Turkish travel warning
If you’re planning to travel to Turkey for your summer holidays this year, then the advice is very clear, keep your wits about you at all times and exercise a high degree of caution.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has issued guidelines for anyone who is planning a trip to Turkey, advising visitors to follow the guidance of national and local authorities, to stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media, and devise and/or review a personal security plan.
The Government strongly advises against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border between Turkey and Syria, and advises against all but essential travel to the provinces of Hatay, Kilis, and Sirnak.
Pic: Getty Images
If you are planning a trip to Turkey, remember that Irish citizens do NOT need a visa, but do require a passport with minimum 150 days’ validity to enter the country and passport cards are not accepted.
Dual Irish/Turkish citizens, including children, should ensure that they also carry a valid Irish passport to ensure no issues are encountered when travelling back to Ireland.
The Embassy stresses, it is NOT able to intervene in decisions taken by Turkish immigration authorities. If someone is refused entry to Turkey, they will be held in the airport pending deportation on the next available flight back to their original destination, on the airline company they travelled with.
The harbour of Alanya in Turkey. Pic: Shutterstock
If you’re planning to visit Ankara or Istanbul, its important to note that large demonstrations have taken place in Istanbul and other Turkish cities since March 2025. A ban on demonstrations is currently in place and a number of restrictions on transport and movement within the city have been in effect.
Avoid all protests and demonstrations and minimise time spent in crowded areas, particularly those frequented by foreigners.
Carry an ID or photocopy of passport at all times and present to security officers if requested.
Person shows an Irish passport
The best help is often close at hand so if problems arises, try talking to local contacts, tour operator representatives or hotel management.
Register your details with the Department of Foreign Affairs so that you can be contacted quickly if there is an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
