As of Monday 2nd March 2020, British tourists will no longer need a visa to travel to Turkey. The decision was made to increase tourism and revenue in the country after it was revealed over 45 million* foreign visitors travelled there in 2019.
Mr Hami Aksoy, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:
“…Turkey has decided to exempt visa requirements for the members of the European Union Schengen area, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland as well as the United Kingdom citizens for touristic travels to Turkey for every 90 days within 180-day periods.
This step aims at increasing our tourism potential with these countries as well as further developing our trade, economic and cultural relations.”
At the moment, British tourists need a travel permit which costs £27 to travel to the country and prior to changes, were also required to pay a fee of £10 upon entering Turkey. However, this is due to change on 2nd March 2020 when visas are to become exempt for British travellers.
According to The Independent, ‘the move has been welcomed by leading travel figures.’ The chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, Steve Heapy says:
“Turkey is one of our most popular destinations, and this news makes it much easier for hard-working British families to enjoy a well-deserved holiday to this beautiful country.”
Holidaymakers will still need to make sure they have a valid passport with at least six months of validity left from the date they enter Turkey. They will also need to ensure there is a blank page in their passport for exit stamps.
Travel to Europe remains uncertain for holidaymakers who wish to travel after the transition period, which is due to end on 31st December 2020. More information can be found about post-Brexit travel on Brexit advice for holidaymakers.
*https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/turkey-to-lift-visa-regime-for-five-schengen-countries-and-uk/
