Planning your first trip to Turkey?
This guide covers entry requirements, transport, safety, budget, culture and practical tips.

1️⃣ Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)

Visa requirements depend on nationality.

• Many travelers (EU citizens, UK, etc.) can enter visa-free for short stays.
• Others must apply for an e-Visa before travel.

Official e-Visa website (Government of Turkey):
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

Official visa information page (Ministry of Foreign Affairs):
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

General rules (2026):

• Passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry date
• Sufficient funds for stay
• Return or onward ticket may be requested

Always check your nationality specifically before departure.

2️⃣ Weather & Best Time to Visit

Turkey has diverse climates.

• Spring (April–June)
  Best overall season. Mild temperatures, ideal for sightseeing.
• Summer (July–September)
  Very hot inland and in southern regions. Perfect for beach destinations.
• Autumn (September–November)
  Comfortable weather, fewer tourists.
• Winter (December–March)
  Cold in central and eastern regions. Snow common inland. Coastal areas milder.
• Official climate data:
  https://mgm.gov.tr/eng/

3️⃣ Main International Airports (2026)

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Main international hub. European side.
https://www.istairport.com/en

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

Asian side of Istanbul.
https://www.sabihagokcen.aero

Antalya Airport (AYT)

Gateway to the Mediterranean coast.
https://www.antalya-airport.aero

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)

Access to the Aegean region.
https://www.adnanmenderesairport.com

4️⃣ How to Reach City Centers from Airports

Istanbul Airport (IST)

• Metro (M11 line)
• Havaist airport shuttle
• Taxi

Official airport transport info:
https://www.istairport.com/en/passenger/transport

Havaist shuttle:
https://www.hava.ist/en

Metro Istanbul:
https://www.metro.istanbul/en

Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)

• Havabus shuttle
• Taxi
• Bus + metro connections

Other cities (Antalya, Izmir) offer:

• Tram or bus connections
• Taxi
• Airport shuttles

5️⃣ Public Transportation in Turkey

Major cities have modern transport systems.

In Istanbul, use Istanbulkart for:

• metro
• tram
• buses
• ferries

Official Istanbulkart info:
https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul

Public transport authority:
https://www.iett.istanbul/en

For intercity travel:

• Domestic flights
• High-speed trains (TCDD)
  https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr
• Long-distance buses (extensive and reliable)

6️⃣ Money, Currency & Payments

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

• Cash widely used
• Cards accepted in most hotels and urban areas
• ATMs widely available

Exchange rates fluctuate frequently.

Official Central Bank data:
https://www.tcmb.gov.tr

7️⃣ SIM Cards & Internet

Mobile coverage is excellent in cities and tourist areas.

Main operators:

• Turkcell
• Vodafone Turkey
• Türk Telekom

You can:

• Buy SIM at airport kiosks
• Purchase in city stores
• Use eSIM services (depending on phone compatibility)

Free Wi-Fi available in many hotels and cafes.

8️⃣ Health & Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Healthcare quality is high in private hospitals in major cities.

Emergency number: 112

Ministry of Health:
https://www.saglik.gov.tr

9️⃣ Safety in Turkey

Turkey is generally safe for tourists.

Basic precautions:

• Watch belongings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis
• Follow local laws and customs
• Check official travel advisories from your country

National emergency number: 112

🔟 Culture & Local Etiquette

Turkey combines modern lifestyle and traditional values.

Important points:

• Dress modestly when visiting mosques
• Remove shoes before entering mosques
• Tipping (5–10%) is customary in restaurants
• Public behavior should remain respectful

Turkish hospitality is widely recognized.

1️⃣1️⃣ Estimated Daily Budget (2026)

Approximate average daily budget:

Budget travel: €40–60
Mid-range: €70–120
Comfort: €150+

Costs vary depending on city, season, and exchange rate.

1️⃣2️⃣ Practical Travel Tips

✔ Carry small cash amounts
✔ Expect traffic delays in large cities
✔ Install offline maps
✔ Keep passport copy
✔ Check seasonal conditions before domestic travel
✔ Allow extra time for airport security

Official Sources (2026)

• Turkish e-Visa Portal: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mfa.gov.tr
• Istanbul Airport: https://www.istairport.com
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport: https://www.sabihagokcen.aero
• Metro Istanbul: https://www.metro.istanbul
• Istanbulkart: https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul
• Turkish State Railways: https://www.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr
• Turkish Central Bank: https://www.tcmb.gov.tr
• Turkish Meteorological Service: https://mgm.gov.tr
• Ministry of Health: https://www.saglik.gov.tr