Overview
The British Embassy in Ankara is the United Kingdom's principal diplomatic mission in Turkey, coordinating the bilateral relationship across political dialogue, trade and investment, defence cooperation, consular services, and cultural exchange. Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British travellers — millions of UK nationals visit annually for the Mediterranean and Aegean beach resorts, Istanbul's historic and cultural attractions, Cappadocia's landscapes, and the Turquoise Coast. The UK maintains an extensive consular network across Turkey to support this large tourist population: the British Consulate General in Istanbul serves the Marmara region; a Vice-Consulate in Antalya covers the Mediterranean coast; a Consulate in Izmir serves the Aegean; and Honorary Consulates in Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris provide local support in the most popular British resort areas.
Visa Services
British nationals do not require a visa for tourist visits to Turkey of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For Turkish nationals wishing to visit the UK, visa applications are processed through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) — the embassy and consulates cannot assist with UK visa enquiries directly. Consult gov.uk for current entry requirements for Turkey, including passport validity requirements.
Consular Services
The embassy provides emergency consular assistance for British nationals throughout Turkey: passport replacement and emergency travel documents, support following arrest or detention, assistance after death of a family member, help for victims of crime, referrals to local lawyers, funeral directors, and translators, and notarial and documentary services. Consular fees apply for some services. For British nationals in coastal resort areas, the consulates and honorary consulates in Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris provide more accessible local support.
Trade & Export Support
The UK and Turkey maintain a significant trade relationship underpinned by the UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement signed in 2020. Bilateral trade spans automotive components, machinery, textiles, defence equipment, energy, financial services, and consumer goods. Turkey is an important manufacturing partner for UK automotive brands and a growing market for British services exports. The embassy's trade team at the Department for Business and Trade supports British companies exploring the Turkish market.
Investment Opportunities
Turkey's large domestic market, young population, strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, and growing infrastructure create investment opportunities for British companies. Key sectors include energy (renewables and nuclear — the UK has expertise in both), infrastructure, financial services, technology, healthcare, and education. Turkish companies also invest in the UK, particularly in manufacturing, retail, and technology. The embassy facilitates bilateral investment through the Department for Business and Trade.
Business Support
The Department for Business and Trade team at the embassy offers British companies market intelligence, regulatory guidance, introductions to Turkish business partners, and support for trade missions and events. The British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey and bilateral business councils facilitate networking and commercial cooperation.
Cultural & Educational Programs
The British Council Turkey, with offices in Ankara and Istanbul, promotes cultural exchange, English language education, and educational partnerships. British universities attract significant numbers of Turkish students, and university-to-university research collaborations span engineering, sciences, and humanities. Cultural events include film screenings, art exhibitions, music performances, and literary festivals connecting British and Turkish creative communities.
Service Area
The embassy has diplomatic oversight for all of Turkey. For consular services, British nationals should contact the nearest mission: Embassy Ankara (capital region), Consulate General Istanbul (Marmara/northwest), Vice-Consulate Antalya (Mediterranean coast), Consulate Izmir (Aegean), Honorary Consulates Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris (southwest coast resort areas).
Appointment Information
Public access by appointment only. For consular enquiries, use the online form at contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk or call +90 312 455 33 44. For emergencies outside office hours, call the same number for the out-of-hours service. Check gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey for current travel advice.
Special Notes
The embassy is located at Şehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A in the Çankaya district of Ankara. Turkey is one of the UK's most visited destinations — consult FCDO travel advice before travelling, particularly regarding regional security recommendations. The Turquoise Coast, Cappadocia, Istanbul, and the Aegean coast offer diverse experiences from beach holidays and sailing to historical exploration and gastronomy.