and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Kuwait : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within last 180 days.

Kyrgyzstan : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Laos : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 days period. Ordinary and other types of official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Latvia : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Lebanon : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date. Diplomatic and official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Truck and bus drivers and co-drivers, crew members of civil airplanes, trains and ships, engaged in international transport of goods and passengers, are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Lesotho : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Liberia : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Libya : Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within any six months. Ordinary passport holder Libyan citizens, under the age of 16 and above the age of 45 are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 day period for their touristic visits. Ordinary passport holders between the age of 16 and 45 are required to have visa. Ordinary passport holders between those ages with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . 

Liechtenstein : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Lithuania : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Luxemburg : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Macao Special Administration:  Ordinary and official Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Madagascar : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Malawi : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Malaysia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Maldives : Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Mali : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa.

Malta : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Marshall Islands:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Mauritania : Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Mauritius : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain one month multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr or three month period multi entry visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad. 

Mexico : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary and service/official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Holders of such passports may get their 90-day multiple-entry visas from Turkish missions abroad or obtain their 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Micronesia : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Moldova : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the date of first entry.

Monaco : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Mongolia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa up to 30 days for their touristic visits to Türkiye.

Montenegro : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date.

Morocco : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Mozambique : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter into Türkiye.

Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the date of first entry on condition that their passport has at least 6 months validity.

Myanmar (Burma):  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Namibia : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Nauru : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Nepal : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Official passport holders can get one month period visas and ordinary passport holders can get 15 day period visas from from the Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad. Nepalese passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Netherlands : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

New Zealand:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Nicaragua : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Niger : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holder citizens of Niger are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Nigeria : Ordinary, official/service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

North Macedonia : North Macedonian nationals holding diplomatic, service and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Northern Mariana Islands:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Norway : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

On the other hand, Norwegian citizens who will travel to Türkiye from Norway for touristic purposes are exempt from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period, by using their national identity cards with chips instead of their passports until 31 December 2022 .

Oman : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Pakistan : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels to Türkiye up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders with a valid Schengen, USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Palau Republic:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Palestine : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Palestine citizens with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled, may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr  . Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their official or touristic visits up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Holders of other types of official passports are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Panama : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Papua New Guinea : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Paraguay : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date.

Peru : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Philippines : Nationals of the Philippines holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. Holders of such passports may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they have a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit.

Poland : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Portugal : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Qatar : Diplomatic, service, special and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Republic of Congo : Congolese nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Romania : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Russian Federation:  Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their touristic and business travels up to 60 days. Service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 30 days on condition that not to exceed 90 days within any 180 days period. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Rwanda : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

St. Christopher (St. Kitts) & Nevis : Nationals of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis holding diplomatic, official/service and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

St Lucia : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

St Vincent and the Grenadines : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye and can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. They can also get their visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad or they can obtain their three month-multiple entry visas upon their arrival to Türkiye at the ports of entry.

San Marino:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Sao Tome and Principe : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Saudi Arabia:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Senegal : Senegalese nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. Senegalese passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . 

Serbia : Diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders and holders of travel document are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date. Diplomatic and official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Truck and bus drivers and co-drivers, crew members of civil airplanes, trains and ships, engaged in international transport of goods and passengers, are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Seychelles : Seychelles nationals holding diplomatic, official or ordinary passports are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Sierra Leone : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holder citizens of Sierra Leone are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Singapore : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Slovakia : Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels to Türkiye with touristic purposes up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date.

Slovenia : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels to Türkiye with touristic purposes up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels to Türkiye up to 90 days within six months.

Solomon Islands : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Somalia : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

South Africa : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three-month period multiple entry visas from Turkish representations abroad or one month period single entry visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Republic of Korea (South Korea):  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

South Sudan: Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Ordinary, service and special passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Spain : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Sri Lanka : Official and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Sri Lankan nationals with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Sudan : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Ordinary, service and special passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Surinam : Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 days period. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Surinamese citizens may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr .

Surinamese nationals may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website   www.evisa.gov.tr .

Sweden : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Switzerland : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Syria : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Taiwan : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Tajikistan : Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 60 days in any 180 day period. Service passport holders who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, and their family members are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments.

