Turkey Travel with UK BRP

Turkey requires UK BRP holders to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before travel, regardless of passport nationality. Unlike British passport holders who can enter Turkey visa-free for 90 days, UK residents with BRP must apply online through Turkey's official e-Visa system at www.evisa.gov.tr. The UK BRP or residence permit serves as essential supporting documentation for the e-Visa application.

The Turkey e-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism and business purposes. This electronic visa system was launched in 2013 and allows applications to be completed online in approximately three minutes, with decisions typically issued within 24-48 hours. The e-Visa can be obtained 24/7 from anywhere with internet connection, making it convenient for UK residents planning travel to Turkey.

Required Documents for E-Visa Application

• Valid passport with at least 150 days validity beyond arrival date and 1 blank page
• UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or valid UK residence permit
• UK multiple-entry visa (must cover e-Visa validity period)
• Digital payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal)
• Email address for e-Visa delivery
• Travel itinerary details (arrival/departure dates, accommodation)

Digital eVisa Documentation (Challenging)

• Share code from UK immigration status (validity unclear)
• Printed eVisa confirmation from GOV.UK portal
• UKVI correspondence confirming digital status
• Expired BRP card (if available - for reference)
• Status screenshots showing validity dates

E-Visa Validity and Features

• Validity period: 180 days from issue date
• Stay duration: Up to 90 days within 180-day period
• Entry type: Multiple entry allowed
• Purpose: Tourism and business only
• Entry points: All designated Turkish entry points

Common Application Issues

• Digital status confusion: Unclear acceptance of UK share codes as document numbers
• Validity mismatch: UK document must cover e-Visa validity period
• Payment failures: Use internationally accepted cards
• Document quality: Ensure clear, readable scans
• Information accuracy: Double-check all details match passport exactly

Arrival at Turkish Border

Land Border Entry Requirements

• Passport stamping mandatory: Ensure officials stamp passport at land borders
• Document verification: Land border officials may be less familiar with UK digital status
• Additional scrutiny: Possible enhanced checks at land borders vs airports
• Processing time: Allow extra time for verification at land crossings

Customs and Import Regulations

• Currency limits: No limit on foreign currency import; declare amounts over equivalent of €10,000
• Turkish Lira export: Cannot take out more than $5,000 equivalent in Turkish Lira
• Alcohol/tobacco: Standard duty-free allowances apply
• Prohibited items: Narcotic drugs, weapons, certain medications without prescriptions
• Cultural artifacts: Strict restrictions on antiquities and cultural items

Required Documentation During Stay

• ID requirement: Must carry official photo ID at all times (passport or residence permit copy)
• Police checks: Turkish police routinely check identity and immigration documents
• Deportation risk: Failure to produce documentation may result in detention or transport to deportation center
• Public transport: Officers may check documents on buses, trains, ferries

Stay Duration Rules

• Maximum stay: 90 days within any 180-day period
• E-Visa validity: 180 days from issue date (not entry date)
• Multiple entries: Can exit and re-enter within validity period
• Counting period: 180-day period is rolling/continuous
• Extensions: Not available for tourist e-Visas - must apply for residence permit for longer stays

Legal Obligations During Stay

• Respect for Atatürk: Illegal to show disrespect to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's name or image
• Government criticism: Illegal to insult Turkish government, flag, president, or security forces (including on social media)
• ID requirement: Must carry photo identification at all times
• Social media content: Review and remove potentially controversial content from devices and social media
• Local law compliance: Subject to all Turkish laws and customs

Work and Business Restrictions

• Employment prohibition: Cannot work for Turkish employers without work permit
• Remote work allowance: Working remotely for foreign employers generally permitted
• Business meetings: Attending meetings, conferences, negotiations allowed
• Investment activities: Cannot establish businesses without proper permits
• Freelancing restrictions: Cannot provide services to Turkish clients

Cultural and Religious Considerations

• Mosque visits: Women should cover head with scarf; all visitors cover arms and legs
• Conservative dress: Especially important outside major cities and coastal resorts
• Ramadan respect: Be discreet with eating/drinking in public during daylight hours
• Photography restrictions: Avoid military installations, government buildings
• Alcohol availability: Widely available but respect local customs in conservative areas

Overstay Consequences

• Administrative penalties: Fines and potential detention
• Entry ban risks: Future visa restrictions or bans
• Deportation proceedings: Forced removal in serious cases
• Legal complications: May affect future travel to Turkey and other countries
• Detention centers: Possible transport to deportation centers for document violations

Current Political Situation (March 2025)

• Ongoing protests: Demonstrations across Turkey following arrest of Istanbul mayor on March 19, 2025
• Location focus: Major protests in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities
• Protest ban: Restrictions in effect in Istanbul province until March 27, 2025
• Tourism impact: Tourist areas remain safe; avoid demonstration areas
• Transport disruptions: Protests may affect traffic and public transport

Terrorism and Security Threats

• Threat level: Terrorists very likely to try to carry out attacks
• High-risk areas: Southeast Turkey, Ankara, Istanbul previously targeted
• Border regions: FCDO advises against travel within 10km of Syrian border
• Extremist groups: Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups have capacity for attacks
• Tourist precautions: Remain aware of surroundings, avoid crowded areas when possible

