Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Health
- Additional Information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security status
High Degree of Caution
General Travel Advice
Our general advice to Irish citizens in Türkiye or those who intend to travel to Türkiye is to exercise a high degree of caution at all times. You should avoid all protests and demonstrations and minimise time spent in crowded areas, particularly those frequented by foreigners, follow local security advice, and monitor local media. You should also devise and/or review a personal security plan.
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border between Türkiye and Syria and to Diyarbakir city.
The Department advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of the provinces of Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Şanliurfa and Sirnak.
In addition, the Department recommends against all but essential travel to all areas of Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari provinces.
Please also be aware that the police in Türkiye can take measures such as the use of tear gas to control protesters. Ensure you have a charged mobile phone at all times. Please carry ID / passport / visa at all times, presenting to security officers if requested (and keep a copy to hand also).
Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Türkiye for stays of up to 90 days within any 180 day period.
A valid passport is required for travel to Türkiye. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months. Passport cards cannot be used and you will not be permitted to enter the country. Dual citizens (including children) should ensure that they also carry a valid Irish passport to ensure no issues are encountered when travelling back to Ireland.)
Holders of a ‘Travel Document’ issued by Ireland (a ‘Travel Document’ is an official document which assists qualifying non-Irish nationals who are resident in Ireland to travel) require Turkish visas prior to travel, and should contact the Turkish Embassy in Dublin. This includes children or family members of Irish citizens who are not themselves Irish citizens. Failure to produce a visa on arrival in Türkiye will result in refusal to grant entry to the country by border police.
For more information on visas, passports and tourist residence permit requirements, please see the Additional Information tab.
Medical, Dental, and Cosmetic Procedures
Irish citizens travel to Türkiye each year for the purpose of medical services, including surgical, dental and cosmetic procedures. Individuals should be aware that all surgery contains an element of risk and the Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of citizens who have experienced complications in the course of their treatment in Türkiye, and a number who have died. Irish citizens considering medical treatment abroad are advised to carry out independent research regarding the credentials of any potential service provider should inform themselves appropriately before committing to any procedure abroad. Further information can be found on the Health tab.
Visitors to Türkiye are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.
Citizens can also follow the Embassy on social media (Twitter @IrlEmbAnkara and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.
Emergency Assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
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You can contact the emergency services in Türkiye by dialling 112.
Our tips for Safe Travels:
- Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Earthquakes
On 6 February 2023, two significant earthquakes hit Southeast Anatolia, strongly affecting the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Şanlırurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya and Hatay. There has been significant structural damage across the region leading to casualties. Citizens should avoid travelling to the affected provinces. Citizens currently in these areas should heed the instructions of the Turkish authorities. Roads, communications networks and airports may be badly disrupted.
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism in Türkiye remains high, with bomb attacks in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. Although some attacks have targeted security forces, there have also been random attacks in areas frequented by tourists. The situation in the south-east of the country is particularly serious and these areas should be avoided (see below).
Terrorist attacks are, by their nature, random and indiscriminate and cannot be predicted in advance. You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in public places that are frequented by foreigners.
Political unrest
The political situation in Türkiye is reasonably stable but always keep yourself informed of what's going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.
We strongly advise against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border between Türkiye and Syria and to Diyarbakir city. We advise against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of provinces of Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Şanliurfa, and Sirnak. In addition, we recommend against all but essential travel to the Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari provinces.
While areas popular with Irish travellers are located at a substantial distance from these regions, vigilance is also required in tourist areas in major cities.
Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can turn confrontational. The police will take measures such as the use of tear gas to control protesters. Stay away from military sites – taking photos of, or near, military or security installations and some public buildings, may be prohibited.
Crime
Violent crime against tourists in Türkiye is rare but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. The Embassy in Ankara has also been made aware of a number of cases of tourists being intimidated into paying extortionate bills at bars and nightclubs in Istanbul. Remain vigilant when frequenting such establishments. There have been a number of cases of theft from apartments and cars in some of the coastal resorts, as well as in Istanbul and Ankara. Take heed of your local tour operator representative's advice, and wherever you are, take sensible precautions.
- Do not carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
- Do not carry your passport unless absolutely necessary, but carry a copy of it in case you are stopped by police. Also leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home. Ensure that at least one family member in Ireland is aware of your location and travel plans in Türkiye, should an emergency arise communications by email or mobile phone can be difficult.
- Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don't use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations.
- Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
- Do not leave valuables, or bags which may appear to contain valuables, visible in parked cars.
Reporting a crime
If you are a victim of a crime while in Türkiye, report it to the local police immediately. You can also contact the Embassy of Ireland, Ankara for consular assistance.
Driving
If you're planning to drive in Türkiye, you should be careful. While the standard of roads in Türkiye has greatly improved in recent years, traffic accidents are common, particularly at night. Road safety standards are low, particularly outside towns and cities. Accidents are frequent and are often caused by poor driving, badly maintained vehicles and inadequate lighting. Pedestrians should also exercise caution at all times, including at zebra crossings, for example, as drivers rarely stop to allow pedestrians to cross.
If you want to drive:
- Bring your full Irish driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught.
- Be aware of Türkiye's traffic laws, such as speed limits.
- Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you are stopped at traffic lights.
Hiring a vehicle
If you are hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Taxis
In Istanbul, avoid hailing taxis on the street and only use taxis ordered by your hotel or those ordered directly from a taxi kiosk.
Fires
Türkiye can experience bush and forest fires in the warmer months, including in regions popular with tourists. You should heed risk warnings and be vigilant if travelling in forested areas during the summer. If there is a forest fire near where you are staying, you should keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the Turkish authorities.
Emergency services can be contacted by dialling 112.
Flooding
Rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides in Türkiye, including in the summer months. This can create risks to safety, as well as impeding travel and reducing the availability of essential services. If you are in an affected area, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.
Extreme sports
If you participate in extreme sports (including hot-air ballooning), satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place. There have been a number of hot-air ballooning accidents in Cappadocia in the past, which have led to a number of fatalities. There have also been a number of fatalities and serious injuries in paragliding accidents in the resorts of Oludeniz and Fethiye. Only use reputable operators and insist on training before use. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, as often they are excluded in standard policies
Stray dogs
Stray street dogs are common in most towns and cities in Türkiye. Local authorities take action to control and manage numbers but packs congregate in parks and wastelands. While they are largely docile, this may not always be the case. Avoid approaching these dogs but if bitten, seek immediate medical advice as rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Türkiye.
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.
Local customs
Türkiye is a secular state with a majority Muslim population. You should respect local traditions, customs, and religions, which can vary regionally. Normally, the dress code in Türkiye 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). Alcohol is widely available but public drunkenness is frowned upon.
Illegal drugs
Türkiye 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. The Embassy maintains a list of English-speaking lawyers, but cannot get involved in legal cases.
Health
Health
Health
If you need urgent health treatment during your stay, you should dial 112 to contact the emergency health services
Medical, Dental, and Cosmetic Procedures
Irish citizens travel to Türkiye each year for the purpose of medical services, including surgical, dental and cosmetic procedures. Individuals should be aware that all surgery contains an element of risk and the Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of citizens who have experienced complications in the course of their treatment in Türkiye, and a number who have died.
Irish citizens considering treatment in Türkiye are advised to carry out independent research regarding the credentials of any potential service provider. A list of accredited facilities is available on the Health Services General Directorate website.
It is essential that appropriate travel insurance is in place. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cannot be used in Türkiye.
Individuals should inform themselves of both the risks and benefits of any procedures, and are advised to discuss their plans carefully with their own doctor, dentist and/or hospital specialist before committing to any procedure abroad. They should also read the contract/agreement in full and ensure that they understand their plan of care.
Individuals should also familiarise themselves with any follow-up treatment or process that may be required. It may be helpful to request a discharge summary in English from the treating doctor, dentist, or medical professionals. Some airlines may request a Fit to Fly certificate on boarding and this should also be sought prior to discharge.
Individuals should also be aware that they may encounter communication difficulties in a non-English speaking environment.
The Embassy cannot provide financial or legal assistance to individuals who experience difficulty following medical, dental or cosmetic treatment abroad.
Travel Insurance
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. These costs may be covered if you purchase appropriate travel insurance, however the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara is unable to mediate in the event of any disputes with insurance companies which may arise.
Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.
Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.
The Turkish health system is well developed and adept to working with insurance companies, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Türkiye, you must self-isolate for 7 days. The isolation automatically ends after 7 days unless you have symptoms. You may be tested on the fifth day, and if the result is negative the isolation ends. Close contacts who are fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate.
