Entry requirements to Turkey: everything you need to know before traveling

Located on the border between Europe and Asia, the Republic of Turkey attracts millions of tourists who want to explore its rich cultural and natural heritage. From the majestic mountains of the Anatolian Plateau with their snow-capped peaks to the picturesque Mediterranean coasts, from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia, the country impresses with its amazing variety and splendor of architectural and natural attractions. This incredible eastern country will definitely be an unforgettable discovery for you.

When planning a trip to Turkey, it is important to carefully consider all the necessary organizational aspects in advance. Be sure to study the current visa requirements applicable to your citizenship. This will allow you to prepare all necessary documents in advance and avoid any problems when passing the border control.

In addition to visa issues, when planning a trip to Turkey it is important to pay attention to a number of equally important aspects, such as medical recommendations, rules for entering Turkey with children, requirements for importing pets, customs restrictions, information about flights and transit zones and other useful information.

Our company provides information on all important travel planning issues. We will be happy to help you organize your dream trip!

Turkey is a popular tourist destination for citizens of many countries of the world. When planning a trip to this country, it is important to clarify in advance the current visa requirements.

For citizens of most countries it is necessary to obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Previously, a visa could be obtained also upon arrival in the country. However, in recent years, Turkey has significantly improved its visa system by emphasizing electronic visas (e-Visa). The electronic system has greatly simplified and accelerated the process of obtaining authorization to enter Turkey. Tourists no longer need to stand in lines or visit consulates to submit documents. Now foreign citizens can easily and quickly issue the necessary documents online at a convenient time.

In addition, there is a visa-free regime with many countries. These conditions are also valid for the European Union countries, including Germany, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Citizens of these countries can enter and stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for a tourist visa. The only requirement is a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months. This entry permit allows you to visit Turkey for tourism and business purposes, as well as to attend events or to transit through the country.

There is also a visa-free regime for a number of certain countries with other conditions on the period of stay in the country.

For foreign nationals of both visa and visa-free countries who plan to stay in the country for a longer period of time, including for the purpose of study, work or other activities, the need to obtain an appropriate visa remains relevant.

More detailed information about the existing types of visas to Turkey, as well as lists of visa and visa-free countries can be found on our website in the section Visas.

Preparing for a trip to Turkey includes not only organizational issues, but also health and safety concerns. One of the key aspects is vaccination before traveling.

Vaccination for travel to Turkey is not mandatory. However, according to World Health Organization recommendations, it is highly recommended to be vaccinated against diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies for travel to Turkey. These vaccinations will help protect travelers from common infections in the country.

In addition, depending on the region and time of year, vaccinations against malaria, polio, measles, rubella, mumps and chickenpox may also be relevant. Travelers who plan to visit rural or remote areas are also advised to be vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis.

In addition to vaccinations, it is also advisable to take care of medical insurance for travel to Turkey, which covers emergency hospitalization and evacuation in case of need. On our website you can find all the necessary information about international health insurance.

It is important to consult with a doctor before traveling to determine which immunizations are necessary in your particular case. Your doctor will also be able to provide advice on preventing other possible health risks. Whether you are traveling with your family or alone, be sure to take care of all aspects of your health safety in advance to avoid any unforeseen situations during your trip. It is also advisable to take the necessary medications with you and prepare a travel first aid kit with the most essential medicines.

Traveling with children to Turkey requires careful preparation. In addition to general recommendations for traveling to Turkey, there are special requirements and tips for families with children.

Documents for traveling

The following documents must be prepared for a child to enter Turkey:

• Child's passport - mandatory for all children, including infants. Validity period - at least 6 months.
• Child's birth certificate.
• Consent to travel, if the child is traveling without parents.
• A power of attorney to take the child abroad, if the child is traveling accompanied by a third person.

Medical preparation

Before traveling to Turkey, it is recommended to take out a medical travel insurance, as well as the following vaccinations for children before traveling:

• Compulsory vaccinations according to the national vaccination calendar.
• Optional: hepatitis A, typhoid, measles, rubella, chickenpox.

It is also recommended to prepare a travel first aid kit, with necessary medications such as antipyretics and painkillers, antihistamines, remedies for stomach and intestinal disorders, creams and ointments for skin diseases, including sunscreen, and bandages. Be sure to consult your pediatrician and get the necessary immunizations to keep your children as safe as possible during the trip.

Transportation and lodging

When using any means of transportation, it is recommended that you book child seats for the little ones. When selecting and booking accommodation options in Turkey, it is best to choose family rooms or apartments. Check in advance for the possibility of additional cribs, high chairs and other baby equipment.

Organization of leisure time

Turkey offers a lot of entertainment for families with children: water parks, zoos, luna parks, children's clubs in hotels. Research in advance the appropriate entertainment and activities for your family.

Following these recommendations, you will be able to organize a comfortable, safe and unforgettable trip to Turkey for you and your children.

When traveling to Turkey with pets, it is necessary to take care of all necessary documents in advance. To make your trip with your beloved pet as comfortable as possible, read the important recommendations and carefully prepare for the trip.

The main documents that need to be prepared:

• Veterinary passport of the pet with vaccination records. It should contain all information about the animal, including name, breed, sex, age and microchip number.
• A health certificate issued by a veterinarian not earlier than 10 days before the trip. It must confirm that the pet is healthy and not dangerous.
• An international veterinary certificate (PETS) confirming that the pet is vaccinated against rabies. The certificate must be issued at least 30 days before entering Turkey.

It is also advisable to prepare copies of all documents in case they are lost or damaged. It is also worth taking care that your pet has a special carrier or cage for transportation. Check in advance the required norms and rules of pet transportation with the airline you plan to fly with. It is important, different air carriers may have different requirements.

