How to Travel to Turkey

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 References

Turkey is a country known for its rich and diverse culture, its deep history, and its warm people. Traveling to Turkey can be difficult at times, and some might even find it too dangerous to visit (as of June 2018, a travel advisory is in place due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions), but it’s well worth it to be able to experience all that the Mediterranean country has to offer. If you plan your trip carefully and take steps to ensure your own safety, traveling to Turkey can be an immensely rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:
Planning Your Trip

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Make sure your passport is valid for at least 60 days longer than the duration of your stay. According to the Turkish government, most foreigners who wish to enter the country must have a passport that expires no sooner than 60 days after the end of the duration of stay on their visa.^{[1]
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- For example, if you’re entering Turkey with a visa with a 90-day duration of stay, your passport must be valid for at least 150 (90+60) days after the date of your arrival.
- There are some countries whose citizens are legally able to enter Turkey with expired passports or their national IDs. Consult the website for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if your country is included in this exemption of the passport requirement: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/countries-whose-citizens-are-allowed-to-enter-turkey-with-their-national-id_s.en.mfa.
- If you need to renew your passport, be sure to begin this process early, as it can take a long time to complete. For example, renewing your American passport may take up to 6 weeks.^{[2]
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Obtain a visa ahead of time. While some nation’s citizens are conditionally exempted from visa requirements, most foreigners wishing to enter Turkey will need to have a visa. Check the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website to determine your exemption status: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
- If your nationality is eligible, the easiest way to apply for an entry visa is to use Turkey’s e-Visa online application system to have a printable visa emailed to you. Make sure you’re able to print out your visa before purchasing it online.^{[3]
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- If you’re unable to purchase an e-visa online, you will have to do so at a Turkish mission in your country. Begin this process well in advance, as it may take up to a month for you to acquire your entry visa.^{[4]
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- The cost and duration of your visa will ultimately depend on your nationality. Consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website to determine your country’s status.
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3
Exchange your travel money for Turkish currency. Decide how much spending money you want to take with you, and exchange it for Turkish lira. You can do this at many banks, in international airports, or through online currency converters.^{[5]
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- Exchanging currency at the airport may be convenient, but it will also have the highest fees. Consider using a bank or online converter first.^{[6]
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4
Pack comfortable but modest clothes. The climate in Turkey runs from hot, dry summers to cold, wet winters, so pack appropriate clothing for the months you plan to visit. Although fashion in Istanbul and most Turkish cities is fairly similar to that of Western Europe, in some areas, dressing more modestly may be more appropriate.^{[7]
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- If you plan on visiting any mosques, or traveling to the relatively conservative eastern half of the country, be sure to pack clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Women visiting these areas should also consider packing a headscarf.^{[8]
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5
Learn some key facts about Turkish culture before leaving. For most international travelers, Turkish culture will be markedly different than the culture they’re used to. Get acquainted with some of the key aspects of Turkish culture to help you better understand the people and country you’ll be visiting.
- For example, Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, and many areas in the east and outside Istanbul are relatively conservative. If you’re a woman traveling in these areas, consider dressing in a more reserved and formal fashion, keeping your shoulders and knees covered.^{[9]
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- Be discrete about discussing political issues in Turkey; some people may be particularly sensitive or passionate about certain topics, especially relating to the government.^{[10]
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Learn a few key phrases in Turkish. If you plan to travel outside the cities, knowing some Turkish will be particularly useful, as many people do not speak English. Being able to speak to Turkish people in their native language will also help you build a connection with locals and make your trip much more rewarding.^{[11]
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- Although most Turks don’t speak English, those living in tourist centers such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, or resort towns on the Mediterranean coast usually have a working knowledge of English that they use to communicate with tourists.^{[12]
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- If you have an iPhone, download the iTranslate Translator app to your phone before traveling, as it will allow you to translate from Turkish to English and vice versa on your phone. Both Android and iPhone users can also use the Google Translate app.
- Useful words might include “yes” (evet), “no” (hayir), and “thank you” (tesekkür ederim).
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:
Traveling and Finding Accommodations

