Emergency Help Abroad – Turkey

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Turkey — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties including long prison sentences and possibly worse.

• Carrying weapons (including knives, sprays) without the appropriate licence or justification is illegal.

• Alcohol consumption in public is regulated; being intoxicated in public or in restricted areas can attract police attention.

• Drink-driving laws are strictly enforced and penalties are high.

• Importing illegal substances or failing to declare controlled items can lead to immediate arrest.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Turkey is a secular country with strong cultural and religious norms — modest dress is expected at mosques, religious sites and in conservative areas.

• During the month of Ramadan and in some provinces, eating or drinking in public during daylight hours may be frowned upon.

• Disrespecting national symbols, currency, or the state flag is a criminal offence.

• Littering in beaches, parks or historic sites can result in fines.

• Damaging historic monuments, archaeological sites or natural heritage zones is illegal.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police and security forces may request identification; travellers should carry their passport or a clear copy.

• Public drunkenness, disorderly behaviour or aggressive conduct can quickly lead to police intervention.

• Scams, including taxi scams, bag-snatching and fake tour operators occur in tourist hubs — remain vigilant.

• Protests, demonstrations and large gatherings may be restricted, and participation as a foreigner can carry risk.

• Bribing police or officials is illegal and can significantly worsen your situation.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving without valid licence, insurance or failing to meet vehicle standards is illegal and fines are enforced.

• Using unlicensed taxis, informal ride-services or unregistered drivers can carry safety risks.

• Overstaying your visa or tourist permit (e-visa) may lead to detention or penalties.

• Traffic rules, seatbelt laws, helmet laws for scooters/motorbikes and speed limits are enforced in many regions.

• Entering restricted border regions or military zones without authorization is a criminal offence.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone usage is regulated — flying near airports, military bases or border areas without permission is prohibited.

• Photographing government buildings, secured installations or military sites may be forbidden.

• Some mosques, museums or cultural sites restrict photography or require entry rules — always check signage.

• Taking photos of individuals without permission, especially in rural or conservative areas, may lead to issues.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Some beaches, cliffs and natural areas are designated no-access zones — entering them can result in fines or rescue costs.

• Removing natural items (shells, coral, stones) from protected coastal or heritage zones is illegal.

• Fires, barbecues or open flames in forests or rural zones may be prohibited during dry season or fire risk periods.

• Feeding wildlife, leaving rubbish in nature reserves or ignoring warning signs can carry penalties.

• Turkey is in an earthquake-prone region — ignoring structural safety, warning signs or seismic risks is dangerous.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging, climbing on or stealing artefacts from historic ruins, temples or protected sites is strictly illegal.

• Entering restricted zones around archaeological sites, tombs or heritage spaces without permission is prohibited.

• Purchasing or exporting items made from endangered species or illegal antiquities is a crime.

• Respect traditional practices, cultural customs and heritage site rules.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or routine in the UK may not align with local customs or regulations in Turkey.

• Don’t disrespect mosques, including entering without modest dress, or using flash photography.

• Don’t speak loudly or display affection inside religious areas, where quiet behaviour is expected.

• Don’t drink alcohol in conservative neighbourhoods or near mosques, even if legal elsewhere.

• Don’t photograph military areas, police stations or border posts, as this is prohibited.

• Don’t underestimate traffic when crossing streets, especially in busy cities like Istanbul.

• Don’t ignore earthquake advice, as Turkey is in an active seismic zone.

• Don’t accept unsolicited guiding at tourist sites, where expectations for tips may be high.

• Don’t disrespect Atatürk statues or national symbols, which can be seen as offensive.

• Don’t purchase counterfeit goods, which are illegal and widely sold in markets.

• Don’t wander into remote rural areas without local knowledge, especially regions with limited infrastructure.

• Don’t swim outside designated zones, as currents on some coastlines are strong.

• Don’t drive after drinking, as enforcement is strict.

• Don’t point the soles of your feet towards people, as it may be considered impolite.

• Don’t ignore dress expectations in rural villages, where modesty is appreciated.

• Don’t rely on card payments everywhere, particularly in bazaars.

• Don’t haggle aggressively in markets, as polite negotiation is expected.

• Don’t handle or step on prayer rugs, especially in homes and mosques.

• Don’t feed stray animals without care, as it may attract groups of animals.

• Don’t underestimate heat in summer, particularly in inland regions.

• Don’t ignore local rules regarding drones, as permissions may be required.