Turkey Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Turkey, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Turkey Information

Overview

Straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, and bordering the volatile Middle East, Turkey has an unrivalled history stretching back thousands of years. From the ancient Hittites to the Ottomans, dozens of civilisations have made Turkey their home, leaving behind them a dazzling historical and archaeological heritage.

But despite its ancient roots, Turkey is a rapidly developing modern state. Born from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, the country was transformed by its far-sighted and ambitious first leader Kemal Ataturk. Since his death, the republic has maintained its Western orientation and European aspirations, despite the often-strong counter-current of traditionalism and Islam.

Today, the country’s archaeological and cultural wonders, and its long Mediterranean coastline, are a Mecca for tourists, attracting millions of European holidaymakers each year. Among the top draws is Istanbul with its fabulous setting, wealth of historic sights and vibrant cultural life. Also not to be missed are the amazingly well-preserved remains of Greco-Roman cities such as Ephesus or Pergamon, and the coastal resorts with their sandy beaches and hedonistic nightlife.

For the adventurous, the austere beauty of the Anatolian plateau, the surreal eroded landscape of Cappadocia and the atmospheric ruins of the enigmatic Hittites await discovery. Here, too, is the unique experience of watching the Whirling Dervishes spin their way to ecstasy.

Wherever visitors travel in Turkey they are assured a warm welcome. Turks have a strong tradition of hospitality and the words ‘Hos Geldiniz’, which means literally ‘Your coming brings happiness’, will ring often in a traveller’s ears.

Author

Kate Clow


Top Things To See

Discover Istanbul’s Old City which was the capital of the Christian Byzantines and then the Islamic Ottoman empire. Highlights include the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, St Sophia Church and the city’s Archaeological Museum.

Explore the Bosphorus suburbs of Istanbul by ferry-boat, and cross the Sea of Marmara to the Prince’s Islands, where horse-drawn carriages are the only transport and graceful belle époque houses line the streets.

Tour the WWI battlefields and the memorials commemorating the 250,000 British, Turkish and ANZAC troops that died on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Cross the Dardanelles, the straits dividing Europe and Asia, and visit the ruins of ancient Troy.

Take in the grandeur of the remains of the Hellenistic and Roman city of Ephesus (modern Selçuk). Founded in the 13th century BC, it has been carefully restored and is now one of the most spectacular ancient sites in the world.

Visit Bodrum, site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Mausolus, and now Turkey’s finest Aegean resort. Dominated by the Castle of St John, the town is renowned for its shopping, dining and nightlife.

Experience the charm of the Mediterranean city of Antalya, with its atmospheric old town and harbour, Kaleiçi. Visit the superb Archaeological Museum and tour the many historic sights surrounding the city.

Visit the historic town of Safranbolu, between Istanbul and Ankara, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and renowned for its Ottoman architecture.

See the spectacular 14th-century Sumala Monastery, 54km (34 miles) from Trabzon. Set into a sheer cliff, 300m (1,000ft) above the valley floor, it contains some magnificent frescoes. 

Tour Konya, capital of the Selcuk empire and one of Turkey’s great religious centres. The city is home to the Mevlana Tekkesi, the monastery and mausoleum of Mevlana Celâddin Rumi, one of Islam’s most celebrated mystics and founder of the Whirling Dervishes.

Do not miss Cappadocia: marvel at the spectacular landscape of rock cones, pinnacles and ravines. There are cave houses, underground cities and subterranean churches to explore, plus visitors can stay in a cave hotel too. 

Gaze at the amazing Ishak Pasa Palace, which overlooks the frontier town of Dogubeyazit in eastern Turkey and which is shadowed by the mighty cone of Mount Ararat, the country’s highest peak and mythical resting place of Noah’s Ark.

Tour around the shores of Lake Van and catch a boat out to the island church of Akdamar, which is famous for its lively friezes. Visit the crater lake of Nemrut Dagi and the ancient Urartian sites of the area.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Top Things To Do

Shop in the world’s largest covered market, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, then head uptown to browse for cut-price fashion goods and clothing in the department stores along Istiklal Caddesi or upmarket Nisantasi.

Try out a new watersport in the Aegean and Mediterranean resorts. Diving, windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing are all possible in the warm waters offshore.

Charter a traditional wooden boat, known as a gulet, for a leisurely cruise along the coast. Itineraries of a week or more are possible, with a variety of destinations and ports of call.

