Travel health and safety for Türkiye 🇹🇷
Turkey (Officially the Republic of Türkiye) is a unique country that sits on both Europe and Asia, blending two continents’ cultures and histories. In Istanbul, you can see famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, shop in the Grand Bazaar, and cruise along the Bosphorus. Outside the city, visit Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscapes, the beaches of Antalya, or ancient ruins like Ephesus.
Before you go, make sure you’re up to date on the recommended travel vaccines for Turkey. Along with routine vaccinations, some travelers may also consider hepatitis B or typhoid depending on their itinerary. It’s a good idea to bring any medications you might need during your Turkey trip, such as stomach remedies, allergy pills, or motion sickness tablets, especially if you plan on hiking, boating, or trying lots of new foods.
With its warm hospitality, flavorful dishes like kebabs and baklava, and unforgettable sights, Turkey is a destination full of adventure. With the right health prep, you’ll be ready to enjoy it safely and comfortably.
Travel Immunizations for Turkey
What vaccines do I need for Turkey? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.
Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.
- Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
- Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections.
- Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
- Hep-B vaccination is recommended for long-term travelers, those planning to work in healthcare settings, or those who may have intimate contact with locals.
- Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection contracted through contaminated food or water
- Symptoms include high fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Typhoid can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.
- Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
- Travelers should avoid contact with stray animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched by an animal.
- It is essential to receive appropriate medical treatment, including post-exposure prophylaxis, if exposed to rabies.
- While travelling, take precautions, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system.
- Spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or when you consume unpasteurized milk products.
- A vaccine against TBE does exist but is only available in countries where the disease is present particularly in Eastern Europe.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when traveling internationally.
- Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
- Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.
Chikungunya is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
- One-time vaccination is approved in those over the age of 18 and offers lifetime protection.
- Particularly recommended for those traveling for a duration of 2 weeks or greater with anticipated outdoor mosquito exposure.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:
Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)
Protects against three different bacterial infections.
Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.
Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.
Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.
Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.
The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.
Turkey Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations
Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water
- Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
- Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.
- Azithromycin, the first-line antibiotic against travelers diarrhea, is available by prescription for self-treatment if symptoms develop. This can be obtained in your Travel Medicine consultation.
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.
Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Turkey
Pain Relief
Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.
Anti-Diarrheal Medications
It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.
Antacids
Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.
Allergy Medications
If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.
Sun Protection
It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.
Motion Sickness Medications
If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.
Medical Services and Facilities in Turkey
- Modern medical care is available in major cities but may not be in remote areas. Immediate cash payment is often required.
- Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in the coverage offered abroad.
- Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Medical Tourism in Turkey
Medical tourism is common in Türkiye, but serious health complications have occurred. Before leaving for a medical travel trip:
- Choose providers approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
- Research risks, insurance coverage, and facility credentials before you go.
- Consult your doctor in Canada and get a written treatment plan.
Consular Assistance in Turkey
Street Address: Cinnah Caddesi No. 58, Çankaya 06690, Ankara, Türkiye
Telephone: 90 (312) 409-2700
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/turkiye/ankara.aspx?lang=eng
Street Address: Buyukdere Caddesi No: 209, Tekfen Tower, 4.Levent, Istanbul, Türkiye
Telephone: 90 (212) 385-9700
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/turkiye/istanbul.aspx?lang=eng
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
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