Visa-Free Entry for British Citizens

British citizens with full British Citizen passports enjoy visa-free access to Turkey for tourism, business visits, or visiting family for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.1 No application, payment, or advance authorization is required. Simply arrive at a Turkish airport or border crossing with a valid passport, and you can enter.

This visa exemption applies to holders of full British Citizen passports. If you hold another type of British nationality, such as British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), or British Overseas Citizen, you should check specific visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate before traveling.1

Entry Process

When you arrive in Turkey, you will go through passport control where an immigration officer will:

1. Check your passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days beyond your entry date and have at least one blank page for stamps.12 Damaged or expiring passports may result in entry denial.

2. Verify your nationality

Officers confirm you are traveling on a full British Citizen passport. Other types of British nationality documents may have different requirements.

3. May ask about your visit

Be prepared to briefly explain your purpose (tourism, visiting family, business meetings). Officers may ask about your accommodation or return travel, though this is uncommon for British tourists.

4. Stamp your passport

Your passport will be stamped with the entry date.1 This stamp is important: you need it for domestic flights within Turkey, and you must get an exit stamp when leaving.

Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule

Turkey operates on a “90/180” rule similar to the Schengen Area.4 Here is how it works:

What is the rule?

You can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. The 180 days begin counting from your first entry date.

Key points:

• The 180-day period is a rolling window calculated from each entry
• Leaving Turkey briefly does not reset the clock
• If you have recently spent extended time in Turkey, calculate your remaining days before returning
• Overstaying even by one day can result in fines and future entry bans

Example: If you spent 60 days in Turkey from January through March, you have only 30 days remaining until July (180 days from your January entry).

What You Need at the Border

Entry is straightforward for British citizens. While rarely checked, border officers can request:12

Practical tip: Have your hotel booking and return flight accessible on your phone. Most British tourists pass through with just a passport check and quick stamp.

Important: Get Your Stamps

Unlike many countries, Turkey strictly requires entry and exit stamps.1

Entry stamp:

• Required for domestic flights within Turkey
• Proves your legal entry date
• Request a stamp if the officer forgets

Exit stamp:

• Required when leaving Turkey
• Failure to get an exit stamp can cause problems on future visits
• May result in fines or questions upon next entry

If you notice your passport was not stamped, politely ask the officer to stamp it. Missing stamps create complications.

Overstay Penalties

Turkey enforces its visa rules strictly. If you overstay your 90-day allowance, you face fines and potential entry bans.4

Fines: The base fine is approximately $50 USD for the first month of overstay, with an additional $10 for each subsequent month, plus administrative fees in Turkish Lira.

How to leave if you overstayed: Pay the fine at the airport or border when departing. You cannot leave Turkey without settling the fine. Entry bans begin after you depart and must expire before you can return.

Staying Longer Than 90 Days

If you want to stay in Turkey beyond 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit before your visa-free period expires.5

Steps to extend your stay:

1. Apply online through the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
2. Schedule an appointment at your local Migration Management office (Provincial Directorate)
3. Attend in person with required documents (passport, photos, proof of address, health insurance, financial means)
4. Receive your residence permit which allows legal stay beyond 90 days

Important: Apply BEFORE your 90 days expire. If you apply after overstaying, you may be classified as an immigration violator, which can lead to deportation and entry bans.

Residence permit types:

• Short-term residence permit (up to 2 years, renewable)
• Long-term residence permit (after 8 years of continuous legal residence)
• Student residence permit (for enrolled students)
• Family residence permit (for family reunification)

Working in Turkey

Visa-free entry does not permit any form of employment.12

What you can do:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending business meetings or conferences
• Short educational courses (not degree programs)

What requires a work visa:

• Any paid employment
• Freelance work or remote work for Turkish companies
• Volunteering (in some cases)
• Teaching English or other subjects
• Starting or operating a business

If you plan to work in Turkey, you must obtain a work permit and residence permit through a Turkish employer before arriving. These cannot be obtained after entering on visa-free status.

If You Are Denied Entry

Entry denial for British citizens is rare but can happen. If denied, you will receive an explanation of the reason.

Common reasons for denial:

• Passport validity under 150 days
• Non-standard British nationality documents without appropriate visa
• Previous overstays or deportations from Turkey
• Security database flags
• Exceeded 90/180 day limit

Immediate steps if denied:

1. Stay calm and request a written explanation
2. Ask to speak with a supervisor if you believe there is a misunderstanding
3. You have the right to contact the British Embassy or Consulate
4. Do not attempt to argue or become confrontational

After denial:

• Address the specific issue before attempting re-entry
• For passport problems, renew your passport
• For previous overstays, wait until any ban period expires
• For security flags, consult an immigration attorney

Travel Advisory

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria due to ongoing conflict and terrorism risks.1 For other parts of Turkey, the FCDO advises British nationals to remain vigilant, particularly in public places and at large gatherings.

Recommendations:

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
• Stay alert in tourist areas and transportation hubs
• Do not travel to areas near the Syrian border
• Ensure your travel insurance covers your full itinerary
• Be aware that the EHIC and GHIC cards are not valid in Turkey