Turkey Travel Checklist: Everything to Do Before You Go

A practical, no-fuss checklist for travellers heading to Turkey. Work through it 6 weeks before departure, then again the week before you fly.

6 Weeks Before

✓ Check visa requirements
Rules depend on your passport. The UK and Canadian governments both say their citizens can visit Turkey for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. For other nationalities, check your own government’s travel advice and the Turkish embassy. If you need an e-visa, apply only through the official Turkish government system and avoid third-party sites that add fees. See our Turkey visa requirements guide.

✓ Check passport validity
The UK and Canadian governments say your passport must be valid for at least 150 days after you arrive. Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises six months from arrival, which is the safest choice. If yours expires within that window, renew it before booking anything.

✓ Book accommodation for first and last nights
Especially important in Istanbul and Cappadocia. Have an address ready for your first night.

✓ Sort travel insurance
Non-negotiable. Make sure your policy covers: medical expenses and evacuation, trip cancellation, theft and loss of belongings. If you plan adventure activities (paragliding, scuba diving, hiking), check these are included.

✓ Check vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Turkey. Recommended by most health authorities: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Check with your GP or travel clinic.

2 Weeks Before

✓ Notify your bank
Tell your bank you’re travelling to Turkey. Failure to do so risks having your card blocked. Check what fees apply for overseas ATM withdrawals and card payments.

✓ Download offline maps
Download Istanbul, Cappadocia, or wherever you’re going on Maps.me or Google Maps for offline use. You won’t always have data.

✓ Book any essential tours
Hot air balloons in Cappadocia, hammam appointments and popular restaurant reservations in Istanbul should be booked in advance, especially May–October.

✓ Register with your embassy
For longer stays (2+ weeks) or travel to eastern Turkey, register your presence with your country’s embassy online. Means they can contact you in an emergency.

On Arrival

✓ Get a local SIM card
Available from Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom at airports and city centre shops. Tourist SIM cards with data packages are excellent value (€15–25 for a month of solid data). Much cheaper than roaming.

✓ Get Turkish Lira from an ATM
Do this at the airport or your destination on arrival. Carry enough cash for your first day. See our Money in Turkey guide for ATM advice.

✓ Screenshot or print key information
Your accommodation address in Turkish (for taxis), emergency numbers, your insurance policy number, your return flight details. Phones die; have backup.

What to Pack

Documents:

Passport (plus a scanned copy stored online)
E-visa confirmation, if your nationality needs one
Travel insurance documents
Any booked tour confirmations

Clothing:

Modest clothing for mosques and conservative areas (shoulders and knees covered)
Lightweight layers — summers are very hot but evenings can be cool at altitude
Comfortable walking shoes — cobblestones in historic old towns are unforgiving
Swimwear if visiting the coast
Sarong or light scarf — mosque modesty covering, beach towel substitute, privacy on overnight buses

Practical: