An important rule to know when you go on vacation to Turkey
Over the past few years, Turkey's popularity as a vacation destination among British tourists has skyrocketed. Although Istanbul has always attracted crowds of tourists, the country now boasts paradise beaches in Antalya and Marmaris, as well as the unusual cave city of Goreme with the hot air balloons of Cappadocia.
The cheap cost of a vacation in Turkey is also a big advantage – you can get a package deal from TUI for as little as £192. However, if you are traveling to this country, you need to remember one very important rule, otherwise, you can get a big fine or even get arrested, – reports the DailyStar.
The Turkish police often stop people in public places to check who they are, and if you can't prove your identity, it can have unpleasant consequences for you. In Turkey, you must carry a photo ID with you at all times. This is the law for everyone, both locals and visitors, and it cannot be broken.
If you can't show your ID when asked by the police, you can get in trouble and have to pay a fine. Or the police will take you to the station. This is not something you want to face while on vacation!
The UK Foreign Office recommends that people traveling to Turkey always have their passports with them. If you're staying in the country for less than 90 days, you don't need a visa, but if you're staying longer, make sure you also have a copy of your visa, Birmingham Live reports. You should always have these documents with you whenever you go out, whether you are at the beach or visiting tourist attractions.
This is stated on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "In Turkey, it is illegal not to carry a photo ID. Always have your passport or residence permit with you. In some busy areas, especially in Istanbul, authorities may stop people to check their documents. There are also several police checkpoints on major roads throughout Turkey."
So don't forget to have your documents with you. If you're afraid to leave them on the beach, buy a waterproof bag to carry them with you while swimming.
If you are British and planning a vacation to Turkey, you should also check your passport well in advance of your trip. Unlike popular European destinations like Spain and Greece, which rely on EU rules, Turkey has different entry requirements. You need to have at least five months (or 150 days) in your passport from the date of arrival until it expires.
The travel expert warns Brits not to skip the required five-minute passport check before vacationing. Also, remember to leave a blank page in your passport for entry and exit stamps. If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to renew your passport before traveling. If you need to get a new passport, don't forget to take into account the time it will take to get it made.
Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about the best places in Turkey for vacation: where and when to go on vacation in Turkey.