Tanzania : Tanzanian nationals holding diplomatic and service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa.

Thailand : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Togo : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Ordinary and other types of official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Tonga : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Trinidad and Tobago:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Tunisia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa.

Turkmenistan : Official passport holders are exempt from visa requirement for their travels to Türkiye up to 30 days . Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Tuvalu : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Uganda : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Ukraine : Ukrainian nationals holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ukrainian nationals may use their valid biometric identity cards for their direct travels from Ukraine to Türkiye.

United Arab Emirates:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

United Kingdom:  Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders (British citizens) are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Service and special passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. UK passports holders with “British National Overseas", “British Subject” and “British Protected Person” nationality are subjected to visa and they can only get their visas from the Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad.

United States of America:  Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Uruguay : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Uzbekistan : Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 day period. Other types of official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Vanuatu : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visa from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Vatican (Holy See):  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Venezuela : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days in each six-month period. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Vietnam : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Western Samoa : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Yemen : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Zambia : Diplomatik passport holders are exempt from visa for their travel to Türkiye for up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Zimbabwe : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

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Turkey Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Turkey. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles April 26, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Turkey.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Turkey. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Turkey.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Turkey. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Turkey, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Turkey. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Turkey, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Turkey. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Turkey include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Turkey’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Turkey. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Turkey may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Turkey, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Turkey, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Turkey .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Turkey for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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I'm in Turkey right now -- 5 things to know about entering as a US resident

Editor's Note

Before the pandemic, Turkey saw a record number of visitors in 2019. As a traveler here now in a reopened Istanbul , I can see why.

The incredible culture and cuisine are set among a historical and religious backdrop that spans centuries. It's an impressive city -- and not just because its 20 million residents stretch across two separate continents.

But if the pace of big city life isn't for you, the varying regions throughout Turkey offer something for everyone.

If you're a U.S. resident considering a trip -- or have one already planned -- here are five things that you should know about entering Turkey, as someone who has done it twice this summer.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chris Dong (@thechrisflyer)

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Proof of vaccination gets you in

There are several ways to enter Turkey as a U.S. resident, depending on your vaccination status.

If you're fully vaccinated , as I am, you simply need to present proof at the airport during check-in. You must have been vaccinated at least 14 days before entering Turkey or have had COVID-19 in the last six months.

If you're not fully vaccinated, there is a COVID-19 testing option. You can either show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of entry or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of entry.

Related: Why I packed 8 COVID-19 tests to fly to Portugal — and what it's like to enter now

A mandatory health tool acts as a COVID-19 tracker

Before departing from the U.S., you'll have to fill out this health form within 72 hours of travel. Your contact and travel information is the basis for a contact-tracing tool that the Turkish government uses for COVID-19.

A QR code (called a HES code) is generated, which is used nationwide by both tourists and residents alike.

The code isn't just checked upon departure from the U.S. In fact, you're also required to show it at many establishments -- indoor malls, some restaurants, all public transportation, at hotel check-in, and both international and domestic flights.

I had my HES code checked on my phone at each hotel that I arrived at, along with domestic flights and even while shopping at some malls in Istanbul.

In addition, as of Sept. 6, 2021, proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within the past 48 hours is now required to enter some businesses, such as theaters or cinemas, that are hosting crowded events.

Don't forget your visa

Turkey requires a visa for U.S. passport holders. You have two options: an e-visa or visa on arrival. In my experience doing the e-visa process, it's fairly seamless and you should receive it within an hour of submitting payment. The website is a bit clunky but works in practice.

Two things that you should be aware of:

• Don't fall for scam visa websites offering assistance (there is only one official site ).
• Have a screenshot or printed copy of your e-visa handy if you're going that route. I had to show this not only at check-in but also upon arriving in Turkey.

In addition to the COVID-19 requirements and the HES code, an agent at check-in will also check for your visa.

It'll take time to get through Istanbul Airport

If you're coming from the U.S., chances are high that you'll be flying into the new Istanbul Airport (IST). It's a gorgeous megastructure, but it will require some serious walking from deboarding through to finally exiting the airport. Expect signage that isn't the clearest, either.

Also, know that PCR and rapid antigen testing is available at Istanbul Airport should you need to get it upon departure. Impressively, the testing center is open 24 hours a day. It's in front of Entrance 14 in the arrivals hall. The test fee is 250 TL or about $35.

Related: Deal alert: There's a new option to fly lie-flat business class to Europe for 34,000 miles

Almost everything is open to capacity

From bars to restaurants to entertainment, nearly everything is open to capacity in Turkey. The only services that remain suspended  indefinitely are hookah bars and lounges.

While masks are technically required at all times, I didn't see anyone enforce this. For instance, while most hotel staff are masked up, several taxi drivers I encountered were not.

Bottom line

From Istanbul to Bodrum and beyond, Turkey has been a hot spot for travelers -- and will continue to be, despite the pandemic.

If visiting has been on your list, know that it is very feasible at present. Of course, rules are constantly changing, so keep abreast of the latest both here at TPG as well as the official information at the U.S. Embassy for Turkey website.

Note that Turkey is currently on the State Department's Do Not Travel list .

Travel Facts

Us state dept travel advisory.

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. On February 6, 2023 a large 7.8 earthquake occurred in the Turkish Southeast, near Gaziantep, affecting several provinces and the broader Central Mediterranean region. Large aftershocks continue and are likely through the coming days. U.S. Citizens should avoid travel to areas affected by the earthquake. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[90] (312) 455-5555; US Embassy Ankara, 1480 Sokak No. 1, Cukurambar Mahallesi, 06530 Cankaya, Ankara; [email protected]; https://tr.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage . Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime , sometimes carrying severe punishment. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

Local emergency phone.

Ambulance: 112; Fire: 112; Police: 112

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Türkiye: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19. http://www.who.int/

Temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior

Currency (Code)

Turkish liras (TRY)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

Major Languages

Turkish, Kurdish, other minority languages

Major Religions

Muslim (mostly Sunni), other (mostly Christians and Jews)

Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Road driving side, tourist destinations.

Istanbul (includes Hagia Sofia & Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace); Ephesus; Pamukkale; Sumela Monastery; Mount Nemrut; Goreme National Park & rock sites of Cappadocia; Troy ruins; Catalhoyuk

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, volleyball

Cultural Practices

Learn a few basic but polite Turkish words and phrases, such as ‘lütfen’, which means ‘please’, with ‘tesekkür ederim’ meaning ‘thank you.’

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping 10-15% in restaurants, cafes, and bars is typical. Hotel staff expect 5-20 liras for their services. Round up taxi fares.

Turkish/Kilim rugs, nargile smoking pipes, evil eye items, Turkish Delight candy, ceramics and pottery, copperwork, inlaid woodwork, chess sets, musical instruments, Turkish coffee sets and coffee, leather items, gold jewelry and onyx and mother-of-pearl items, embroidered items

Traditional Cuisine

Döner Kebab — grilled, sliced, or shaved seasoned lamb and/or beef shredded from a vertical skewer and typically folded in flat bread with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers; cheese is also occasionally added

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Naked cruise to sail from Miami in 2025

MIAMI (Gray News) - A nudist adventure awaits with the Big Nude Boat cruise scheduled to sail from Florida next year.

Bare Necessities Tour and Travel announced its newest nude cruise will be the Norwegian Sky cruise ship out of Miami.

The Big Nude Boat 2025 cruise will be a 10-day trip taking travelers to the Caribbean with scheduled stops that include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.

Bare Necessities said it will be taking over the Norwegian Pearl from Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, 2025.

According to the cruise itinerary , clothes-free experiences will be planned throughout the trip including nude beach days on private islands and nude days at sea.

But there will also be proper nudist etiquette and other rules for guests on board that include no photo zones around the pool area and dance venues, according to the cruise’s policies .

The travel company recommended that passengers bring some sort of casual clothing for the times they need to dress, along with a swimsuit as not all excursions will be clothing optional, but lingerie or fetish wear will not be an acceptable form of clothing on board.

The Big Nude Boat 2025 cruise tickets are currently on sale with prices starting at $2,000 for double occupancy.

Information about costume parties and onboard events is expected to be released at a later date.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Update April 12, 2024

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