Turkey

Last updated: 28 July 2008

Current at: 07 September 2008

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Turkey. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Holders of standard Irish passports can purchase entry visas upon arrival at Turkish ports of entry. Holders of non-standard Irish passports must obtain a visa prior to travel.

For entry requirements for Turkey, please contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate .

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

The threat from terrorism in Turkey remains high. The terrorist problem is chiefly located in the south-east, however, there have been recent bomb attacks in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul (where 16 people were killed on 27 July), Izmir and Ankara.

There have also been random attacks in tourist areas in other parts of the country. An attack on 16 July 2005 in the Aegean resort of Kusadasi killed five people, including an Irish national.

Terrorist attacks are, by their nature, random and indiscriminate and cannot be predicted in advance. Irish citizens should take this into account in considering travel to Turkey. Those who travel there are reminded of the need to exercise the utmost vigilance and caution, particularly in public places that are frequented by foreigners.

In response to terrorist attacks from northern Iraq into Turkey the Turkish Parliament has authorised the Turkish military to undertake military operations along the Turkish/Iraqi border. Irish citizens are strongly advised against all travel to the border provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak where Turkey has imposed a military exclusion zone. Care should also be taken if travelling elsewhere in the east of Turkey - three Germans nationals were briefly abducted in June while hiking on Mt Arafat.

CRIME

Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. There have been a number of cases of theft from apartments in some of the coastal resorts. Visitors should heed the advice of their local tour operator representative.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Turkey has strict laws against the use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you are convicted of any of these offences, you can expect to receive a heavy fine and a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Normally, the dress code in Turkey is the same as in Europe, however, you should dress modestly if visiting a mosque or a religious shrine (long trousers or dress and women should wear a headscarf).

Do not take photographs near military or official installations. You should seek permission before photographing individuals.

ROAD SAFETY

You should take particular care when travelling by road throughout Turkey, as road conditions and driving standards can be poor. Serious traffic accidents are common particularly at night.

HEALTH

Following a severe drought in the west and south of the country, water rationing has been introduced in some cities, most particularly in Ankara. There have also been water quality issues. Visitors to these areas are advised to used bottled water whenever possible.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Turkey resulted in four deaths in eastern Turkey in January 2006, believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be low. However, as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

For further information and advice on Avian Influenza, please click here.