Dental implants in Antalya: a practical guide

Choose the clinic, not the holiday

The NHS treatment abroad checklist makes an important point: your decision should be based on the quality of care, not on how appealing the destination is for a holiday. Antalya is a pleasant place to recover, but that should never be the reason you choose a clinic. Our clinic checklist helps with that part.

Getting there from the UK

• Flights: Antalya Airport (AYT) has direct flights from many UK airports, especially between spring and autumn. Direct flights usually take around four hours.
• Winter travel: there are fewer direct routes in winter, so you may need to connect via Istanbul.
• From the airport: most city clinics are a short drive away. Many clinics arrange transfers. Check whether yours is included.
• Passport and visa: the UK government says your passport must be valid for at least 150 days after you arrive. With a British citizen passport, you don't need a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Time difference: Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK in summer and three hours ahead in winter.

Where to stay

For treatment, it's easiest to stay close to your clinic rather than in a resort far out of town. You'll have several appointments, sometimes on consecutive days, and you'll want to rest afterwards. Many clinics include a hotel nearby in their package. Ask which hotel, how far it is from the clinic, and how many nights are included.

Recovering after surgery

• Plan to rest for the first day or two after implant surgery.
• Stock up on soft foods and drink plenty of water. It can be hot, especially in summer.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol while you heal, as your dentist advises.
• Ask before swimming, saunas or strenuous exercise.
• Keep your follow-up appointments before you fly home.

Antalya in brief

Antalya is a large city on the Mediterranean coast, backed by the Taurus mountains. The old town, Kaleiçi, has a historic harbour, and there are long beaches on both sides of the city. Summers are hot. Spring and autumn are milder and popular for treatment trips.

Common questions

How long is the flight from the UK to Antalya?

Direct flights from the UK usually take around four hours. Many UK airports have direct flights in summer, with fewer routes in winter.

What is the time difference?

Turkey stays on the same time all year. It is two hours ahead of the UK in summer and three hours ahead in winter.

Can I swim or sunbathe after implant surgery?

Ask your dentist. You will usually be advised to rest for the first few days, avoid strenuous activity and keep the area clean. Your dentist will tell you when it's fine to swim.

Do I need to speak Turkish?

No. Clinics that treat UK patients usually have English-speaking staff and coordinators. Make sure you can talk directly with your dentist, with a translator if needed.

Sources

1. NHS — Treatment abroad checklist (choose on quality, not the destination)
2. GOV.UK — Turkey travel advice: entry requirements
3. GOV.UK — Turkey travel advice: health
4. Health Türkiye — Turkish Ministry of Health portal

Checked October 2026. Where we give our own view as a clinic, we say so.