Frequently asked questions about Turkey

Yes, most citizens need a visa to visit Turkey. The exception is the citizens of some countries that have visa-free regime with Turkey.

To travel to Turkey with children, in addition to a valid passport, a child's birth certificate is also required. A travel consent if the child is traveling without parents. A power of attorney if the child is traveling abroad accompanied by a third person.

The main types of visas to Turkey are tourist visa, business visa, work visa, student visa. Family reunification visas, investment visas and other special visas can also be issued.

Entering Turkey with pets (usually dogs and cats) requires a veterinary certificate, a pet identification microchip and vaccinations as required.

No, it is not allowed to work in Turkey on a tourist visa. In order to work in Turkey, you must obtain the appropriate work visa or residence permit.

With a tourist visa, you can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Longer stays require another type of visa or residence permit.

No, obtaining a visa at the Turkish border is no longer available at this time. All tourist visas to Turkey must be applied for in advance at a consulate, or use the electronic visa system (e-Visa) if this is available for your nationality. Tourists should familiarize themselves with the current visa requirements in advance and arrange the necessary documents before traveling to Turkey.

At the moment there are no official requirements for mandatory immunization for entry into Turkey. However, it is recommended to be immunized against major infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, polio, measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus. Also, when traveling to Turkey, personal hygiene and preventive measures should be observed. It is worthwhile to consult a doctor or medical institutions in advance about the necessary vaccinations before traveling.

The largest airports in Turkey are Istanbul Airport and Ankara International Airport.

Istanbul Airport serves scheduled flights from many countries around the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, and also serves as an important connecting hub for passengers traveling between Europe and other regions.

Ankara International Airport is the second busiest airport in Turkey. It also serves scheduled flights from many countries and is a hub for domestic flights within Turkey.

Yes, car rental is widely developed in Turkey, it is a convenient way to get around. Car rental points can be found in all major cities, at airports, and at many hotels. As a rule, a driver's license with minimum driving experience, a credit card and a deposit are required to rent a car.

Turkey offers a wide range of traditional and unique souvenirs. Popular souvenirs include Turkish carpets and kilims, ceramics, spices and condiments, clothing and textiles, and jewelry. Turkish sweets such as rahat lukum, baklava and turkish delait are also very popular among tourists.

Foreign visitors to Turkey should be aware of cultural and religious behavior, such as respect for elders and modesty in dress (especially for women). Before visiting mosques and religious sites, it is worth asking permission and clarifying the rules of conduct. It is important not to violate public order and not to show familiarity and aggression when communicating with locals.

Popular attractions in Turkey include the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul, the ruins of Ephesus, hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Chimera Castle and the Lycian Trail National Park.

The vast majority of Turkey's population (about 99%) is Sunni Islam. Small religious minorities include Christians and Jews.

The main currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). US dollars and euros, Visa, Mastercard, American Express credit/debit cards are also widely used in the country. You can exchange currency at exchange offices or bank branches.

The high season of tourism in Turkey lasts from April to October, when the weather is most favorable. The most popular months among tourists are July-August. The most favorable period for visiting Turkey is considered to be spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October), when the weather is comfortable and there are fewer tourists.

Turkish cuisine is known for its famous dishes: meze (appetizers), kebabs, dolma, pilava, Turkish coffee and tea. Popular dishes include isli kebab, mutfak and baklava.

Buses, cabs, streetcars and subways are widely used in Turkey, especially in major cities. Also, many regions of the country are connected by convenient high-speed trains.

Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but the usual precautions should be observed and personal belongings should be taken care of, especially in large cities. It is also advisable to avoid demonstrations and rallies.

Turkey's business culture values personal relationships, informal communication, hospitality and punctuality, but meetings may start late and be rescheduled without much explanation. Business meetings may start with a welcome tea party and informal socializing.

Some popular Turkish festivals and holidays include Eid al-Adha, Ramadan, New Year, Republic Day, coffee and tulip festivals in Istanbul, balloon festival in Cappadocia and others. This is a great opportunity to see the vibrant traditional culture of Turkey.