Tourism is an essential industry for many countries around the world, and the relationship between the United Kingdom and Turkey in terms of tourism has been a long-standing one. For decades, Turkey has been a popular destination for British tourists seeking sun, sea, and sand. The country's rich history, culture, and natural beauty have also drawn in visitors from the UK.
Historically, the United Kingdom and Turkey have had strong ties, with trade, diplomatic relations, and cultural exchange dating back centuries. This relationship has extended to the tourism industry, with Turkey attracting British tourists for many years. The first direct flights from the UK to Turkey were in the 1960s, and since then, the number of visitors from the UK has grown steadily.
One of the main reasons why British tourists choose Turkey as their destination is its stunning coastline. With miles of sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are perfect for sun-seekers. Popular resorts such as Bodrum, Antalya, and Marmaris offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury all-inclusive resorts to self-catering apartments. Additionally, Turkey's cultural attractions, including ancient ruins, mosques, and museums, make it a popular destination for history buffs.
Another reason why British tourists choose Turkey is its affordability. Compared to other European destinations, Turkey offers excellent value for money. Flights, accommodation, and meals are all generally cheaper in Turkey, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
The impact of tourism on both countries has been significant. For Turkey, tourism is a crucial industry, contributing to the country's economy and providing employment opportunities. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), in 2022 the number of visitors to Turkey increased by 71% to 51,387,513.
In 2022, one in 22 people in the UK visited Turkey - namely, three million tourists from the UK. This is the highest figure since records began!
Turkey has abolished all anti-epidemic measures and restrictions on entry from any country in the world because of all border crossings.
As of 01.06.2022, there are no requirements for entry into the country to provide a certificate of vaccination, a negative result of PCR test or a negative result of rapid antigen test.
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Entry Procedure to Turkey for citizens of the United Kingdom
Do UK citizens need a visa to Turkey?
British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Do I need a visa to Turkey if I have a different type of UK citizenship?
If you hold a different type of British nationality (eg BN(O), British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, British Subject or British Overseas Territories Citizen), check visa requirements with the Turkish Consulate General before you travel. These types of passport are classed as ‘UK Special Passports’ in the Turkish e-Visa system. You will need to apply for a visa from the Turkish Consulate General before you travel.
What documents do I need for a visa-free trip to Turkey from the UK?
- Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of the trip and have at least one free page for stamps.
- Document that confirms the tourist's place of residence in Turkey: hotel reservation, travel agency voucher.
- Return ticket.
- Medical insurance.
- Proof of funds for the trip (bank statement or other document).
How can a British citizen extend his or her stay in Turkey (for tourist trips of more than 90 days)?
To extend their stay beyond this period, British citizens need to apply for a short-term residence permit (ikamet) in Turkey.
A 3-month residence permit can be obtained once in one calendar year by applying to the authorized body. It must be done before the 90-day visa period expires.
Read more about obtaining a short-term or long-term residence permit for UK citizens in Turkey here
You can stay in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days if you obtain a visa that corresponds to the purpose of stay - it can be for
work,
study or
medical treatment.
It is a must for UK citizens to have
health insurance when traveling to Turkey. In addition to the fact that the policy must be presented at the border crossing, having health insurance can protect the tourist from unnecessary expenses in an emergency situation.
What are the requirements for insurance for a tourist trip to Turkey?
- Insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay in the country by a tourist.
- Medical insurance policy has a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
- The validity of the policy begins at least one day before the traveler's arrival.
- The insurance must cover basic services such as emergency care for injuries and unforeseen illnesses, as well as the exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Turkey has always been a popular destination among travelers from Great Britain. This beautiful country has a lot to offer, from stunning scenery to vibrant culture. If you are planning to visit Turkey from the UK, air travel is the most convenient and fastest way to get there.
The fastest way to get from the UK to Turkey
The fastest way to get from the UK to Turkey is by direct flight, which takes an average of 4-5 hours depending on the departure and arrival airport. With numerous direct flights, travelers can quickly arrive in Turkey and start exploring this beautiful country.
From which cities in the UK can fly direct to Turkey?
You can currently fly directly to Turkey from the following UK airports:
- London Heathrow
- London Gatwick
- London Luton
- London Stansted
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
These airports offer a range of flights to destinations across Turkey, including Istanbul, Antalya, and Dalaman.
Turkish airports that take flights from the UK:
- Istanbul Airport
- Antalya
- Esenboga
- Dalaman
- Milas
- Csardak
- Kayseri
- Elazığ
- Yenisehir
- Erzurum
- Sabihi Gokcen
- Samsun
What airlines fly from the UK to Turkey
When it comes to airlines, there are several options available for those travelling to Turkey from the UK.
- British Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- easyJet
- Jet2
- TUI Airways
These are some of the popular airlines that operate flights between the two countries. Each airline has its own schedule and ticket prices, so travellers are advised to check the options and compare prices before booking their tickets.
How much is a plane ticket to Turkey from the UK?
Ticket prices for flights to Turkey from the UK can vary depending on the airline, the departure and arrival airports, and the time of year. On average, a return ticket from London to Istanbul can cost anywhere from £100 to £400, while a return ticket from Manchester to Antalya can cost between £150 and £500. However, prices can fluctuate depending on demand, so travellers are advised to book their tickets early to secure the best deals.
