Know Before You Go

Yes, most visitors require a visa to enter Türkiye. However, citizens of certain countries may be eligible for visa-free travel or can obtain an e-visa online before arrival.

Türkiye offers a wealth of attractions, including Istanbul with its historic sites, Cappadocia's unique landscapes, the ancient city of Ephesus, Pamukkale's stunning terraces, and the beautiful beaches of Antalya.

Türkiye is generally a safe destination for travellers. However, it's important to exercise caution and stay informed about any local security issues. It is advisable to follow travel advisories and stay aware of your surroundings.

No, absolutely not. Türkiye is quite liberal and guarantees the freedom for women to dress the way they wish. You will see locals that wear the hijab, as well as women who would not look out of place in a European city. It’s all about personal freedom at the end of the day.

Türkiye has its own unique customs and traditions. For example, it is polite to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, and it is customary to greet others with a handshake. Respect for elders is also highly valued.

It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Turkey. It is safer to consume bottled water, which is readily available. Additionally, be cautious with consuming uncooked or unpeeled fruits and vegetables to prevent any stomach discomfort.

Türkiye's attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community can vary. While there is a LGBTQ+ presence, particularly in Istanbul, it is important to exercise discretion and be aware of the local social and cultural norms.

Türkiye is working towards improving accessibility for travelers with disabilities. However, accessibility standards may vary, and it is advisable to research specific accommodations and attractions in advance.Liquor stores will be closed across the country, but many restaurants and hotels’ bars can still serve alcohol (depending on the hotel’s policy).

Women traveling alone in Türkiye should take common-sense safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and dressing modestly in conservative areas. It's also advisable to inform someone about your travel plans and stay in well-lit and populated areas.

For Men:

1. Lightweight and breathable clothing: Pack comfortable t-shirts, shirts, and shorts for the summer months, especially in coastal areas. For the cooler seasons, include long-sleeved shirts and pants.
2. Swimwear: If you plan to visit beaches or enjoy swimming, pack swim trunks.
3. Light jacket or sweater: Even in summer, evenings can be cooler, so having a light jacket or sweater is advisable.
4. Comfortable walking shoes: Bring a pair of comfortable shoes for walking and exploring, as you'll likely spend a lot of time sightseeing.
5. Sun hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun by packing a hat and sunglasses.
6. Travel adapter: Turkey uses Type F electrical outlets, so bring a suitable travel adapter for charging your devices.

For Women:

1. Modest clothing: As Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, it's respectful to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Pack lightweight, loose-fitting tops, long skirts, or pants.
2. Scarf or shawl: Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders or head when necessary, especially when visiting mosques.
3. Swimwear: If you plan to swim or visit beaches, bring appropriate swimwear, such as one-piece swimsuits or modest bikinis.
4. Comfortable walking shoes: Pack comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing.
5. Sun hat and sunglasses: Shield yourself from the sun by bringing a hat and sunglasses.
6. Travel adapter: Ensure you have a suitable travel adapter (Type F) to charge your devices.

General Packing Tips:

1. Travel essentials: Don't forget your travel documents (passport, visa, etc.), insurance information, and a photocopy of important documents.
2. Weather-appropriate items: Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Consider bringing a compact umbrella for unexpected rain showers.
3. Toiletries and medications: Carry essential toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications.
4. Travel-sized items: Opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space in your luggage.
5. Day bag: Bring a small day bag or backpack to carry your essentials during day trips and city explorations.
6. Money and cards: Carry a mix of cash (in the local currency) and cards for convenience.

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and culinary traditions influenced by Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Balkan, and Central Asian cuisines. Here's an overview of the food in Turkey:

1. Kebabs: Turkey is famous for its kebabs, which are grilled or roasted meats served with rice, bread, or vegetables. Some popular kebabs include döner kebab (thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), shish kebab (skewered meat), and adana kebab (spicy minced meat).
2. Meze: Meze refers to a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or as part of a shared meal. Common meze dishes include hummus, baba ghanoush (smoky eggplant dip), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), cacık (yogurt and cucumber dip), and various salads.
3. Lahmacun: Lahmacun is a thin and crispy flatbread topped with minced meat (usually lamb or beef), tomatoes, onions, and spices. It's often rolled up with fresh herbs and served as street food.
4. Pide: Pide is a boat-shaped flatbread topped with various ingredients such as cheese, ground meat, vegetables, or eggs. It's similar to pizza and is popular throughout Turkey.
5. Menemen: Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with sautéed onions, peppers, tomatoes, and scrambled eggs. It's often flavored with herbs and spices and served with bread.
6. Baklava: Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of thin filo dough filled with nuts (often pistachios or walnuts) and soaked in sweet syrup or honey. It's a popular dessert in Turkey.
7. Turkish Tea and Coffee: Turkish tea ("çay") and Turkish coffee ("Türk kahvesi") hold a special place in Turkish culture. Tea is served in small tulip-shaped glasses, while coffee is strong and often accompanied by a small glass of water.
8. Turkish Delight: Turkish delight, or "lokum," is a chewy and aromatic gel-like sweet treat often flavored with rosewater, lemon, pistachio, or other flavors. It's commonly enjoyed with tea or as a gift.
9. Pilav and Kuru Fasulye: Pilav refers to the Turkish-style rice, often flavored with spices and cooked with butter or oil. Kuru fasulye is a traditional bean stew made with white beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It's often served with rice and pickles.
10. Seafood: Being surrounded by seas, coastal regions of Turkey offer a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, octopus, shrimp, and calamari.

