Foreign Office travel advisory for Brit holidaymakers, historical items from Turkey to avoid

Monday, October 8, 2018

A new advice from the Foreign Office warns that Brits can land up 12 years in prison from buying historical items back from Turkey.It is illegal to buy antiques in Turkey which are available on offer for sale in souks and markets.

As  per the government advisory- the possession, sale and export of antiquities is against the law and a prison sentence of 5 to 12 years along with a substantial  fine will remain applicable.

The historical items found at local markets and in antique shops can be sold within Turkey but it was illegal to export. The legal requirements should be confirmed before a purchase was made while coming back with an antique historical item.

However, there was no age limit specified on the antiques implying that the custom officials were the decision makers on anything the foreigner take home. The antiques tend to be measured by rarity rather than age.

It is expected from the holidaymakers to remain careful when shopping in Turkey to avoid any kind of inconvenience.

Earlier a Brit was arrested and slung into a Turkish jail after he took coin back to the UK which he got while snorkeling.

The FCO further explained that antiques were not the only thing which Turkey has strict rules on, visitors should ensure that they carry their passport and a printed copy of the e-visa or the residence permit all the time.

It also warned of taking photographs near military or official installation and a permission should be approved before clicking people in Turkey.

One could also face a prison sentence if one tries to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, deface or tear up the currency.

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