When choosing and booking accommodation in Turkey, pay attention to the options with the possibility of accommodation with a pet and specify in advance the approved rules of accommodation with pets.

Do not forget to check the availability of veterinary clinics in the country for emergency care, as well as prepare the necessary medications and things for a comfortable trip and stay of your pet in Turkey. Compliance with all formalities and rules will help you and your four-legged friend to enjoy a carefree and pleasant vacation in this country.

Customs regulations for entering and exiting Turkey have a number of important features that you should be aware of before traveling. It is important to remember that violating customs regulations can result in fines, seizure of goods or even criminal prosecution.

Personal belongings

When entering Turkey, duty-free importation of personal belongings in reasonable quantities is allowed. This applies to clothing, footwear, cosmetics and other items for personal use.

Duty-free export of personal items purchased during the stay is allowed. However, there are restrictions on the export of items of historical, archaeological or cultural value - export is possible only with a special permit.

Alcohol and cigarettes

There are restrictions on the import of alcohol, 1 liter of alcoholic beverages is allowed, as well as tobacco products - a maximum of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.

Jewelry

Jewelry valued over $5,000 must be declared when entering and leaving Turkey.

Electronic devices

When entering Turkey, a maximum of 2 units of each electronic device (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) for personal use is allowed. These restrictions also apply upon exit.

Medical preparations

The importation of medicines, except for small quantities for personal use, requires special authorization. The export of potent medications may also be subject to restrictions.

Currency

If you plan to bring more than €10,000 or the equivalent in another currency into Turkey, this must be indicated on the passenger customs declaration.

If you are taking cash out of Turkey in excess of €5,000 or the equivalent in another currency, a declaration must also be completed.

It is also worth remembering that Turkey has restrictions on the import and export of certain species of animals, plants and foodstuffs.

A flight from Germany to Turkey usually takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the route and the departure and arrival airports. Most direct flights from Germany to Turkey fly from Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin to cities such as Antalya, Izmir or Istanbul.

Flights with connections may take a little longer, but offer more flexibility in terms of route choice. Options include connecting flights to European hubs such as Amsterdam, Paris or Vienna, as well as Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE or Qatar. The duration of a connecting flight is usually between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the connecting point.

You should also take into account time for passport control, baggage claim and possible flight delays. It is recommended to allow extra time, especially for connecting flights, to avoid being late for the connecting flight. In general, when planning a flight from Germany to Turkey, you can consider both direct and connecting routes to find the best option in terms of price, convenience and travel time.

Transit zones at airports in Turkey play an important role for passengers making connecting flights. These special airport areas are designed for transit passengers who do not leave the airport when transferring from one flight to another.

The main transit airports in Turkey are Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya airports. The largest and busiest is Istanbul Ataturk Airport, which serves millions of transit passengers annually.

Transit zones of Turkish airports, as a rule, are equipped with everything necessary for comfortable waiting: rest areas, cafes and restaurants, duty-free stores, ATMs and currency exchange points. There are also prayer areas, medical centers and information desks in transit zones.

For passengers transiting through Turkey, it is important to note that when they transfer, they remain in the sterile area of the airport and do not go through repeated passport control.

Some basic rules for staying in the transit zone of airports in Turkey.

Time in transit zone:

• Passengers making only a transit connection without leaving the airport may stay in the transit zone for the entire time until the departure of the next flight.
• Passengers planning a short layover outside the transit zone are limited to 24 hours in the transit zone.

Visa Requirements:

• Citizens of most countries do not require a transit visa if they remain in the airport's transit zone.
• Citizens of some countries, such as Russia, India, China, need a transit visa even if they do not plan to leave the transit zone.

Screening and passport control:

• Passengers in transit only go through customs inspection and do not go through repeated passport control.
• The exception is passengers who plan to leave the transit zone - they must go through full passport control.

Moving around the airport:

• Passengers in the transit zone can move between gates, stores, cafes and other transit zone infrastructure.
• Exiting the transit zone is only possible with the appropriate visa or authorization to enter Turkey.

German diplomatic missions in Turkey play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations between the countries. The German Embassy in Ankara is responsible for maintaining political dialog, promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchange. German consulates in Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya provide consular services for German citizens, including document processing and assistance in emergency situations. German representatives also participate in international negotiations and missions related to Turkey. German diplomatic efforts are aimed at expanding mutually beneficial ties in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

German Embassy in Ankara

Address: Ataturk Boulevard No. 114, 06680, Kavaklidere - Ankara, Turkey

Postal address: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, PK 54, Cankaya, 06552 Ankara, Turkey

Telephone: +90 312 455 51 00
Fax: + 90 312 455 53 37

Website: www.tuerkei.diplo.de

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Consulate General of Germany in Antalya

Address: Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Çağlayan Maç No. 54, 07235, Antalya, Turkey

Tel: +90 242 314 11 01, +90 242 314 11 02
Fax: +90 242 321 69 14

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Consulate General of Germany in Istanbul

Address: 10, Inenyu Street, 34437, Gümüssüyü Istanbul, Turkey

Postal address: Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, PK 6, 34431, Istanbul Beyoğlu, Turkey

Telephone: + 90 212 292 95 01
Fax: + 90 212 245 26 24

Consulate General of Germany in Izmir

Address: Korutürk Mah., 1 Basseibasi St., 35330, Baltsova Izmir, Turkey

Tel: + 90 232 488 88 88
Fax: + 90 232 463 95 53

Please check in advance the current opening hours and reception schedule on the official website of the Embassy of Germany, by phone or by contacting us in any convenient way.