Overview
For public health advisory information regarding travel to Türkiye, please refer to “Generic FAQ on COVID-19 Travel” found at https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Ankara/Announcements/Generic-FAQ-on-COVID-19-and-Travel-Matters.
Following the recent earthquakes on 6 and 20 February 2023 which devastated large parts of Southeast Türkiye, please avoid travel into all the affected regions. Should you still be in affected areas, please remain alert to your surrounding environment as aftershocks may continue, and damaged buildings and infrastructure may pose a personal safety hazard. Do leave as soon as possible to safer areas.
All Singapore passport holders do not require a visa for visits less than 90 days within 180 days from date of initial entry to Türkiye for social visit purposes. As visa requirements can change at short notice, we advise you to contact your travel agency, or the Embassy of Türkiye in Singapore for up-to-date information. Please ensure that your passport has space for entry and exit stamps including the minimum validity, and that all prevailing entry requirements are met, or you could be denied entry into Türkiye.
Natural Disasters: Parts of Türkiye experience earthquakes and tremors. In the event of such occurrences, please follow guidance from local authorities. It is encouraged to familiarise yourself with relevant general safety procedures. The main Turkish authority for disaster and emergency management is AFAD (https://en.afad.gov.tr/).
Petty crime: In major cities, petty crimes like purse snatchings, and pickpockets, most commonly occur in crowded areas, transport hubs and tourist sites. Travellers should also be alert to theft from unattended vehicles and from hotel rooms.
As a number of Singaporeans have been victims of fraud, do exercise caution when making online friends, be wary of accepting free services, invitations by strangers to food and beverage outlets, and sending money to unknown recipients. Hitchhiking or accepting lifts from strangers is not recommended, especially for lone travellers.
If unsure, Singaporeans should consult with the local authorities or their travel operators for the latest advisories and information.
We strongly advise Singaporeans to adhere to local laws during their stay in Türkiye. Singaporeans are subject to all local laws and penalties. Do familiarise with local laws prior to arrival, especially for those on extended stays. Do note the following:
1. The Turkish Police and Gendarmerie have the right to request for information on your identity and address. You may be detained until your identity can be established if you fail to provide the requested information. Singaporeans are advised to carry an official photographic identity document (e.g., Passport, National ID, Residence/Work permit, etc) with them at all times. Refusal to cooperate with the authorities or the provision of false information may lead to a fine or imprisonment.
2. Türkiye has strict laws against the use, possession, or trafficking of illegal drugs. If convicted of any of the above offences, you may receive a heavy fine or a prison sentence.
3. The possession, sale, and export of antiques from Türkiye is strictly forbidden, with severe penalties for those who attempt to do so without official permits. Antiques brought into the country should be registered in the owner’s passport to avoid difficulties upon exit.
4. It is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or national flag, and to deface the local currency.
Most money changers in Türkiye do not accept Singapore dollars. If you plan to buy the Turkish Lira (TRY) in Türkiye, please bring along new US dollars or Euros in cash. You can obtain TRY from exchange bureaus (known as Döviz in Turkish) and withdraw TRY from ATMs, which are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Do note that most ATMs have additional commission charges for withdrawal services.
Visitors are not permitted to use drones for aerial videography or photography in Türkiye. However, foreign nationals with Turkish residency permits may register drones (below 500 grams) for aerial photography through the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) (https://iha.shgm.gov.tr/public/register).
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]
Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.
Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
While travelling
Advisory: Email Scams
There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.
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