Comparison of temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Antalya | 15 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 30 | 26 | 22 | 17 |
| London | 2 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 14 | 7 | 4 |
General note:
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
Capital:
Ankara
Form of government:
Republic / Parliamentary Republic
Religion:
Islam with a small Christian and Jewish community.
Language:
The official language is Turkish.
Climate:
Subtropical climate along the Aegean Coast and the Mediterranean Sea throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 30°C in the summer to 12–15°C in the winter.
Electricity:
The supply voltage is 220 V, 50 HZ. An adapter is necessary.
Local time:
The time zone in Türkiye is GMT +3 hours with no daylight saving time. The time difference with Turkey is +3 hours in winter and +2 hours in summer.
Making telephone calls:
The country code for Türkiye is 0090 (+90) with the zero cancelled before the area code. If you are calling the UK from Türkiye, please dial 0044 (+44) and the area code without the zero.
Country and people:
Barely any country has a history as rich as Türkiye. Today, tourism is playing an increasingly important role in Türkiye and travelling there has to include a visit to the Turkish bazaars, where you can enjoy their oriental flair. The traditional carpet, jewellery and leather goods stores are long-standing, and in some cases centuries-old elements of the culture of this region. So our trip will also include a jewellery manufacturer, a leather goods store and a modern rug gallery. Here you will learn some fascinating facts about the art of carpet weaving and experience how a hand-woven rug has been made for generations. As part of an interesting demonstration, you will find out more about the preparation of silk threads, the natural dyes used for the wool and the delicate and extremely time-consuming knotting process. You will then have 1 – 2 hours in the various stores and factories to look at the works of art and products for yourself.
Bartering is a typical Turkish custom. If you are not interested in buying anything, the traders will also accept a clear no. No bartering takes place in department stores and supermarkets, or at markets where local farmers sell their vegetables.
In Türkiye it is customary to give tips. Similarly, to the USA, this forms part of the income for the people working in the service sector. Moreover, it symbolizes recognition for the service provided. One can tip chambermaids around £1 to £2 per night and room. In a restaurant or taxi, tipping around 10% of the billed sum is customary. Tips are not given in shops. On group trips, the suggested sum for a tour guide, could be £2 per person per day. While for bus drivers the appropriate sum is around £1 to £2 per day per person. Of course, everyone may decide for themselves whether and how much tip they wish to give.
Entry requirements for British citizens:
You can visit Türkiye as a visitor without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. for business or tourism. Your ‘British citizen’ passport must:
- Be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive
- Have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps
If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel. Nationals of other countries are advised to inquire at the Turkish Embassy about the entry requirements applicable to them.
Whilst we endeavour to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/.
Tour guides:
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture, etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that Türkiye has to offer, and learn all about the country and its people.
Additional packages:
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Gourmet package: The package includes a delicious buffet every evening with international specialities: only £149* per person.
Explorer package: The package includes 2× lunch in Cappadocia with international specialities, a boat trip on the Manavgat River (including lunch), the fascinating ‘Dancing Dervishes’ show, Sultan Han Karawanserei on the Silk Road and the underground museum: only £119 per person (bookable on arrival).
* Package prices may vary when booking on site.
Currency / Banks / Credit cards:
The currency unit is the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rate (January 2026): 1 GBP = 58.02 TRY; 1 TRY = 0.02 GBP.
Money can be exchanged at currency exchange offices. Purchases can be paid for in cash or with common credit cards. Card payment is often, but not always, possible. The symbols of the accepted cards are usually displayed at the entrance to the shop. High fees may be charged by the respective bank for cash withdrawals. For further information on using your bank cards abroad, please contact your bank.
Customs regulations:
The following regulations apply for tourists: Import of foreign currency is unlimited. As for exporting currency, a total amount of 5,000 USD (approx. £3,700). or the equivalent in TRY is permitted. Travellers may import and export personal jewellery to a total value of 15,000 USD (approx. £11,100). Any value higher than this must be declared when entering the country. Documentation is required for purchases made in Türkiye. Otherwise, the following goods per person may by carried upon entry into Türkiye (does not apply to transit travellers): personal belongings as items for personal use, incl. medical articles (devices) and medicine as well as giftware to a value of €430 (approx. £375).
More detailed customs information on importing goods can be obtained from the embassy of your destination country. Only there will you receive legally binding information.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
Country-specific safety advice:
British citizens wishing to stay in or travel to Türkiye are generally recommended to keep an eye on the security situation, these travel and safety instructions and on reports in the media. Groups of people gathering, including on public squares and in front of tourist attractions, as well as hanging around near government and military buildings should be avoided. Following the failed violent attempted coup, there have been isolated incidents of aggressive attacks by followers of certain political parties on people with supposedly different views. We strongly recommend remaining vigilant for such escalations, distancing yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and fi nding a secure location.
Turkey is located in a seismically very active zone, which is why earthquakes occur frequently. In the event of an earthquake, follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Crime: Turkey has a low rate of violent crime, but there are risks such as pickpocketing, often by begging children, scams and isolated attacks, especially against women. Tourists should secure their valuables, avoid unlicensed alcohol offers and be cautious about unexpected calls or requests for payment. Scepticism is also advisable when it comes to alleged prize notifications and emails. When paying with bank or credit cards, beware of fraudsters who try to secretly copy the traveller‘s bank card and spy on the associated PIN code in order to then withdraw money from ATMs with fake cards. Travellers are therefore advised to always keep an eye on their bank card when making payments and to only enter their PIN number when it is concealed. Caution is advised when using bank and credit cards with PIN codes in currency exchange offices.
Special criminal provisions:
The purchase, possession and export of ‘cultural and natural properties‘ is severely punished (prison sentence of up to 10 years), as these properties are regarded as state-owned assets. In case of violation, several months of custody and high bail fees (currently approx. £7,500) are common procedure for tourists, too, even if they hold antiques or old objects of supposed small value. In individual cases, prison sentences are imposed. You are therefore urgently warned not to acquire or take along antiques, old coins, fossils, etc. from retailers. It is strongly advised against making political statements in public against the Turkish state or expressing sympathy with terrorist organisations.
Photographing military and other security installations, border facilities and members of the security forces is not permitted. In certain places, such as cemeteries, religious sites or private properties, photography may also provoke negative reactions from the local population and security forces.
Medical information:
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specifi c health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries). Each country-specifi c page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
Caution is advised when eating uncooked food, unpasteurised milk (e.g. fresh milk, ice cream) and fruit that can not be peeled. Please avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes in drinks! Rule of thumb: do not eat anything that can not be cooked or peeled!
Medical care:
Medical care in major Turkish cities and tourist areas has improved, with private hospitals offering almost European standards. However, there are shortcomings in rural areas. International health insurance is often not recognised, and advance payments are common in private clinics. Travellers should clarify costs in advance, obtain comprehensive information, check their insurance cover and carry a first-aid kit.
It is strongly recommended to take out international health insurance with the option of medical repatriation to the UK.
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: January 2026