Mental Health
Please be aware that the standard of mental healthcare in Türkiye differs from Ireland. It can be difficult to access appropriate medical facilities that have mental healthcare professionals who speak English. Pre-existing mental health issues should be declared when purchasing travel insurance as otherwise the policy may not cover treatment or hospital costs.
Please consult your doctor before travelling. Ensure you have sufficient amount of medication for your trip, along with an up-to-date prescription or letter from your doctor. Be aware that heat and hot weather can impact mental health and the effectiveness of certain medication.
If you become concerned for your mental health (or the mental health of a friend / family member) while in Türkiye please contact the Embassy (+90 312 4591000) or the Consular Assistance team in Dublin (+353 1 408 2000). We can direct you to local medical facilities and help you make contact with friends / family in Türkiye or Ireland. Please note the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or funds to return home.
Emergency expenses
Check your insurance policy to see if it covers the following:
- All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
- Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.
- 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
- Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
- Lost and stolen possessions.
- Cancellation and curtailment.
- Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).
Water
There have been water-quality issues in Türkiye and visitors are advised to use bottled water whenever possible.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Additional information
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
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.
There is no visa requirement for Irish citizens coming to Türkiye for touristic purposes (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Irish citizens travelling to Türkiye for other purposes should contact their nearest Turkish Embassy in advance of their visit to clarify their visa requirements. Contact details for the Turkish Embassy in Dublin are available here.
Six-month passport validity is required from the date of entry to Türkiye. Passport cards cannot be used to travel to Türkiye. Please check your passport in plenty of time before travel as you may be refused entry. The Embassy cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet the entry requirements. If your passport needs to be renewed, please use our Online Passport Renewal System.
Residence permit
If you want to study, work or stay beyond 90 days in Türkiye you must apply for the appropriate visa and/or residence permit from the Turkish authorities. Residence permits for Irish citizens are free of charge, though you have to pay for the residence permit booklet. Applications and requests for further information should be directed towards your local branch of the Directorate General of Migration Management. Residence permits are not free of charge for all foreign nationals, so you may find that you have to insist that this is the case when you apply for a permit.
Overstaying your visa
Overstaying your visa can result in heavy fines and/or a ban on re-entering Türkiye for up to five years, depending on the length of the overstay, and you’ll need to apply for a visa from the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate before returning to Türkiye. Departing Türkiye without paying the relevant fine will lead to an automatic five year ban on re-entry.
Visa requirements for Irish citizens are a matter for the Turkish immigration authorities and the Irish Embassy cannot intervene in individual cases relating to visas and overstays.
Travelling with children
If you are leaving Türkiye with a child who is a dual Irish-Turkish national, you may be asked to show the Turkish immigration authorities evidence that the Turkish parent has given permission for the child to travel.
Buying property
If you’re intending to buy property in Türkiye, we strongly advise you to consult an independent legal advisor from the beginning of the process. Procedures in relation to property purchases differ significantly from those in Ireland and investors are advised to research the matter thoroughly before entering into any agreement.
For general advice on property purchases in Türkiye, check the Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Guidance for Foreigners.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
Please note that if you require assistance in the case of an emergency while the Embassy is closed, contact the main Embassy number, 00 90 312 4591000, and leave a message on the Duty Officer voice mailbox. This mailbox will be monitored regularly. Please have an English speaker leave the initial message.
Embassy of Ireland
Ugur Mumcu Caddesi No.88
MNG Binasi
B Blok Kat 3
Gaziosmanpasa
Ankara 06700
Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 459 1000
Fax: +90 312 446 8061
Monday to Friday 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00
Honorary Consulate Contact
Mr. Mehmet Seçkin Arkan
Honorary Consul of Ireland
Elmali Mah.Subasi Cad. 13. Sk.
Balcilar Is Mrk.No:10/5
07040 Muratpasa
Antalya
Türkiye
Tel: +90 242 247 8945
Fax: +90 242 243 0613
Email: Email us
Honorary Consulate Contact
Mr Bulent Akgerman
Honorary Consul of Ireland
Sheit Fethi Bey cad. No.55k.
18 Heris Tower Pasaport 35210
Izmir
Türkiye
Tel: + 90 232 402 5353
Fax: + 90 232 445 9696
Email: Email us