Whenever you travel to another country, your entry will be down to that destination’s government and authorities. That means that things can be different depending on where you visit, and it pays to understand the entry requirements before you head out.

If you’re holidaying in Turkey this year, lucky you! You’ve chosen a beautiful country with picturesque landscapes, exciting local food, and many historic and modern attractions. You might be wondering if you need a visa to get into Turkey. Or perhaps you aren’t sure what one is, and you’re looking for a little more information.

A visa is an official document, like a ticket, that lets the holder enter a foreign country for an agreed period. There are four different types: tourist, immigration, student, and business. In this guide, we’ll be primarily discussing tourist visas.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

If you’re a British citizen, your passport qualifies you for visa exemption in Turkey. That means you can visit Turkey for up to 90 days out of every 180 days without a visa. So, for typical one or two week holidays in Turkey, Britons won’t need any type of visa to enter but can rely on their passport instead.

Note: while you don’t need a visa, the Turkish government requires at least 6 months left on your passport and 1 blank page for stamps.

If you’re visiting for more than 90 days – maybe you’re taking time to see the country or spending several months in a second home – you need to apply for a visa beforehand. This might be a longer-stay tourist visa or another type depending on your reason for visiting.

Suppose you have a different type of British nationality; for example, you’re a British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or British Subject. In that case, Turkey classes your document as a British Special Passport, and you’ll need to apply for an e-visa online before you travel.