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Book a flight into Atatürk International Airport if traveling from far away. Although it is possible to travel to Turkey by car or train, for most travelers, the easiest way to enter the country will be by air. Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport is Turkey’s principal destination for most long-haul international flights, and you can easily arrange travel to other locales from here.^{[13]
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- To save money, try booking a flight into Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Istanbul’s “second airport,” which offers some international flights at a discounted rate.^{[14]
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- Book your ticket at least three months ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the best price and that you’ll able to fly on the dates you prefer.^{[15]
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- If you were unable to purchase your visa online, you will also be able to purchase one on arrival to the airport.^{[16]
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- If you’re flying from the United States, keep in mind that only Turkish Airlines flies direct flights between the U.S. and Turkey.^{[17]
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Book a hotel or apartment within your budget. Turkish accommodations run the gamut from 5-star hotels to quaint country houses. Don’t feel compelled to bust your budget on a top hotel room.^{[18]
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- While traveling abroad, make sure you’re always able to reliably access the Internet from your hotel room or country house, as you may need to use the Internet to change your travel arrangements or get in contact with your government.^{[19]
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- For maximum safety, stay in a hotel with identifiable security measures in place, and don’t book lodging without internet access. Security measures might include security cameras, uniformed armed guards, and metal detectors. ^{[20]
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Use public transport to get around. Major cities like Istanbul have affordable and reliable transit systems in place, and most towns and cities in Turkey are connected by bus. Use this system to safely and conveniently get around the country.^{[21]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:
Sightseeing in Turkey

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Get a Museum Pass. Museum Passes give you free entry into all museums in the city you’re visiting for up to 5 days. The pass will give you entry into some of the major sites, including Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Mosaic Museum, and the Yildiz Palace.^{[22]
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- Make sure you see everything you want to see in each museum the first time; the Museum Pass only grants you entry to each museum once.
- As of June 2018, the Museum Pass costs 85 Turkish lira.
2
Visit the countryside. It’s easy when visiting Turkey to limit yourself to cities like Istanbul and Ankara, but there’s a lot to see and experience in rural areas that visitors often overlook. Make a point of going out into the countryside every weekend to experience rural Turkish living and get to know the locals.^{[23]
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- Fun countryside activities might include strolling through historic towns with centuries-old buildings or hiking through the scenic mountains to get a better view of the surrounding landscape.
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Experience the local bazaar. The sights, smells, and frantic activity of Turkish bazaars are a must for any first-time visitor, and they can be found in most cities and towns in Turkey. Try the free samples the vendors hand out, and don’t be afraid to barter--it’s expected!^{[24]
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- A good rule of thumb for bartering may be to start at half the asking price and work your way up.
4
Follow proper etiquette when visiting mosques. If you plan on visiting any mosques while in Turkey, be sure to behave appropriately, especially if you’re not worshipping in the mosque.^{[25]
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- Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Women should wear headscarves; if you don’t have your own, many of the larger mosques will provide them free of charge.
- Don’t eat inside the mosque.
- Be respectful of worshippers; don’t disturb them or be disruptive during prayers, and don’t take their pictures without their permission.
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:
Staying Safe and Being Respectful

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Avoid criticizing the Turkish state. It is against Turkish law to criticize the government or the military, and you may be arrested if caught doing so. Also avoid criticizing Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish state, as he is highly respected among many Turks today.^{[26]
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Show proper decorum while in public. Dress and behave modestly when in public spaces, especially in areas outside Istanbul and other major cities.^{[27]
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- Refrain from public displays of affection, as these are generally considered inappropriate in Turkey.
- Don’t take people’s pictures without their permission. Especially avoid taking pictures of people praying, women wearing veils, and any government buildings.
- During the month of Ramadan, devout Muslims fast from sunup to sundown. If your travel in Turkey coincides with this month, avoid eating in public during the day, as a sign of respect.
3
Keep your ID and visa on you at all times. Carry identifying information and your entry visa with you at all times, and comply with Turkish security personnel if they ask to see them. Keep them in a secure location on your body, such as a bag you hold near the front of your body, and be aware of their location at all times.^{[28]
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- Carry your hotel’s Turkish business card with you whenever you leave the hotel grounds. If you’re lost, you can show this card to locals or taxi drivers who don’t speak English and get back to your hotel during an emergency.^{[29]
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4
Keep apprised of your government’s travel alerts regarding travel to Turkey. If there are any sudden changes in the safety of the part of Turkey you’re traveling in, you’ll want to know about them as soon as possible. Periodically check your government’s safety advice for traveling in Turkey to stay informed about security conditions in the area.^{[30]
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- If you’re American, consider enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Program to receive important information about safety conditions and to help the U.S. Embassy get in touch with you during emergencies.^{[31]
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Avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Avoid placing yourself among crowds or in situations that may become violent or unpredictable. This is especially important in southeastern Turkey and along the Syrian border.^{[32]
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Carry a cell phone you can use in an emergency. Be sure to have a phone you can use to get in contact with your hotel, the police, or your nation’s embassy during an emergency. Save these emergency numbers in the phone before you leave your hotel.^{[33]
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- Use a cell phone with a local SIM card to avoid paying international roaming charges on your domestic cell phone.^{[34]
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Warnings

Always maintain a high level of vigilance and be aware of your surroundings.

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Use good judgment about your personal security; if you ever feel like you’re in a dangerous environment, leave where you are and seek assistance.

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