These are just a few highlights of Turkish cuisine. The food culture in Turkey is vast and varied, with each region having its own specialties and culinary traditions. Exploring local markets, restaurants, and street food stalls will allow you to indulge in the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine.

Yes, English is taught at all local schools and is widely spoken in Türkiye especially in the cities, and tourist towns. English is the second language after Turkish.

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Currency exchange services and ATMs are widely available.Visitors to Jordan are required to fill a declaration form  and obtain the free QR code that shall be presented upon boarding.

Click here to fill out form and receive a QR code.

Türkiye has a diverse climate due to its geographical location, with varying weather conditions across different regions. Here's a general overview of the climate in Turkey:

1. Mediterranean Climate: The coastal regions of southwestern Turkey, including popular destinations like Antalya and Bodrum, have a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters are mild and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F).

2. Aegean Climate: Similar to the Mediterranean climate, the Aegean region, including cities like Izmir and Kusadasi, experiences hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures in summer can reach 30-35°C (86-95°F), while winter temperatures range from 10-15°C (50-59°F).

3. Continental Climate: Central Anatolia, including cities like Ankara and Cappadocia, has a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 35°C (95°F). Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing, often reaching -10°C (14°F) or lower.

4. Black Sea Climate: The northern coastal region along the Black Sea, including cities like Istanbul and Trabzon, has a temperate, humid climate. Summers are mild and relatively wet, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Winters are cool and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 5-10°C (41-50°F).

5. Eastern Anatolian Climate: The eastern part of Turkey, including cities like Van and Erzurum, has a harsher climate. Summers are short and mild, while winters are long, extremely cold, and snowy. Temperatures in winter can drop well below freezing, often reaching -20°C (-4°F) or lower.

It's important to note that these are generalizations, and regional variations can occur within each climate zone. Altitude and proximity to mountainous areas can also influence local weather patterns.

When planning your visit to Turkey, it's advisable to check the specific climate conditions for your intended destination and time of travel to pack accordingly and prepare for any variations in weather.dd an answer to this item.

1. Cultural sensitivities: While alcohol is available, it's important to respect local customs and cultural sensitivities, particularly in more conservative areas or during religious festivals.
2. Restricted areas: There are restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain public areas, such as parks or near mosques. It's advisable to check for any local regulations or signage.
3. Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims, there may be more conservative practices regarding alcohol consumption. Some restaurants or bars may have limited alcohol service or be closed during fasting hours.
4. Non-Muslim tourist areas: In popular tourist areas, coastal resorts, and larger cities, alcohol consumption is generally more prevalent and accepted. These areas often have a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and clubs catering to both locals and tourists.

As with any travel destination, it's important to drink responsibly and be aware of your surroundings. If you have specific questions or concerns about alcohol consumption in a particular region or establishment in Turkey, it's advisable to ask locals or staff for guidance. an answer to this item.

Country Code: +90

Dialing Instructions:

• From abroad to Turkey: +90 followed by the local number.
• Within Turkey: Just dial the local number.

Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 155
• Ambulance: 112
• Fire Brigade: 110

Embassy Numbers: It's recommended to check with your country's foreign affairs website or contact the embassy directly. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara can be reached at +90 312 455 5555.

Holidays in Turkey:

• National Sovereignty and Children's Day: April 23
• Labor and Solidarity Day: May 1
• Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day: May 19
• Democracy and National Unity Day: July 15
• Victory Day: August 30
• Republic Day: October 29
• Additionally, there are religious holidays like Ramadan Feast and Sacrifice Feast whose dates change based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Opening Times of Establishments:

• Banks: Generally open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
• Government Offices: Typically from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
• Shops: Usually open from 10 am to 10 pm.
• Restaurants: Many start around 11 am and can go until late at night.

Prescription Medications: Bring your doctor's prescription if you're carrying medications, and ensure your medicine is legal in Turkey.

Best Months to Visit: April, May, September, and October are pleasant months for travel as temperatures are moderate, and the crowds are less.

Dress Code:

• Men: Casual wear is acceptable in most places. When visiting mosques or religious sites, long pants are advised.
• Women: In major cities and tourist areas, contemporary fashion is the norm. However, it's respectful for women to wear attire that covers the knees and shoulders, especially when visiting mosques.

Food in Turkey:Turkish cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Common dishes include kebabs, mezes, baklava, and lokum (Turkish delight). Beverages like ayran (yogurt drink) and Turkish tea are popular.

Tipping: In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated for good service. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest whole amount is customary.

Travel Insurance: It's highly recommended for travelers to purchase travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances, including health emergencies or unexpected changes in plans.

LGBTQ+ Travelers: While homosexuality is legal in Turkey, it remains a taboo topic in many parts. Discretion is advised, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.

Weather: Turkey experiences diverse climates. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have mild winters and hot summers, while Istanbul has a temperate climate with cold, wet winters and warm, humid summers. The eastern part can be very cold in winter.

Country's Time Zone: Turkey Standard Time (TRT), UTC +3.

Electricity: The standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Turkey uses the European plug (Type C and Type F). Consider bringing a universal adapter if your devices use a different type of plug.

Always keep yourself updated with recent travel advisories and guidelines from both your home country and the Turkish government before setting out. Safe travels!