Travel Vaccines and Advice for Turkey
Bazaars, Hamams, beaches, museums, the cities, and the ruins are some of Turkey’s amazing sites.
When travellers are looking for a place to rest their heads, Turkey offers some of the best boutique hotels. The Keyebek Hotel, the Alcati, the Safranbolu, the White Garden Pansion, the Nisanyan Hotel, and the Casa di Bava are amazing places to stay.
Turkey also offers tours for travellers to see the sights. It gives tourists the chance to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Turkey. Taking pictures makes travellers capture their own memories on film.
Whether you love seeing the sites, being adventurous or learning about history and culture, Turkey a perfect place to visit.
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkey?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Turkey. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Turkey: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
While there is no active polio transmission in Turkey, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Turkey |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | While there is no active polio transmission in Turkey, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Turkey |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Bird flu has been found in some parts of Turkey. While the most recent case was in 2003, there is still some risk. Avoid contact with poultry while in the country and be sure to receive a flu shot.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Turkey
“The service provided was excellent and would refer my friends travelling to set up an appointment at this location. Feel fully prepared for trip to Turkey.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable service. Thorough briefing on required vaccinations and medications for Turkey. All vaccinations and medications available on site.”
“The nurse was great and very knowledgeable . She is accommodated and patient . Highly recommend coming to this clinic to receive an excellent travel consult for Turkey.”
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Turkey?
A visa and passport are required for entry to Turkey. Make sure your visa has at least six months validity and one page for an entry and exit stamp.
Turkey Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Turkey? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Turkey and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Entry to or from other Middle Eastern countries can be complicated. Consult with a travel documents specialist as you plan your trip.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate like in Turkey?
Turkey has a diverse climate with seven different climatic regions. Here are the following regions in Turkey.
- Marmara — This region has a country atmosphere with farmlands for fruits, vegetables and grains. Winter temperatures are cold while summers can reach the high-30’s.
- Mediterranean — With high mountain ranges and amazing beaches, it is a must visit. It has beaches and fertile plains. The temperatures range from 45 to -5 with a rainfall of 80 centimeters.
- The Black Sea Coast — Stretching for over 1,600 kilometers, this coast has lush green grass and often rains. The region is known for their cherries and hazelnuts. Temperatures range from the low-teens in winter to high-20’s in summer.
- Anatolia — The weather is warm most of the time. In the summer the temperature can reach 46 degrees. Winters are cold, as low as -12 degrees.
How Safe Is Turkey?
Travelling to Turkey does pose more risk than many other regions. Terrorist attacks have been known to occur and traveller safety is at risk. Travel to the southeastern regions is not recommended.
More urban areas like Istanbul are safer destinations. Increased security and government efforts have helped secure these regions. But, crime is still committed against travellers. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, is common.
Do not walk alone at night and travel with a group during the day. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at tourist sites as theft is more common there.
Keep a copy of your travel documents with you at all times.
The Pamukkale Thermal Pools
For travellers who need to relax after a long day, the thermal pools are an ideal place to unwind.
The breathtaking frosted landscape will amaze tourists. The white calcareous castles were made from limestone thermal springs. This allowed the deposits of calcium to become potholes, stalactites, and cataracts. The healing properties have been known to help with asthma and rheumatism.
What Should I Take to Turkey?
When you travel to Turkey, you need to think about what to take with you. Here are the following things you should take on your trip.
- Dress Code — Pack clothes and shoes that are comfortable, yet modest. It’s a good idea to pack for every occasion whether it’s in the city, at the beach, on a yacht cruise, or for the weather. You want to be respectful when visiting certain places in Turkey.
- Tickets, Money and ID — Make sure you keep copies of everything with you when travelling to and around Turkey. Officials can, and do, ask for documentation at various times and could detain you if you do not have what is required.
- Medicine — Make sure to bring any prescriptions medications you may need with you, in your carry-on. Be sure to keep them in a safe place once you arrive to avoid any incidents.
Canadian Embassy in Turkey
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Turkey, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Turkey
Cinnah Caddesi No. 58,
Çankaya 06690,
Ankara, Turkey
Tel.: 90 (312) 409-2700
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkey?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Turkey?
What Is the Climate like in Turkey?
How Safe Is Turkey?
The Pamukkale Thermal Pools
What Should I Take to Turkey?
Canadian Embassy in Turkey
