Vaccinations for Turkey
Turkey forms the bridge between Europe and Asia and is a destination with an enormous variety of landscapes, cultures, and attractions. From the historic streets of Istanbul and the beaches of the Turkish Riviera to the mountainous inland regions and the unique rock formations of Cappadocia, the country offers something special for every traveler.
Due to the size of the country and the differences between urban areas, coastal regions, and mountainous areas, health risks can vary by region. A beach holiday on the coast involves different considerations than a tour through the interior or a visit to higher-altitude areas.
With the right vaccinations and preventive measures, you can significantly reduce health risks and enjoy your trip to Turkey with peace of mind.
At our clinic in Rotterdam, you will receive personalized travel advice tailored entirely to your itinerary, length of stay, and health status.
Which vaccinations do you need for Turkey?
For travel to Turkey, the following vaccinations are recommended in most cases:
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio)
- Hepatitis A
Depending on your trip, additional vaccinations may be recommended:
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Measles
Which vaccinations are necessary for you depends on:
- The regions you visit
- The duration of your stay
- The season
- The type of accommodation
- Contact with animals or local residents
- Any visits to friends and family
Are vaccinations mandatory for Turkey?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travelers departing from the Netherlands to Turkey.
However, DTP and hepatitis A are recommended for virtually all travelers. Depending on the length of your stay, the activities you plan to undertake, and your personal circumstances, additional vaccinations may be advised.
Not sure which vaccinations are appropriate for your trip? We will assess this during your personalized consultation.
Is malaria a risk in Turkey?
For most tourist destinations in Turkey, malaria does not pose a significant risk.
During a travel consultation, we will review your exact itinerary and provide advice on any additional health precautions that may be relevant to your situation.
Travel healthy to Turkey
In addition to vaccinations, there are several health risks to consider:
- Schistosomiasis through contact with freshwater surface water
- Rabies through contact with animals
- Measles in certain travelers
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Altitude sickness in higher-altitude areas
In Turkey, schistosomiasis may occur in certain freshwater environments. Infection can result from contact with freshwater surface water, such as lakes, rivers, or stagnant water. Therefore, avoid swimming or other direct contact with freshwater when this is advised against.
Mammals, including dogs and other animals, may also carry rabies. Avoid direct contact with animals and always seek medical evaluation after an animal bite or scratch.
Travelers visiting friends and relatives may have an increased risk of measles. It is therefore important to ensure that your measles protection is up to date.
If you are staying in mountainous areas above 2,500 meters, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. Ascending gradually can help prevent these symptoms.
We also provide practical preventive advice and assess which additional vaccinations may be beneficial for your trip.
When should you get vaccinated for Turkey?
We recommend scheduling an appointment 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Some vaccinations require time to build up optimal protection. During the consultation, we will review your travel plans and provide personalized vaccination advice.
Traveling at short notice? Please contact us anyway. In many cases, we can still provide advice shortly before departure.
Why choose Corporate Travel Clinic?
- For both private individuals and business travellers
- Originating from the Harbour Hospital and Institute for Tropical Diseases
- Over 100 years of experience in travel medicine
- Personalised advice, always in line with the latest guidelines from the National Coordination Centre for Travellers’ Health Advice (LCR)
- LCR-certified
- Centrally located in Rotterdam
- Easily accessible by public transport with convenient parking options
- No waiting times, fast appointments available
- Family appointments possible
Want to know more?
Curious about which medical preparations are advisable for your trip to Turkey? Then also take a look at our FAQ.