For those who frequently travel to Turkey, there may be referral programs available that offer discounts on tickets. These programs allow travellers to earn rewards or discounts by referring friends or family to the airline. To find out if a referral program is available, travellers should check with the airline they are booking with.
How many days before is it better to buy a ticket?
The best time to buy a plane ticket London-Turkey is 50 days before departure. And the most expensive time to buy a ticket is 37 days before departure.
What time of day is the cheapest flight?
The cheapest flights to Turkey depart at night.
Turkey is a popular destination for British citizens, with many choosing to either visit or live in the country. There are an estimated 34,000 British people living in Turkey, including many British citizens with Turkish spouses.
There are several cities in Turkey that have a significant British expat community, including:
- Fethiye: Fethiye is a popular resort town located in the south-west of Turkey. It has a large expat community, and British citizens make up a significant proportion of this group. Many British expats are attracted to Fethiye due to its stunning coastline, warm climate, and relaxed way of life.
- Bodrum: Bodrum is a vibrant coastal town located in the south-west of Turkey. It is a popular destination for both tourists and expats, and has a significant British community. British expats are drawn to Bodrum due to its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and excellent restaurants.
- Antalya: Antalya is a large city located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It is a popular destination for both tourists and expats, with a significant British community. British citizens are attracted to Antalya due to its warm climate, excellent shopping, and beautiful coastline.
- Alanya: Alanya is a coastal town located in the south of Turkey. It is a popular destination for tourists and expats, with many British citizens choosing to make it their home. British expats are drawn to Alanya due to its relaxed way of life, excellent weather, and stunning beaches.
- Istanbul: Istanbul is a vibrant city located in the north-west of Turkey. It is the largest city in Turkey and has a significant British expat community. British citizens are attracted to Istanbul due to its rich history, bustling nightlife, and excellent shopping.
Turkey is a popular destination for British tourists, with a wide range of resorts to choose from. Here are some of the most popular resorts for British tourists in Turkey:
- Antalya: Antalya is a popular resort town located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and stunning scenery. Antalya is a great destination for families and couples, with plenty of activities to enjoy, including water sports, boat trips, and visits to historical sites.
- Bodrum: Bodrum is a lively resort town located in the south-west of Turkey. It is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and excellent nightlife. Bodrum is a popular destination for young people and couples, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to choose from.
- Fethiye: Fethiye is a charming resort town located on the south-west coast of Turkey. It is known for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful scenery. Fethiye is a great destination for families and couples, with plenty of activities to enjoy, including boat trips, water sports, and visits to historical sites.
- Marmaris: Marmaris is a lively resort town located on the south-west coast of Turkey. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and bustling nightlife. Marmaris is a great destination for families and young people, with plenty of activities to enjoy, including water parks, boat trips, and visits to historical sites.
- Oludeniz: Oludeniz is a popular resort town located on the south-west coast of Turkey. It is known for its stunning Blue Lagoon, beautiful beaches, and paragliding opportunities. Oludeniz is a great destination for families and couples, with plenty of activities to enjoy, including boat trips, water sports, and visits to nearby historical sites.
Turkey is a popular destination for UK citizens, with a wide range of hotels and resorts to choose from.
UK citizens consider several criteria when choosing hotels in Turkey for their vacation. Some of the most important factors include:
- Location: The location of the hotel is a critical factor for UK citizens when choosing a hotel in Turkey. Many UK tourists prefer hotels that are located near the beach or have a stunning sea view.
- Facilities: UK tourists generally look for hotels that offer a wide range of facilities such as swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and water sports. They also prefer hotels that have restaurants serving international and Turkish cuisine.
- Safety and security: UK tourists prioritize hotels that offer a safe and secure environment. They look for hotels that have 24-hour security, CCTV cameras, and fire safety measures in place.
- Reviews: UK tourists often check online reviews before making a hotel booking in Turkey. They read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of the hotel's facilities, service, and overall quality.
- Cleanliness: UK tourists prioritize hotels that maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene. They look for hotels that have strict cleaning protocols in place to ensure the safety of guests.
- Accessibility: UK tourists also consider the accessibility of the hotel when choosing a hotel in Turkey. They prefer hotels that are easy to reach and are located near public transportation.
Here are some of the most popular hotels in Turkey that are frequently chosen by UK citizens for vacations:
- Hillside Beach Club: Hillside Beach Club is a luxury resort located in Fethiye, on the south-west coast of Turkey. It offers stunning sea views, private beaches, and a range of activities including water sports, yoga, and tennis. The resort has won multiple awards and is known for its excellent service and facilities.
- Rixos Premium Belek: Rixos Premium Belek is an all-inclusive resort located in Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It offers a wide range of facilities, including a spa, a water park, and several swimming pools. The resort has multiple restaurants serving international and Turkish cuisine, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
- Gloria Golf Resort: Gloria Golf Resort is a luxury resort located in Belek, on the south-west coast of Turkey. It offers three championship golf courses, several swimming pools, and a range of activities including water sports and tennis. The resort has multiple restaurants serving international and Turkish cuisine, and is known for its excellent service and facilities.
- Titanic Deluxe Bodrum: Titanic Deluxe Bodrum is a luxury resort located in Bodrum, on the south-west coast of Turkey. It offers stunning sea views, several swimming pools, and a range of activities including water sports and tennis. The resort has multiple restaurants serving international and Turkish cuisine, and is known for its luxurious atmosphere and facilities.
Turkey