Rock climb and mountaineer in one of the country’s lofty mountain ranges, with popular destinations including 5,165m (16,945ft) Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey and the Kackar Mountains of the Black Sea region. 

Ski in the resorts of Uludag, 36km (22 miles) south of Bursa (Marmara), Erciyes, 25km (15 miles) from Kayseri (Cappadocia), or Palandoken, 5km (4 miles) from Erzurum (eastern Anatolia). There are also many smaller resorts.

Trek the Lycian Way, which stretches for 500km (311 miles) between Fethiye and Antalya, providing a month’s walking through some of Turkey’s most spectacular scenery (website: www.lycianway.com). 

Experience white-water rafting on the Dalaman River, the Köprülü River, the Zamanti River or the Coruh River, which is rated by professionals as one of the top rafting descents in the world. 
 
Relax in a steamy Turkish bath, known as a hamam, and have a scrub and massage. In Istanbul, the most popular historic baths are the Galatasaray Hamam in Beyoglu and Cagaloglu Hamam in Sultanahmet, though local baths are often just as good. 

Catch a ceremony by the renowned Whirling Dervishes, who are members of the Mevlevi Order and who perform the famous whirling dance (Sema). Their amazing ceremony can be seen in Konya, where the Order originated, or in Istanbul. 

Tee off at one of eight golf courses in the Mediterranean resort of Belek, near Antalya, which has become the country’s main golfing centre. The best playing conditions are from September to May, with many large resort hotels to stay in nearby.

Attend the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival in June and July, during which performances are held in the remarkable surroundings of a second-century AD Roman amphitheatre.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Going Out

Food and Drink

Turkish food combines culinary traditions from the people’s nomadic past in Central Asia with influences of the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Guests are usually able to go into a kitchen and choose from the pots if they cannot understand the names of the dishes.

Things to know: Turkey is a secular state and alcohol is widely enjoyed, although during Ramadan it is considered polite for visitors to avoid drinking alcohol in public.

National specialities:
• Meze (starters brought to your table on trays or chosen from glass-fronted refrigerators).
• Shish kebab (pieces of meat threaded on a skewer and grilled).
• Doner kebab (pieces of lamb packed tightly round a revolving spit).
• Dolma (vine leaves or vegetables stuffed with pine nuts and currants).
• Turkish Delight (originally made from dates, honey, roses and jasmine bound by Arabic gum and designed to sweeten the breath after coffee).

National drinks:
• Raki (anisette), known as ’lion’s milk’, which clouds when water is added. Drinking raki is a ritual and is traditionally accompanied by a variety of meze.
• Ayran (a refreshing yoghurt drink).
• Tea.
• Strong black Turkish coffee.
• Turkish beer, red and white wines.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. It is customary to leave a small tip (10 to 12%) for barbers, hairdressers and waiters.

Nightlife

There are nightclubs in most main centres, either Western or Oriental, with music and dancing. There are theatres with concerts in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir and most towns have cinemas. Turkish baths (hamam) are popular. Turks like to dine in tavernas called meyhane, where traditional food is accompanied by folk music and dancing.

Shopping

Istanbul’s Kapali Carsi Bazaar has jewellery, carpets and antiques for sale. Turkish handicrafts include a rich variety of textiles and embroideries, articles of copper, onyx and tile, mother-of-pearl, inlaid articles, leather and suede products, jewellery and, above all, carpets and kilims. Most of the other cities and larger resorts have a market area where visitors can buy souvenirs and handicrafts.

Shopping hours: Daily 0930-1900 in tourist areas. Closing hours vary, with some shops staying open until midnight. Outside tourist areas shops may close at lunchtime and on Sundays. Istanbul covered market: Mon-Sat 0800-1900 (closed Sunday).


Climate

Temperatures in Ankara vary between -4°C (25ºF) and 30°C (86ºF). Marmara and the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. The east of the country is mountainous with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters.

Required Clothing

Light- to medium-weights and rainwear.


Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
23 Apr National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
19 May Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day.
30 Aug Victory Day.
1-2 Oct Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan).
28-29 Oct (28th is a half-day) Republic Day.
8-9 Dec Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
23 Apr National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
19 May Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day.
30 Aug Victory Day.
20-21 Sep Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan).
28-29 Oct (28th is a half-day) Republic Day.
27-28 Nov Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Note

Muslim festivals are timed according to the phases of the moon and change each year. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami, Muslims fast during the day and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Generally, centres of tourism are unaffected. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. Transport and hotels are very busy during these holidays, so book in advance.


Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

Turkey has a large health sector with high-standard private health-care available at reasonable cost in the main cities. In rural areas and the east of the country, health services are less developed. Many Turkish doctors and dentists speak a foreign language, particularly at major hospitals. Private health insurance is recommended.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

New Turkish Lira (TRY; symbol YTL) = 100 New Kurus (Ykr). Notes are in denominations of YTL100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of YTL1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 New Kurus. 

Note: The old Turkish Lira (TL) was withdrawn from circulation on 1 January 2006.

Currency Exchange

Cash can usually be exchanged commission free in bureaux de change, banks or hotels. Traveller’s cheques can only be exchanged in banks with a passport. Travellers planning to exchange currency back before leaving Turkey, or making a major purchase which may need to be declared to customs, must retain transaction receipts to prove that the currency was legally exchanged.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. ATMs are available in most areas. 

Traveller's Cheques

Traveller’s cheques can only be exchanged in banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1330-1700. Some banks in tourist areas and large cities are open daily.


Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: 2
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: 2/3/4
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months from date of departure from Turkey required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except:
1. nationals of Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, who can enter with a national ID card (which must have a validity of one year).

Visas

Sticker-type entry visas: Tourists and business visitors from the following countries do require visas and can obtain a sticker-type entry visa at the point of entry for a fee (prices are dependent on nationality):
(a) 2. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, the UK* and USA for stays not exceeding three months;
(b) 3. Greek Cypriot Administrative Region, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic for stays not exceeding one month.
Except 4. Nationals of Bulgaria who do not require a visa for stays up to three months, but do require a visa for transit and for entry at certain points in Turkey; check with consulate.

Visa Note

(a) *British National Overseas passport holders should contact the visa section of the consulate general before travelling. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

British passport holders can obtain tourist visa either at the port of entry in Turkey for £10 or from the consulate general in the UK for £63. Single entry (six months): £63. Single entry (one year): £85. Single transit: £44. Study: £99. Work: £200. These prices are provided by The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London; prices may vary according to nationality.

Validity

Single entry: up to six months or one year. Multiple entry: up to five years. Transit: three months. Work or Study: one year.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. Applicants must pre-book an appointment with the relevant consulate. An online appointment system is available for The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London (website: www.turkishconsulate.org.uk/en/visa). Travel agencies can also make visa applications.

Working Days Required

Usually three, but dependent on nationality of applicant and type of visa. Some applications may be referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, which may take much longer (minimum six to eight weeks).


Contact Addresses

Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in the UK

43 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PA, UK
Tel: (020) 7393 0202.
Website: www.turkishembassylondon.org
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730 (appointment only).

Turkish Consulate General in the UK

Rutland Lodge, Rutland Gardens, London SW7 1BW, UK
Tel: (020) 7591 6900 or 0906 834 7348 (recorded visa information; calls cost 60p per minute).
Website: www.turkishconsulate.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1230 (visas).

Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in the UK

4th Floor, 29-30 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1HB, UK
Tel: (020) 7839 7778.
Website: www.goturkey.co.uk

Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in the USA

2525 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 612 6700 or 6740 (consular section).
Website: www.turkishembassy.org

Turkish Tourist Office in the USA

821 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 687 2194.
Website: www.tourismturkey.org


Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits are trouble-free. However, there is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey. It is believed that international terrorist groups, as well as indigenous ones, are currently active in Turkey. As in previous years, after a lull over the winter months the PKK resumed its terrorist campaign over the summer period. Attacks have taken place against government and security targets and also in restaurants, public transport and other public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Targets have included Mediterranean and Aegean tourist areas, Istanbul and Turkey’s South East. On 2 October 2007, two explosions in Izmir killed one person and injured five others and a further explosive device was found. In May and April of this year, an explosion in Izmir killed one person and injured eleven others and another in Mersin killed one person.

In August 2006, explosions in the Aegean resort of Marmaris injured 21 people, including 10 British nationals. In November 2003, terrorist attacks against the British Consulate-General and the headquarters of HSBC in Istanbul caused 33 deaths and injured several hundred.
Turkish Authorities have confirmed outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu). As a precaution, visitors should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.