Do I need a passport to travel to Northern Cyprus (TRNC)?
Under the rules current as of January 2025, Turkish citizens can travel to the TRNC with the new chip-enabled Turkish ID card; the old-style paper ID booklet is not accepted. We recommend not using your passport for TRNC travel.
How does tax-free shopping work for purchases I make abroad?
Tax-free rules vary from country to country. The golden rules: shop at a store that offers tax-free processing, say at the till that you want to shop tax-free, and have your passport ready. Make sure you collect the tax-free form and your invoice/receipt from the store. In some countries (for example Japan, until 1 November 2026) certain stores can apply the deduction directly at purchase, but in most cases you complete the process at customs when leaving the country. Refunds to a credit card or bank account are usually commission-free, whereas cash refunds involve both a currency conversion and a processing fee — even so, unless you bought something very expensive, cash is often the more practical option. Some countries require a minimum purchase amount. For details, visit Global Blue. One important point, especially for purchases in an EU country: do not start using the item until you have completed the tax-free formalities at that country's customs — in short, keep it in its packaging.
We're relocating abroad and were told the visa paperwork must be in English, but the agency won't provide it. What should I do?
Technically, if your documents were issued in English in the first place, both hotels and agencies will provide them in English. If they weren't, you can obtain them in Turkish and have them translated (ideally by a sworn translator) before submitting them to the relevant authorities.
I'm travelling to the Gulf countries on business. What should I watch out for?
Above all, do not carry alcoholic beverages with you. If you take psychiatric medication, carry prescriptions for it in both Turkish (or your own language) and English. Beyond that, photographing buildings other than museums, malls and the like — or photographing people — can result in heavy fines. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and especially smoking in public can likewise attract substantial fines.
I have dual citizenship. Do I have to show my Turkish passport when entering Türkiye?
Yes — those who retain Turkish citizenship while also holding another nationality must present their Turkish passport when entering and leaving Türkiye.
When leaving Türkiye, can I use the e-passport fast-track gates together with my child?
No. The e-passport fast-track gates are open to adult use only.
Can my spouse and child travel abroad without me?
You need to issue a notarised letter of consent. It must state explicitly that your child may travel with your spouse without you.
My spouse and their friends are taking the kids on holiday. Is a letter of consent required?
Yes. A letter of consent should be issued for the stay.
I'm coming to Türkiye for health tourism. How can I check whether the company is authorised?
You can check the lists published by the Turkish Ministry of Health: Authorised health facilities and intermediary organisations
Can I still pay the Turkish exit fee with a physical stamp?
No. The physical stamp for the exit fee has been discontinued. You can pay via banks' mobile apps or through the online tax office (İnternet Vergi Dairesi) instead.
With a Greek visa-on-arrival, can I hop from one island to another?
No. The visa-on-arrival is valid only for the island where it was issued.
Is travel health insurance mandatory when going abroad?
No, it is not mandatory. However, we recommend taking out travel health insurance that also covers accidents, in case of any illness or accident. In particular, since travel health insurance may be requested during passport control at Schengen entries, having it will help you avoid problems at passport control.
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