Turkey Entry Requirements for UK Citizens (Passport, Visa, Rules) — 2026 Guide

Quick answer: If you’re travelling on a full British citizen passport, you can visit Turkey for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 150 days after your arrival date and at least 1 blank page. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice shortly before departure because entry rules can change.

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1) Passport validity: the rule UK travellers get caught by

To enter Turkey on a full British citizen passport, GOV.UK says your passport must:

• have an expiry date at least 150 days after the date you arrive, and
• have at least 1 blank page.

If you don’t meet this, you can be denied entry.

If you live in Turkey, GOV.UK notes your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Why 150 days? Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains a general rule: your passport should be valid for 60 days beyond the duration of stay. For a 90-day stay, that totals 150 days (90 + 60).

Land borders: get the stamp

GOV.UK also warns: if you enter at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport.

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2) Do UK citizens need a visa for Turkey?

No — not for most short trips on a full British citizen passport.

• Visa-free: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism or business.
• If you have another type of British passport (not a “British citizen” passport): you may need a visa and should check with the Turkish Embassy/Consulate.
• Work, study, medical or other special cases: check official visa guidance and get the correct permits.

If you do need a visa, Turkey’s official guidance points to the e-Visa system (for eligible nationalities and travel purposes like tourism/commerce).

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3) Day trips from Turkey to Greek islands (important 2026 detail)

GOV.UK notes Greece is in the Schengen Zone and has introduced the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). If you do a day trip from Turkey into Greece, EES may add a few extra minutes per passenger, so expect longer border waits than you’d assume.

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4) Travelling with children (dual British–Turkish nationals)

GOV.UK says if you’re leaving Turkey with a dual British–Turkish national child aged 18 or under, you may need to show permission to travel from the Turkish parent.

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5) Vaccines + health entry requirements

For vaccine requirements and recommended vaccinations, GOV.UK directs travellers to TravelHealthPro’s Turkey guide.

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6) Customs rules + money limits (don’t get surprised at the airport)

GOV.UK highlights strict customs rules and that some goods are prohibited.

Money limits (as stated by GOV.UK):

• No limit on how much foreign currency or Turkish lira you can bring into Turkey.
• You must not take Turkish lira worth more than USD 5,000 out of Turkey.
• If you take out other currency worth more than USD 5,000, you must declare it to Turkish Customs (and may need to show where it came from).

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Copy/paste checklist (UK travellers)

• Passport expiry is 150+ days after arrival + 1 blank page.
• Visa: British citizen passport = visa-free up to 90/180 (tourism/business).
• Different UK passport type? Check visa needs.
• Land border entry: get the passport stamp.
• Greek islands day trip: allow extra time for EES.
• Dual-national child: carry travel permission paperwork if relevant.

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FAQs

How long can UK citizens stay in Turkey without a visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business if travelling on a full British citizen passport.

What passport validity do I need for Turkey from the UK?

Your passport must have an expiry date at least 150 days after your arrival date and have at least 1 blank page.

What if I’m not on a “British citizen” passport?

You may need a visa and should check requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

I’m doing a day trip to a Greek island from Turkey — anything special?

Yes. GOV.UK notes the EU’s Entry/Exit System can add extra time at the border, so plan for longer waits.

Last updated: 30/12/2025