Turkey

As of 2026, Turkey has expanded its visa-free access for several Western nations. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and many European Union countries can now enter Turkey for tourism or business for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, travelers from countries like Australia and Canada are still required to obtain a Turkish e-Visa before arrival, which can be easily secured through the official government portal. It is a professional best practice to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry and to carry a digital or printed copy of your travel insurance, as border officers may occasionally request proof of coverage.

Tipping in Turkey, known as bahşiş, is a common way to show appreciation for good service, though the amounts are generally modest. In standard restaurants, a gratuity of 10% to 15% is the norm; however, unlike in Western Europe, you cannot usually add a tip to a credit card payment. Therefore, it is essential to carry small denominations of Turkish Lira to leave in cash for your server. For other services, it is customary to tip hotel porters about 20–50 TL per bag and to leave 20–30 TL per night for housekeeping. Taxis do not expect a percentage-based tip, but it is standard practice to "round up" the fare to the nearest convenient 5 or 10 Lira note.Is Turkey safe for tourists, and what common scams should I watch out for?