Earthquake Risk

• Active seismic zone: Turkey regularly experiences earthquakes and tremors
• Recent activity: 6.2-magnitude earthquake in Sea of Marmara, April 2025, felt strongly in Istanbul
• Major fault line: North Anatolian fault runs 20km south of Istanbul
• Risk awareness: Large, damaging earthquakes could happen at any time
• Safety guidance: Know local shelter locations; follow "drop, cover, hold" procedures

Crime and Personal Safety

• Istanbul crime: Street robbery and pickpocketing common in major tourist areas
• Stranger warnings: Be wary of people offering to change money or take you to restaurants/nightclubs
• Drink safety: Buy your own drinks; beware of spiked food and drinks
• Counterfeit alcohol: Serious illness and deaths from illegally produced spirits and counterfeit branded alcohol
• Document security: Keep copies of important documents separate from originals

Transport and Road Safety

• Traffic conditions: Drivers routinely ignore regulations, run red lights, make dangerous maneuvers
• Night driving: Extremely hazardous due to poor lighting and livestock on roads
• International driving: International Driving Permit required alongside UK license
• Public transport: Generally safe but check documents regularly by officials
• Air travel: Airports often crowded; security checks can cause delays

Health and Environmental Hazards

• Summer temperatures: Extreme heat affects many areas; wildfires frequent during summer
• Air quality: Check pollution forecasts, especially in major cities
• Water safety: Generally safe in cities; bottled water recommended in rural areas
• Medical facilities: Good healthcare in major cities; travel insurance essential
• Emergency services: 112 for all emergencies; dedicated tourist police in Istanbul: (+90) 212 527 4503

Money & Banking

• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY or TL) - significant devaluation makes Turkey cheaper for foreign visitors
• Currency exchange: Banks offer better rates than airports/hotels; avoid counterfeit $50 and $100 bills
• ATM availability: Widely available; use bank ATMs for security
• Credit cards: Widely accepted in tourist areas and cities
• Cash needs: Carry some cash for small businesses and rural areas
• Dynamic currency conversion: Always opt to pay in Turkish Lira to avoid poor exchange rates
• Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay increasingly accepted

Cost Expectations (Good Value Due to Currency)

• Budget meals: $3-8 USD (street food and local restaurants)
• Mid-range dining: $10-25 USD per person
• Fine dining: $30-60 USD per person
• Budget accommodation: $15-40 USD/night (hostels/budget hotels)
• Mid-range hotels: $40-100 USD/night
• Luxury hotels: $100-300+ USD/night
• Local transport: $0.50-2 USD per journey
• Taxi fares: Metered in cities; negotiate for longer journeys

Transportation

• Domestic flights: Extensive network between major cities
• Bus network: Excellent long-distance bus services with comfortable coaches
• Train services: High-speed rail between Ankara-Istanbul; slower for other routes
• Metro systems: Available in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other major cities
• Dolmuş: Shared minibuses for local transport in cities and towns
• Ferry services: Extensive ferry network in Istanbul and coastal areas
• Car rental: Available but consider challenging traffic conditions

Communication & Internet

• Official language: Turkish (small English spoken in tourist areas)
• Useful phrases: Learn basic Turkish greetings and courtesy phrases
• Mobile networks: Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, Türk Telekom
• SIM cards: Available at airport and city centers; registration required
• Internet access: Widespread Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, restaurants
• Social media: Some restrictions on certain platforms periodically
• International calling: Check roaming rates; local SIM often cheaper

Climate & Best Time to Visit

• Mediterranean coast: Hot, dry summers; mild winters (best: April-June, September-October)
• Istanbul/Marmara: Continental climate; can be very hot in summer, cold in winter
• Cappadocia: Extreme temperatures; best in spring and autumn
• Black Sea coast: Humid, mild; summers can be wet
• Eastern Turkey: Harsh continental climate; very cold winters
• Summer considerations: Extreme heat, wildfires, crowded tourist areas
• Ramadan impact: February 28 - March 29, 2025 (approximate dates)

Cultural Etiquette

• Religious sites: Remove shoes when entering mosques; appropriate dress required
• Hospitality culture: Turkish people known for warmth and hospitality
• Business culture: Relationships important; take time for social conversation
• Tipping customs: 10-15% in restaurants; round up for taxis
• Bargaining: Expected in bazaars and markets; not in fixed-price shops
• Photography etiquette: Ask permission before photographing people
• Alcohol consumption: Available but be respectful in conservative areas

Shopping and Business Hours

• Shop hours: Generally 9:00-19:00 Monday-Saturday; limited Sunday opening
• Bazaars and markets: Often close on Sundays; Grand Bazaar closed Sundays
• Restaurant hours: Often open late; breakfast typically 7:00-11:00
• Government offices: 8:30-17:30 Monday-Friday
• Banks: 9:00-17:00 Monday-Friday; some Saturday morning
• Tourist attractions: Hours vary; many close on Mondays

Ready to Apply for Turkey E-Visa?

Remember to verify current digital eVisa acceptance with Turkish Embassy London and check security conditions before applying for e-Visa and booking travel.