Turkey Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. An area of increased risk was updated. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to the U.S. mission operations. Exercise increased caution to Türkiye due to terrorism , armed conflict , and arbitrary detentions . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to southeast Türkiye due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict. Advisory Summary On March 9, 2026, the Department of Sta...

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Turkey safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: very_easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 9am-7pm. Each area has a rotating on-duty pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) open 24/7. You can find the nearest 24/7 pharmacy by searching online or asking any pharmacy. Major chains like Grifin and Acibadem are common in cities. Prescription rules: Many medications that require prescriptions elsewhere are available OTC in Turkey. For controlled substances and prescription medications, you'll need a Turkish doctor's prescription. Some medications may require a special import permit. 💡 Tips Pharmacies (eczane) are widely available. Many common medications are available OTC without prescription — this is one of the easiest countries in Europe for pharmacy access. However, for prescription medications, you'll need a Turkish doctor's prescription.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $25-50/week 💡 Tip Private hospitals in tourist areas often have direct billing agreements with international insurers. Public hospitals are less expensive but may not have English-speaking staff. Medical tourism is well-developed — even for non-tourists, private healthcare is affordable. 💡 Tip Private hospitals in tourist areas often have direct billing agreements with international insurers. Public hospitals are less expensive but may not have English-speaking staff. Medical tourism is well-developed — even for non-tourists, private healthcare is affordable.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Turkey controls many common medications — some prescriptions valid in other countries may be restricted or require documentation. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter and prescription. British and other foreign prescriptions are not accepted at Turkish pharmacies; you may need to arrange a local prescription through a Turkish hospital. Penalties for possessing illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe (4–24 years imprisonment), and Turkish airports use advanced screening technology on all passengers including those in transit.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Legal with prescription (red or green prescription depending on type). Turkey uses a color-coded prescription system. Must carry original packaging and doctor's report for travel.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are strictly prohibited narcotics under Turkish Penal Code (Article 188-191). Adderall is not available. Importing carries severe criminal penalties (5-10+ years imprisonment).
• Cannabis / CBD — BANNED: Cannabis is illegal for all purposes. Turkey has zero tolerance. CBD products are also illegal regardless of THC content. Penalties for possession range from 1-2 years; trafficking carries 10+ years.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by red prescription (kırmızı reçete) from specialists. Tightly controlled. Travelers need a doctor's report and must declare at customs. Limited to personal-use supply.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine requires prescription. Available in some formulations. Stronger opioids require red prescription. Very strict import controls—carry full documentation.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Expected but not as high as in the US. Leave 10-15% at restaurants (rarely included). Tip tour guides 50-100 TRY/hour or $5-10 USD/day. Hotel porters 20-30 TRY/bag. Tip hammam attendants. Always tip in cash.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Insulting the Turkish flag, Atatürk, or Turkish national identity (illegal under Penal Code Article 301)
• Discussing the Kurdish issue or Armenian history with strangers
• Public displays of affection beyond hand-holding (frowned upon outside Istanbul)
• Showing the soles of your feet to someone
• Refusing hospitality (tea, food) without a good excuse

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Turkey: