Thinking of travelling to Turkey this year? Whether you’re visiting for the traditional rainbow-coloured spice-bazaars and sweeping golden beaches or ancient relics and lively resorts, it’s a popular tourist destination for good reason – and now we have another to add to the list! It’s been announced that from 2 March 2020, British nationals travelling to Turkey (for business or pleasure) will no longer need a visa to enter the country for visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period – thanks to the country’s recent decision to abolish current visa rules. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara announced a statement: “As of 2 March 2020, Turkey has decided to exempt visa requirements for the members of the European Union Schengen area, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland as well as the United Kingdom citizens for touristic travels to Turkey for every 90 days within 180 day period.

“This step aims at increasing our tourism potential with these countries as well as further developing our trade, economic and cultural relations”.

But what do these new rules this mean for us sun-seekers? Turkey holidays could be much cheaper moving forwards since visitors will no longer have to pay a fee for their visa (which could rack up to approximately £100 for a family of four!) – meaning you’ll have even more to spend on those all-important ice creams!

If you plan on travelling to Turkey before 2 March however, you will still need a visa. If you haven’t done so already, travellers can get an e-Visa online via the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website – but please note this should be applied for at least 48 hours prior to travelling.