Visa
Visitors from most countries are required to have a visa to enter Turkey. Prior to departure, applications should be made to Turkish Consulates in the country of origin to obtain a visa. However, visas may also be obtained upon entry. U.S. and European citizens need to have a visa for Turkey. Visas issued upon entry are valid for three months. Visas for longer stays and for study, research or employment must be obtained in advance. Passengers in transit through Turkey who do not leave their port of transit do not require visas.
All applicants should contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to learn their visa requirements and procedures. Turkish missions abroad are listed at www.mfa.gov.tr
Safety
Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel, and its crime rate is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe for travelers. Naturally, we recommend that travelers to Turkey exercise the same precautions they would elsewhere, and be aware of security concerns that affect all international travelers.
The Turkish Government takes air safety very seriously, and maintains strict oversight, particularly on international flights. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has places Turkey's civil aviation authority in Category 1-in full compliance with international aviation safety standards in overseeing Turkey's air carrier operations. In the days following the September 11 attacks, Turkish Airlines was one of the first international airlines cleared by the FAA to fly into the United States.
Prior travel
The best way to see and experience Turkey depends on one's knowledge, experience, and personal preferences. Touring is a safe way to experience new cultures and to see new places with peace of mind. Some travelers may prefer to visit sites independently without the confines of schedules and timetables.
Those who wish to travel to Turkey should make travel arrangements in advance. Cusomized itineraries can be designed to suit individual's time and preferences. In that, hotel and car rental reservations, and if required other services, can be arranged prior to arrival. Travelers can also make their own hotel reservations. The hotel guide web site www.hotelguide.com.tr comprehensively lists accommodation facilities throughout Turkey. Turkey is a destination with diversifications some two weeks itineraries are suggested in Turkey.
When to travel
The high season for Turkey is generally from mid-mid-April to late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much cooler and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Coastal regions are particularly popular with tourists during the summer months. These include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast with beaches and numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient cities, and yachting facilities.
Temperatures are given in oC (degrees Celsius) in Turkey, conversions can be made from Celsius to Fahrenheit using following formula = (9/5)oC + 32
The web site of the General Directorate of the Turkish State Meteorological Service, www.meteor.gov.tr, gives current sea and air temperatures, humidity and 3-day weather forecasts for all cities in Turkey and for the holiday resorts of Alanya, Anamur, Bodrum, Dalaman, Finike and Marmaris.
How to travel
Most visitors arrive in Turkey by flying directly into Istanbul or aboard cruise ships, which dock in ports including Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Izmir. Visitors may arrive in Turkey by land at border crossings from neighboring countries. There are also ferry connections from several Greek islands to ports in mainland Turkey.
Popular travel destinations in Turkey
Turkey is a country of contrasts. You will have diverse choices from the perfect beaches and ancient ruins to its cosmopolitan cities, Visitors can lose themselves in the magic of a historic palace before enjoying a world-class meal, or swim amidst Roman ruins before continuing their journey in the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht.
Religious history and issues of faith
Turkey has served as home for the three principal religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through out Turkish history all three religions have co-existed peacefully for centuries. For detailed information please refer to relevant pages.
Getting around
Generally every major city in Turkey has air service and Turkish Airlines offers nationwide services. Most flights connect through Istanbul or Ankara, both of which have domestic and international terminals. You can check Turkish Airlines' schedules and book flights at www.turkishairlines.com or call them toll-free in the U.S. at 1 800 874 8875.
Where to stay
Turkey offers a wide array of comfortable and modern lodgings to fit any budget. Larger cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, offer a range of international chain hotels, as well as many charming locally run Turkish properties. Seaside resorts on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and other popular tourism destinations abound with hotels, pensions and holiday villages. Many of the Turkey tour specialists listed in our guide can make hotel reservations.
How to dress
Casual wear is appropriate for most tour excursions. Women wear pants or skirts, but when visiting mosques it is recommended that they cover their heads with a scarf and both sexes should not wear shorts out of respects for religious customs.
Exchange money
Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank web site at www.tcmb.gov.tr.
There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most merchants.
Vaccinations
There are no vaccination requirements for any international traveler.
The World Health Organization web site, www.who.org, provides vaccination certificate requirements by country, geographic distributions of potential health hazards to travelers and information on health risks and their avoidance (click on "Travelers' Health").
Tap water
Turkey practices safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.
Turkish bath, Hamam
Turkish Bath or Hamam had a significant place in Ottoman culture. Many baths, most of them architectural master piece from Sinan, were built throughout the empire. An experience of Turkish Hamam is a great fun.
What and where to buy
Shopping is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey and the rich variety of Turkish crafts makes it impossible to resist buying something. Fine apparel of silk, cotton, leather and wool; artful jewelry; leather accessories; brilliant faience (colored tiles); vessels of copper, brass, marble, meerschaum and alabaster worked by master artisans; and of course heirloom-quality Turkish carpets and kilims, are among the most popular purchases. Great value and an enjoyable shopping experience can be found everywhere, from small towns to big cities. Visit the "What to buy" section at www.turizm.gov.tr to discover shopping opportunities in each province.
Information centers
There are more than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. Information on the principle Turkish international art and culture festivals and other important events can be found at www.turkey.org The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation's web site, www.istfest.org, gives detailed information on their festivals in Istanbul.
In recent years, Turkey has been very popular with the congress tourism market. For more information on ICEC, CNR, TUYAP and for a calendar of fairs and exhibitions at these centers, visit their web sites: www.icec.org, www.itf-exhibitions.com, and www.tuyap.com
Further information
For more information about the Turkish Republic and discovering what Turkey has to offer to visitors may call or write to either of the two Turkish Government Tourism Offices in the U.S. at: Turkish missions abroad are listed at www.mfa.gov.tr
Washington, D.C. Turkish Government Tourism Office
2525 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: (202) 612-6800
Fax: (202) 319-7446
E-mail: dc@tourismturkey.org
New York Turkish Government Tourism Office
821 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Telephone: (212) 687-2194
Fax: (212) 599-7568
E-mail: ny@tourismturkey.org
An up-to-date website is also maintained with useful information and links about many subjects relating to Turkey and Turkish tourism at www.tourismturkey.org. The Turkish Ministry of Tourism's web site at www.turizm.gov.tr is also a comprehensive site featuring many topics relating to Turkish tourism.