Turkey (Turkiye)

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. On February 6, 2023 a large 7.8 earthquake occurred in the Turkish Southeast, near Gaziantep, affecting several provinces and the broader Central Mediterranean region. Large aftershocks continue and are likely through the coming days. U.S. Citizens should avoid travel to areas affected by the earthquake. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[90] (312) 455-5555; US Embassy Ankara, 1480 Sokak No. 1, Cukurambar Mahallesi, 06530 Cankaya, Ankara; Ankara-ACS@state.gov; https://tr.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

90

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 112; Fire: 112; Police: 112

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Türkiye: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior

Currency (Code)

Turkish liras (TRY)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Plug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

Turkish, Kurdish, other minority languages

Major Religions

Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christian and Jews)

Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Istanbul (includes Hagia Sofia & Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace); Ephesus; Pamukkale; Sumela Monastery; Mount Nemrut; Goreme National Park & rock sites of Cappadocia; Troy ruins; Catalhoyuk

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, volleyball

Cultural Practices

Learn a few basic but polite Turkish words and phrases, such as ‘lütfen’, which means ‘please’, with ‘tesekkür ederim’ meaning ‘thank you.’

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping 10-15% in restaurants, cafes, and bars is typical. Hotel staff expect 5-20 liras for their services. Round up taxi fares.

Souvenirs

Turkish/Kilim rugs, nargile smoking pipes, evil eye items, Turkish Delight candy, ceramics and pottery, copperwork, inlaid woodwork, chess sets, musical instruments, Turkish coffee sets and coffee, leather items, gold jewelry and onyx and mother-of-pearl items, embroidered items

Traditional Cuisine

Döner Kebab — grilled, sliced, or shaved seasoned lamb and/or beef shredded from a vertical skewer and typically folded in flat bread with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers; cheese is also occasionally added


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, October 03, 2023