Each country has its own guidelines about which medicines are legal. Medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States could be considered unlicensed or controlled substances in other countries.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Türkiye cannot provide legal advice or assurances regarding the import of substances, including personal medications. You may reach out to your local Turkish Embassy or Consulate to inquire.
Please review the CDC’s guidance on traveling abroad with medicine: Traveling Abroad with Medicine | Travelers’ Health | CDC.
Medical Tourism
Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. The quality of health care in Türkiye can vary. People seeking health care in Türkiye should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.
If you are considering travel to Türkiye for elective surgery such as hair transplants, dental procedures, or other cosmetic surgery, be mindful of the following:
- Have a medical evaluation from a U.S. doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
- Before travel, carefully research the doctor (e.g. qualifications, experience performing the surgery, complication rate) and credentials of the recovery facility you plan to use.
- Share all health information (e.g. medical conditions, medications, allergies) with your doctor before your surgery.
- Obtain international travel insurance that covers medical evacuation back to the United States and repatriation of remains. For more information, see: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/insurance.
- See a travel medicine professional in the United States at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to discuss healthy travel and to learn about specific risks related to your surgery and travel. For more information on the risks of medical tourism, see: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism.
- Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Türkiye.
Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. U.S. citizens should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing services or may be required to pay their bill in full when discharged.
For more information about Your Health Abroad, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html