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

Located on the border of Europe and Asia, the Republic of Turkey attracts millions of tourists eager to explore its rich cultural and natural heritage. From the majestic mountains of the Anatolian plateau with their snowy peaks to the picturesque Mediterranean coasts, from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia - this country amazes with its incredible diversity and the splendor of its 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 nationality. This will allow you to prepare all necessary documents in advance and avoid any problems at border control.

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

Our company provides information on all important aspects of trip planning. We are happy to help you organize the trip of your dreams!

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

For citizens of most countries, entry into Turkey is only possible with a visa. Previously, it could even be obtained upon arrival, but in recent years Turkey has switched to a more modern format — electronic visas (e-Visa). This system has significantly simplified the process: now there is no need to visit consulates or stand in queues. Our visa agency will help you quickly and without errors to issue an e-Visa online, ensuring a comfortable and safe start to your journey.

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

Also, for a number of some countries, a visa-free regime with different terms for staying in the country applies.

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

For more detailed information about the existing types of visas to Turkey, as well as lists of visa and visa-free countries, you can visit our website in the section Visas.

Preparing for a trip to Turkey involves not only organizational issues but also care about health and safety. One of the key aspects is vaccination before the trip.

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

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

In addition to vaccination, it is also recommended to have medical insurance that covers emergency hospitalization and evacuation if necessary for travel to Turkey. On our website, you can find all the necessary information about international medical insurance.

It is important to consult with a doctor before traveling to determine which specific vaccinations are needed in your particular case. The doctor can also provide recommendations for the prevention of other possible health risks. Whether you are traveling with family or alone, be sure to take care of all aspects of your health safety in advance to avoid unforeseen situations during the trip. It is also recommended to take necessary medications 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 trips to Turkey, there are special requirements and tips for families with children.

Documents for the trip

The following documents must be prepared for a child's entry into Turkey:

• Child's passport - mandatory for all children, including infants. Validity period - not less than 6 months.
• Child's birth certificate.
• Permission to leave if the child is traveling without parents.
• Power of attorney for the child's travel abroad if the child is traveling with a third person.

Medical preparation

Before traveling to Turkey, it is recommended to get medical travel insurance and make the following vaccinations for children before the trip:

• Mandatory vaccinations according to the national vaccination calendar.
• Additionally: hepatitis A, typhoid fever, measles, rubella, chickenpox.

It is also recommended to prepare a travel first aid kit with necessary medications such as antipyretics and pain relievers, antihistamines, remedies for stomach and intestinal disorders, creams and ointments for skin diseases, including sun protection, and bandaging materials. Be sure to consult with a pediatrician and carry out the necessary immunization to ensure maximum safety for your children during the trip.

Transportation and accommodation

When using any means of transport, it is recommended to order child seats for infants. When selecting and booking accommodation options in Turkey, it is best to choose family rooms or apartments. Check in advance for the availability of additional children's beds, high chairs, and other children's equipment.

Leisure organization

Turkey offers many entertainment options for families with children: water parks, zoos, amusement parks, children's clubs in hotels. Explore suitable entertainment and activities for your family in advance.

By following these recommendations, you can 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 the necessary documents in advance. To make your trip with your beloved pet as comfortable as possible, familiarize yourself with important recommendations and carefully prepare for the trip.

The main documents that need to be prepared:

• Veterinary passport of the pet with vaccination marks. It should contain all the information about the animal, including its name, breed, sex, age, and microchip number.
• A certificate of health issued by a veterinary doctor no earlier than 10 days before the trip. It must confirm that the pet is healthy and does not pose a danger.
• International veterinary certificate (PETS), confirming that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies. The certificate must be issued no later than 30 days before entering Turkey.

In addition, it is recommended to prepare copies of all documents in case they are lost or damaged. Also, ensure that your pet has a special carrier or cage for transport. Check the required norms and rules for transporting pets with the airline you plan to fly with. It is important, as different airlines may have different requirements.

