Turkey travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Turkey of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days beyond your date of departure from Turkey. Enter as a tourist and you can stay up to 90 days; longer stays or work require a residence permit or work visa.

You enter Turkey visa-free for tourism. At passport control, have your passport and proof of return or onward travel ready. The 90-day limit applies per 180-day period, so plan longer trips or multiple entries accordingly. For work, study or stays over 90 days, apply for the correct visa or permit before travel.

Ireland has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate in Istanbul. If you need help while in Turkey, contact the embassy in Ankara for passports, consular assistance or emergencies. Register your trip with the DFA before you go so they can reach you in a crisis.

Turkey is generally cheaper than Ireland for food, transport and accommodation. A budget traveller can manage on about €40–€60 a day; a mid-range trip with hotels and some tours runs €80–€120. Istanbul and coastal resorts cost more than inland towns. Carry lira in small notes for markets and small vendors.

Direct flights from Dublin to Istanbul take about 4 hours. Turkish Airlines and others operate the route; from Cork or Shannon you may need a connection. Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. From IST, the metro and airport buses reach the city centre in about 45–60 minutes.

Turkey uses types C and F sockets, the same as Ireland, with 230 V and 50 Hz. Your Irish plugs will fit without an adapter. If you bring devices from other regions, check voltage compatibility.

Tipping is common but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave 5–10% if service is not included. Round up taxi fares, tip hotel staff a few lira, and give hamam staff and guides a small amount. Many tourist restaurants add a service charge; check your bill.

Dial 112 for all emergencies – police, ambulance and fire. English is spoken by many operators in tourist areas. For consular help, call the Irish embassy in Ankara. Save your travel insurance details and the embassy number before you travel.

Answers to the most common questions for Irish travellers.

Information is drawn from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish government. Always check official sources before travel, as rules can change.