Turkey: Get in

Turkey, a country bridging Europe and Asia, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its bustling cities to its tranquil coastal towns, Turkey offers a unique blend of old and new, east and west. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting country, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get in and explore all that Turkey has to offer.

Visa Requirements for Turkey

Getting into Turkey is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to know the visa requirements for your nationality. Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter Turkey. Here are some key points to consider:

Visa-Free Entry for Turkey

Turkey allows visa-free entry for citizens of several countries. Nationals of Northern Cyprus can enter and reside, study, and work indefinitely without a visa. Nationals of all EU states can enter Turkey for a month without a visa. Additionally, nationals from countries like Albania, Andorra, Argentina, and many others can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

90-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens from a variety of countries can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These countries include Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Moldova, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

60-Day Visa-Free Entry

Nationals of Russia may enter Turkey visa-free for up to 60 days within a 180-day period.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Costa Rica, Latvia, Macau, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan may enter Turkey visa-free for up to 30 days within a 180-day period.

eVisa for Turkey

For those who do need a visa, Turkey offers an eVisa option. This can be obtained online and is available to nationals of countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, and many more. The eVisa allows for multiple entries and is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s important to use the official government website to avoid scams and excessive fees.

Eligible Countries for E-Visa

Nationals from countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong (BN(O) passport holders only), Ireland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Maldives, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, and the United Arab Emirates can obtain multiple-entry e-Visas valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.

Single Entry E-Visa

Nationals of Armenia, Cyprus, China (PRC), East Timor, Fiji, Indonesia, Mauritius, Mexico, and Taiwan will be granted a single entry e-visa valid for 30 days within a 180-day period.

Conditional eVisa for Turkey

Certain nationals, including those from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, and others, can obtain a conditional eVisa. This visa is valid for 30 days within a 180-day period and requires specific conditions to be met, such as holding a valid visa or residence permit for certain countries and proof of hotel reservations and adequate financial means.

Applying for a Traditional Visa

If you don’t qualify for a visa-free entry or an eVisa, you’ll need to apply for a traditional visa at a Turkish diplomatic mission. Ensure you have all necessary documentation, and it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your travel dates.

Arriving in Turkey by Plane

The most common way to get into Turkey is by plane. Turkey has several international airports, with Istanbul International Airport being the primary gateway. Here’s what you need to know about arriving by air:

Istanbul International Airport

Located in Arnavutköy, Istanbul International Airport is about 40 kilometers from the Golden Horn of Istanbul. It’s a major hub connecting flights from all over the world. From here, you can easily find connecting flights to other parts of Turkey.

Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Another option in Istanbul is Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, located on the Asian side of the city. This airport is favored by low-cost carriers and offers flights to various international and domestic destinations.

Other Major Airports

Turkey’s other major airports include Ankara Esenboğa Airport and Antalya Airport. These airports handle international flights and are convenient entry points for different regions of the country.

Arriving in Turkey by Train

Traveling to Turkey by train can be a scenic and historic journey. While the famous Orient Express no longer travels all the way to Istanbul, you can still take the daily TransBalkan from Budapest via Bucharest. There are also direct trains from Sofia and, during the summer months, from Belgrade.

Arriving in Turkey by Bus

Buses are a popular mode of travel to and within Turkey, especially from neighboring countries. Here are some options:

From Europe

Daily buses run from cities like Bucharest, Constanta, and Sofia to Istanbul. There are also services from Athens via Thessaloniki, and connections to major cities in Europe.

From Iran and the Middle East

Direct buses from Tehran to Istanbul are available, taking approximately 48 hours. You can also find bus services from various cities in Syria, although these are subject to the current political situation.

Arriving in Turkey by Car

Driving into Turkey from Europe is relatively straightforward. Major roads from Europe enter Turkey at border gates like Kapıkule (from Bulgaria) and İpsala (from Greece). Ensure your international insurance card (Green Card) covers Turkey, and be prepared to buy Turkish car insurance if necessary.

Arriving in Turkey by Boat

Many travelers arrive in Turkey by boat, especially those visiting coastal towns. Fast ferries and hydrofoils connect Turkish ports with nearby Greek islands, and there are summer services to Italy. Key ports include Bodrum, Marmaris, and Alanya.

Getting Around Turkey

Once you’re in Turkey, getting around is easy with various transportation options:

By Plane

Turkey’s major cities are well-connected by domestic flights, making it easy to cover long distances quickly. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines are the main carriers, and tickets can be purchased at local ticket offices or online.

By Train

Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operates passenger trains across the country. While the network is not as extensive as in some other countries, it’s a comfortable and scenic way to travel between major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

By Bus

Turkey has an excellent long-distance bus network with air-conditioned buses, reserved seats, and good service. Major operators include Kamil Koç, Metro Bus, and Süha Turizm. Bus travel is often the most economical way to get around.

By Car

Renting a car is a great way to explore Turkey at your own pace. Major international and local car rental companies operate in Turkey, and the road network is generally good. Be sure to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and conditions.

By Boat

For coastal travel, fast ferries and sea buses connect various points along Turkey’s coast. These can be a quick and scenic way to travel, especially in the Marmara and Aegean regions.

Tips for a Smooth Entry into Turkey

Check Entry Requirements

Always check the latest entry requirements for Turkey before you travel. This includes visa regulations, health requirements, and any travel advisories.

Book Flights Early

If you plan to travel during peak tourist seasons, book your flights early to get the best prices and availability.

Use Official Channels for Visas

When applying for a visa, use the official government website to avoid scams and additional fees.

Plan Your Route

Turkey is a large country with diverse regions. Plan your route and transportation in advance to make the most of your trip.

Stay Informed

Stay informed about any changes in travel regulations or political situations that might affect your travel plans.

Conclusion

Getting into Turkey is the first step to an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re visiting the bustling cities, exploring ancient ruins, or relaxing on the beautiful beaches, Turkey has something for everyone. By understanding the entry requirements and transportation options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of Turkey!