Turkey Visas and Entry Requirements

Passports, visas, day trips to the Greek islands and what to know before you fly

Do you need a visa for Turkey? For most British holidaymakers the answer is no, but your passport must meet a few rules. Here is a clear summary, checked against the official sources. Entry rules can change at short notice, so always check the official pages linked below before you travel.

Last checked: 9 November 2026, against the UK government travel advice for Turkey (updated 27 October 2026).

British citizens

  • No visa needed for holidays. With a full British citizen passport you can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for tourism or business.
  • Passport validity: at least 150 days. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 150 days after the day you arrive, and at least one blank page.
  • Living in Turkey? If you are a resident, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
  • Other types of British passport (for example British National Overseas) need a visa. Check with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate before you travel.
  • Working, studying or medical treatment need the right visa or permit. A holiday entry does not allow you to work.

Other nationalities

The rules depend on your passport. Many European citizens can visit visa-free for short stays, while some nationalities need an e-Visa, which you apply for online before you travel. Use only Turkey’s official e-Visa website, evisa.gov.tr. Other websites that look official may charge an extra service fee.

Day trips to the Greek islands

From Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum you can take a boat to Rhodes, Kos or Symi for the day. Greece is in the Schengen Area and now uses the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which registers non-EU travellers at the border. Take your passport, allow extra time at passport control, and remember that the 90/180-day rules for Turkey and for the Schengen Area are counted separately.

Good to know

  • Travelling with children: if you leave Turkey with a child who is a dual British-Turkish national, you may need permission to travel from the Turkish parent.
  • Lost or stolen passports: a passport that has been reported lost or stolen will be refused, even if you find it again.
  • Customs: declare anything that may be prohibited or taxable. Never buy or take home antiques, old coins or stones from ancient sites. According to the UK government, buying or exporting antiquities is illegal in Turkey and can lead to a fine and a prison sentence. Check the status of any antique item before you buy it.
  • Travel insurance: get insurance that covers medical treatment. The UK GHIC/EHIC card is not valid in Turkey.
  • Health: for vaccines and health advice, see TravelHealthPro (link below).
🌿 Local tip

Keep a photo of your passport photo page and your hotel address on your phone. If you fall in love with Fethiye and want to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit (ikamet). Many British people living in Çalış use a local consultant to help with the paperwork.

Visas and entry: questions

Do I need a visa for Turkey from the UK?

No. With a full British citizen passport you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business without a visa.

How long must my passport be valid for Turkey?

At least 150 days after the date you arrive, with at least one blank page.

Can I do a day trip to Rhodes from Fethiye?

Yes, boats run in season. Take your passport: Greece is in the Schengen Area and registers non-EU travellers with the Entry/Exit System.

Where do I apply for a Turkish e-Visa?

Only on the official site evisa.gov.tr, if your nationality needs one.

This page is general travel information to help you plan, not legal advice. The authorities in Turkey set and enforce the entry rules, and they can change at short notice. Always check the official sources below, or ask the Turkish Embassy, before you travel.

Official sources: UK government: Turkey entry requirements · Republic of Türkiye e-Visa · TravelHealthPro country guides

Photo: allen watkin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons