1 – Determine the type of visa you need: For tourism purposes, you’ll typically apply for a Turkish e-Visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

2 – Check the eligibility criteria: Ensure that you meet the requirements for a Turkish tourist visa. These may include having a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, having a return ticket or onward travel itinerary, and having sufficient funds to cover your stay in Turkey.

3 – Apply online for an e-Visa: Visit the official website of the Turkish government’s e-Visa application system (www.evisa.gov.tr) and fill out the application form. Provide the necessary personal and travel information, including your passport details. You may also be required to upload a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself.

4 – Pay the visa fee: After completing the application form, you’ll need to pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee amount may vary depending on your nationality.

5 – Receive your e-Visa: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your e-Visa via email. Make sure to print a copy of the e-Visa or save it on your electronic device to present it upon arrival in Turkey.

6 – ravel to Turkey: When you arrive in Turkey, present your printed or electronic e-Visa, along with your valid passport, to the immigration officer at the port of entry. The immigration officer will verify your documents and grant you entry into the country.

It’s important to note that visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality. It’s recommended to visit the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or consult with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements.

Yes, internet access is widely available in Turkey. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, and internet connectivity is readily accessible in most urban areas and popular tourist destinations. You can find internet access in hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and other public places. Additionally, many cities in Turkey offer free Wi-Fi in certain public areas, such as parks, squares, and transportation hubs. Mobile internet coverage is also extensive, and you can easily purchase a local SIM card with data plans from various mobile operators to stay connected during your visit.

When it comes to tipping etiquette in Turkey, it is customary but optional to leave a tip for certain service providers. Here are some guidelines to consider:

Taxi Drivers: You can round up the fare to the nearest 20 or 50 turkish lira tip to the taxi driver.

Hotel Housekeeping: You can round up the fare to the nearest 20 or 50 turkish lira tip for houskeepers.

Restaurant Waiters: If a service charge has not been added to the bill in a formal restaurant, a tip of around 15% of the total bill is appropriate.

Bus and Car Drivers: If you have had different drivers throughout your journey, it is customary to tip them individually, particularly if they have assisted with heavy luggage. A tip of 50 to 100 lira for each driver is a common practice. Alternatively, you can give a tip to the guide on a day tour, and they will share it with the driver.

Gulet Cruise: If you are on a standard gulet cruise, a suggested starting point for tipping is around EUR 5 per passenger per day. For deluxe cruises, a higher tip may be more suitable. In the case of a chartered vessel, it is customary to tip the crew as a team, and a minimum of EUR 50 per day from your group is typically expected. It’s important to remember that gulet crew members often have a limited working season and rely on tips to support themselves and their families throughout the year.

Tour Guides: It is usual to tip your guide at the end of each tour based on their knowledge and communication skills. For a one-day tour, a tip of 100 to 200 lira to the guide is considered appropriate. If you have the same guide for multiple days, a similar rate per day may apply.

These tipping suggestions are provided as a general guideline, and the actual amount can vary depending on your level of satisfaction with the service provided.

Turkey has made efforts to improve accessibility for disabled people in recent years, although there are still some challenges to consider. While accessibility standards vary across different regions and establishments, major cities and tourist destinations generally have made progress in providing accessible facilities and services.

Many hotels, especially larger and more modern establishments, have rooms designed for disabled guests with features such as wider doorways, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms. However, it’s recommended to contact hotels directly to ensure their specific accessibility features meet your needs.

Attractions and historical sites in Turkey vary in terms of accessibility. Some popular tourist sites, such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, have made efforts to improve accessibility by providing ramps and elevators. However, older historical sites and archaeological sites may have limited accessibility due to their age and preservation concerns.

It’s advisable for disabled travelers to plan their trip in advance, research accessibility options for their specific needs, and contact relevant establishments or tour operators to inquire about accessibility features and assistance. Having a local guide or assistance can also be helpful in navigating certain areas or attractions.

Overall, while Turkey has made progress in improving accessibility, there may still be limitations and challenges in certain areas. It’s important for disabled individuals to assess their specific needs and capabilities and plan accordingly for a comfortable and enjoyable visit to Turkey.

Tourism in Turkey continues even during religious events or public holidays. While places like banks, schools, and offices may be closed, restaurants, hotels, and bars remain open.

There are two religious holidays that occur each year, and their timing varies based on the Islamic calendar. During these periods, road trips are generally avoided as there is heavy traffic with Turks visiting their hometowns to spend time with family. Banks and offices will be closed for the duration of these holidays. Tourist attractions and historical sites may close in the morning of the first day but will typically reopen for regular business in the afternoon.

The best time to visit Turkey and its popular destinations such as Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and the Mediterranean region can vary depending on personal preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. Here’s a general overview of the seasons and what they offer:

In general terms, you need to be alert to pickpockets and petty theft. However, levels of this kind of crime against tourists are far lower than in many European and North American cities. The risk of terrorist attack is probably similar to that in London or New York – generally very low. Turkey is a friendly country which has not been not affected by the Arab uprising. It is also very big. Many destinations in Turkey are far away from the border with Syria. For example, it is over 1550km from Istanbul to the Syrian border. We do recommend staying away from the border areas of Syria south of Antakya. There are many refugees in this area, and there is some tension. At this stage it seems completely safe, but we continue to watch for volatility. On the other hand, the Syrian border areas near Harran and Sanliurfa appear completely unaffected by the situation in Syria. We would also recommend avoiding the entire border area with Iraq, especially south of Hakkari. You should carry your passport or a photocopy of your passport with you at all times, and show it to police who ask for it (though this is likely to be very rare, unless travelling in the south east.) Roads in rural and regional Turkey are generally very good, and driving conditions are fine. Drivers are advised to always be on alert for small trucks overtaking in inappropriate circumstances. In Istanbul, driving conditions can be quite difficult and traffic can be very heavy, so it is not recommended except for drivers experienced with large cities. In general, when you come to Turkey, you will find a welcoming country with extremely warm, hospitable locals.

When traveling in Turkey, it’s important to remain vigilant against pickpockets and petty theft, as you would in any popular tourist destination. However, it’s worth noting that the levels of such crimes targeting tourists in Turkey are generally lower compared to many cities in Europe and North America. The risk of a terrorist attack is also relatively low, similar to that of cities like London or New York.

Turkey is known for its friendly atmosphere and has not been significantly affected by the Arab uprising. It is a large country, and many popular tourist destinations are located far away from the Syrian border. For instance, Istanbul is over 1550km away from the Syrian border. We do advise staying away from the border areas of Syria south of Antakya due to the presence of refugees and some underlying tension. However, at present, it appears to be completely safe, and we continue to monitor the situation for any potential changes.

On the other hand, areas near the Syrian border such as Harran and Sanliurfa remain unaffected by the situation in Syria. It is also recommended to avoid the entire border area with Iraq, particularly south of Hakkari.

It is advisable to carry your passport or a photocopy of it with you at all times and present it to the police if requested (though this is unlikely unless you are traveling in the southeast region). The road infrastructure in rural and regional areas of Turkey is generally well-maintained, and driving conditions are favorable. However, drivers should be cautious of small trucks overtaking in inappropriate circumstances. In Istanbul, driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic, so it is not recommended unless you are experienced with navigating large cities.

Overall, when visiting Turkey, you can expect a warm and welcoming country with hospitable locals who are ready to make your experience enjoyable.

The dress code in Turkey can vary depending on the region you visit. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts during the summer, it is common to see women wearing bikinis on the beaches. However, if you plan to visit a mosque, it is important to dress modestly with your cleavage, midriff, knees, and shoulders covered. Additionally, you will need to wear a headscarf.

In the more conservative regions of Southeastern Turkey, it is advisable for women to be mindful of local customs and dress more modestly. In Istanbul, as a cosmopolitan city, the clothing standards are more relaxed and in line with modern European fashion. However, it is still recommended to cover your cleavage and legs to avoid unwanted attention.

Istanbul: Istanbul has a moderate climate with distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild, and the city is less crowded. The summer months (June to August) can be hot and crowded, while winters (December to February) are cold and rainy.

Ephesus: Ephesus is located in western Turkey and experiences a similar climate to Istanbul. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, as the temperatures are pleasant for exploring the ancient ruins. Summers can be hot, especially in July and August, while winters are generally mild but with occasional rainfall.

Cappadocia: Cappadocia is known for its unique landscapes and hot air balloon rides. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is cool and the skies are clear. The summer months can be crowded, and winters can be cold with occasional snowfall.

Mediterranean Region: The Mediterranean coast of Turkey, including popular destinations like Antalya and Bodrum, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the temperatures are pleasant for beach activities and sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters are mild but with some rainfall

Eastern Turkey: Eastern Turkey, including destinations like Van, Mount Ararat, and Gaziantep, experiences distinct seasons with varying weather conditions. The best time to visit is typically during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, especially in July and August, while winters are cold with heavy snowfall, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. It’s important to note that some areas in Eastern Turkey may experience harsh winters and limited accessibility during this time.

Black Sea Region: The Black Sea region, including cities like Trabzon, Rize, and Samsun, has a humid and mild climate influenced by the sea. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and rainfall is relatively lower. The region is known for its lush green landscapes and tea plantations, which are in full bloom during this time. Winters can be cold and rainy in the Black Sea region, but they also have their own charm if you don’t mind the cooler weather.