Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or setting foot into Turkey for the first time, if you’re considering plastic surgery, there are a few extra things to think about:
Do I even need a visa to enter the country for surgery? Exactly how long will I have to rest after surgery (and where)? When will I be able to travel back home? Is there anyone who can help with all the travel planning?
If all these questions are bothering you, fret not — you’re at the right place for answers.
1. Do You Need A Visa To Enter Turkey?
Visa requirements can vary depending on different factors:
For UK Citizens
UK citizens holding diplomatic and ordinary passports have a visa exemption for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). But it’s important to have a passport that is valid for a further 6 months after the date of travel.
Your passport will provide you with access to Turkey from any airport, port or other methods of entry into the country, either in a single trip or across multiple stays.
However, as per the MFA, those with service and special passports need to get a visa to enter Turkey. Additionally, those who have “British National Overseas”, “British Subject,” and “British Protected Person” nationality also need to get a visa, and they can only do so through the “Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad.”
You can visit the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for general information about getting a visa.
For Non-UK Citizens
If you hold the passport of another country, depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need an e-Visa. According to the MFA, you can get an e-Visa in “approximately 3 minutes,” and you can get one anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
Through the Turkish Electronic Visa Application System, you can obtain one online if you meet their criteria, provide them with the necessary information and make the payment (fees can vary depending on your nationality).
For more information regarding the Turkish visa and whether you are eligible to apply, you should check out the visa information for foreigners on MFA’s website.
Upon acceptance, you can download the e-Visa on your phone, tablet or alternative portable device and start travelling immediately from the date of validity. However, it is advised to keep a paper copy to hand in the case of any failures on the system or any other cases that you may not be able to show your digital copy.
While physical visas are available from various ports and airports, for the time being, it’s likely that this will be replaced completely by digital versions in the future. For this reason, e-Visas must be applied for in advance of travel, and it is advised that you file this application up to 3 months ahead of your desired travel date.
2. What Can You Expect During Your Stay?
After you arrive at the airport in Turkey, you will take the private transfer, arranged by us, to your hotel. The hotel itself will be a 4 or 5-star accommodation. Since we collaborate with different hotels, we can adjust it according to your expectations and budget.
Please note that throughout your stay in Turkey, you will have a dedicated Patient Coordinator to help you. They’ll accompany you during your medical appointments (where they’ll translate for you) and will be available to answer any questions before and/or after your procedure.
3. What Can You Do While You Recover From Your Surgery?
Specific aftercare instructions can vary depending on the type of procedure you’ve had. While there are a lot of tourist attractions in Istanbul, your doctor might advise you to rest after your procedure as your body will need time to heal.
For instance, you may be advised against prolonged sun exposure, strenuous physical activity, swimming, going to the sauna, etc. It will also be important for you to eat healthy and take good care of your incisions. You’ll also have to be careful about not incurring any trauma at the site of your surgery.
Your surgeon may advise short walks for blood circulation in the days following your discharge. However, as every patient can feel discomfort differently, post-op instructions may vary. Before you embark on any activity, make sure to clear it with your surgeon.
4. When Can I Travel After My Surgery?
Following your surgery, you will be given a full aftercare plan by your surgeon that will be entirely personalised to you and your individual case.
This plan will depend on your treatment, how your body reacted to the given procedure and any other expectations or requirements you may have. For this reason, the point at which you can travel will differ on a case-by-case basis.
However, there are standard recovery times we implement across different procedures before you are able to fly to ensure that your results and most importantly, your health are kept at the forefront of your priorities. The minimum stay for your procedure may be as follows:
- Breast Enlargement/Breast Lift/Breast Reduction– 7 nights
- Nose Job– 10 nights
- Liposuction– 7 nights
- Tummy Tuck – 10 nights
- Facelift – 10 nights
- Eyelid Surgery – 10 nights
- Dental Implants – 1st Visit: 4 nights/2nd Visit: 6 nights
- Crowns – 6 nights
- Veneers – 6 nights
- Hair Transplant – 2 nights
5. Can Someone Help You With Travel Planning?
Before you fly to Turkey, you will be assigned to the Reservations Team who will help prepare your itinerary. They’ll make sure it is completely suited to your personal requirements for a seamless experience.
Your Travel Consultant can assist you in finding the best, most affordable flights according to your preferred travel schedule and location within your country.
Effectively conducting the legwork on your behalf, you can rest assured that your travel will be dealt with by our experienced team so nothing is missed.
Upon arrival in Turkey, you will be met by one of our friendly greeters located within the airports, from which you will then be guided to your private vehicle and driven to the hotel.
This same service can be available for each of your appointments throughout your stay, so you won’t need to worry about public transport or finding your way around in Istanbul.
For more information ahead of your visit to Turkey or to book your initial consultation with our team, you can call us at +44 20 3409 1947 or reach out on WhatsApp via +44 74 6447 7229.
