Turkey is a beautiful country for a holiday but it pays to know the law of the land before you travel
For travellers heading to Turkey for a summer getaway, there are a couple of weird rules that could see tourists in hot water if they break them.
Anyone heading to Turkey should be aware that there are strict laws in place about the flag – it is illegal to burn or deface it in any way, and this includes miniature replicas of it – like those on money.
Even though the chances of any sensible holiday maker burning cash are relatively low, it pays to keep in mind that you could face criminal prosecution or fines. Writing on money, or tearing it up could also see you in hot water for the same reason. As well as these laws, it’s also illegal to speak ill of the nation of Turkey on social media.
Another law in Turkey which could catch out tourists is that it’s illegal to not have some form of identification on you at all times.
Citizens, non-citizens, residents and tourists are all required to carry ID on them 24/7, and Turkish police have been known to carry out spot checks, especially in crowded areas.
Failure to show ID upon request could lead to a fine, so it’s always better to have your passport or some other form of identification on you for safekeeping.
Snapping pictures could also get you into trouble – it’s illegal to take photos of, or near the Turkish military or military spaces – there might be some leeway if you ask politely but overall, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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