Passports

Required by all. Passports must be valid for at least six months if visa is issued on arrival, and one year if visa is issued at a Turkish consulate.

Visa

It is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate as there are many regulations regarding visas.

For a stay of up to three months, visas are issued at the point of entry to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK and US.

Currency advice/regulations

There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency, although visitors bringing in a large amount of foreign currency should obtain a written declaration from the Turkish authorities. No more than the equivalent of US$5,000 in local currency may be exported. Foreign currency may be exported up to US$5,000, but no more than the amount imported and declared. Currency exchange slips should be retained.

Travelers cheques can be cashed immediately upon proof of identity. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in UK pounds sterling or US dollars.

Dress codes

Although the population is predominantly Muslim, Turkey is a secular state and for the visitor daily life in cities and tourist areas is similar to that in Europe. However, in rural areas, standards are much more conservative and women should be cautious in their dress. Topless bathing is illegal but tolerated on southern and Aegean tourist beaches.

Dress for formal occasions is conservative and men normally wear a dark business suit or formal dress. Ties are almost always worn for business meetings. Turkish women dress formally for most social occasions.