When choosing and booking accommodation in Turkey, pay attention to options that allow pets and clarify the approved rules for accommodating pets in advance.

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

Customs rules when entering and leaving Turkey have a number of important features that are worth knowing before traveling. It is important to remember that violating customs rules can result in fines, confiscation of goods, or even criminal prosecution.

Personal belongings

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

Duty-free export of personal belongings acquired 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, with a limit of 1 liter of alcoholic products, and tobacco products – a maximum of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.

Jewelry

When entering and leaving Turkey, jewelry worth more than 5000 US dollars must be declared.

Electronic devices

When entering Turkey, it is allowed to import no more than 2 units of each electronic device (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) for personal use. These restrictions also apply when leaving.

Medicinal drugs

The import of medicinal drugs, except for small amounts for personal use, requires special permission. Export restrictions may also apply to potent drugs.

Currency

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

When exporting cash funds from Turkey exceeding 5,000 euros or equivalent in another currency, a declaration must also be filled out.

It is also worth remembering that there are restrictions in Turkey on the import and export of certain types of animals, plants, and food products.

Flights from Germany to Turkey usually take from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route and departure and arrival airports. Most direct flights from Germany to Turkey are operated from Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin to cities such as Antalya, Izmir, or Istanbul.

Flights with transfers may take a bit longer, but offer more flexibility in choosing a route. Options with transfers are possible in European hubs such as Amsterdam, Paris, or Vienna, as well as in Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE or Qatar. The duration of a flight with a transfer usually ranges from 4 to 8 hours depending on the transfer location.

It is also necessary to consider the time for passport control, baggage collection, and possible flight delays. It is recommended to allow extra time, especially with transfers, to avoid missing a connecting flight. Overall, when planning a flight from Germany to Turkey, you can consider both direct and transfer 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 territory when transferring from one flight to another.

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

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

For passengers traveling in transit through Turkey, it is important to consider that when transferring, they remain in the sterile area of the airport and do not undergo repeated passport control.

A number of main rules for staying in the transit zone of airports in Turkey.

Time spent in the transit zone:

• Passengers making only a transit transfer without leaving the airport can stay in the transit zone for the entire time until the departure of the next flight.
• Passengers planning a short-term exit from 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 transit zone.
• Citizens of certain countries, such as Russia, India, China, need to obtain a transit visa, even if they do not plan to leave the transit zone.

Inspection and passport control:

• Passengers traveling in transit only undergo customs inspection and do not undergo repeated passport control.
• The exception is passengers planning to leave the transit zone - they must undergo full passport control.

Movement around the airport:

• Passengers in the transit zone can move between gates, shops, cafes, and other infrastructure facilities of the transit zone.
• Leaving the transit zone is possible only with the appropriate visa or permission to enter Turkey.

Diplomatic missions of Germany in Turkey play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between the countries. The German Embassy in Ankara is responsible for maintaining political dialogue, developing economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The German consulates in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya provide consular services for German citizens, including document processing and assistance in emergencies. German representatives also participate in international negotiations and missions related to Turkey. German diplomatic efforts are aimed at expanding mutually beneficial relations 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, Cankaya - Ankara, Turkey

Mailing address: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, PO Box 54, Cankaya, 06552 Ankara, Turkey

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

Website: www.tuerkei.diplo.de     

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday: from 9:00 to 16:00, Friday: from 9:00 to 14:00

German Consulate General in Antalya

Address: Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Caglayan Mah No.54, 07235, Antalya, Turkey

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

Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday: from 7:30 to 16:45, Friday: from 7:30 to 13:30

German Consulate General in Istanbul

Address: Inonu Street, 10, 34437, Gumussuyu-Istanbul, Turkey

Mailing address: Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, PO Box 6, 34431, Istanbul Beyoglu, Turkey

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

German Consulate General in Izmir

Address: Koruturk Mah., Bassinbasi Street 1, 35330, Balçova-Izmir, Turkey

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

Please confirm the current working hours and schedule for receiving citizens by the indicated phone numbers or by contacting us in any convenient way.