Türkïye Cumhurïyetï aka Republic of Turkey

Entry Requirements in Turkey

Requirements are dependent on citizenship. 

With the exception of a few countries, the vaccine card with all required doses or a PCR test are sufficient for entry. Check the link below for the latest updates.

Remember to check your entry requirements for returning home.

Some countries, including the US, require a visa or e-visa. Click the links below to check the list and submit an e-visa. The application costs $50 and is typically processed immediately. Travelers are granted multiple entries into Turkey for up to 90 days over a 180 day period. Visas are not required unless you leave the airport.

A registration form must be submitted within 72 hours prior to entry. This will additionally generate your HES code. Click the link below to complete the form. Registration forms are not required unless you leave the airport.

Language Basics for Turkey

Personally, I always try to make an effort to at least learn a few common words while traveling to a new country as the locals tend to appreciate the effort. See below for a starter pack.

Otherwise, English floats in cities but expect to play some charades in the outskirts. 

English	Turkish	Pronunciation
Hi	Merhaba	Meh-rah-bah
Bye	Hoşçakal	Hosh-cha-kal
Yes	Evet	Eh-vet
No	Hayır	Hah-yur
Thanks	Teşekkürler	Tesh-ek-kerr-eh-deh-rim
You’re welcome	Birşey değil	Beer-shey dey-eel
Please	Lütfen	Lewt-fehn
Excuse me	Afedersiniz	Aff-ed-dar-san-iz
One	Bir	Bir
Two	İki	Ick-keh
Water	Su	So
Beer	Bira	Bir-ah
Wine	Şarap	Sha-rap
Cheers	Şerefe	She-reh-feh

Currency in Turkey

• Banknotes: Turkish Lira (TRY) ₺ comes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 & 200
• Coins: Turkish kuruş comes in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50; 1 TRY
• Card is accepted at most establishments in the major cities but you should absolutely carry cash.

Transportation in Turkey

Quick Facts

• BiTaksi, Uber & taxis are available
• Bus companies: Asya Tur, Istanbul Seyahat, Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, Pamukkale Turizm, Ulusoy – just a sprinkling of the prominent ones
• Train is available for both domestic & international travel:

• Domestic flights via Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, Onur Air, Pegasus, Atlas Jet
• International flights via
  • Marmara: Istanbul (IST & SAW), Balikesir, Bursa Yenişehir
  • Aegean: Izmir, Milas-Bodrum, Dalaman, Zafer
  • Mediterranean: Alanya Gazipasa, Antalya, Adana Sakirpasa
  • Anatolia: Ankara, Cappadocia, Kayseri

Food in Turkey

Delight your inner child as dessert comes first here. Treat yourself to the country classics…

• Dessert
  • Turkish ice cream – Phone a friend to place the order and enjoy the show
  • Turkish delight – colorful, sugar dusted, gel starch cubes; lokum varieties include nuts and dates infused with lemon, orange or rose water
  • Baklava – chopped nuts layered in flaky phyllo dough soaked in syrup
  • Künefe – Arab cheese pastry topped with ground pistachio 
• Meze – starters including a variety of spreads, eggplant, pinto beans, pide, cheese, kӧfte & dolma (stuffed grape leaves)
• Pilav – zesty rice
• Meat
  • Kebap – thinly sliced meat
  • Dӧner – vertically cooked skewered meat; zesty meat wrap with vegetables & yogurt
  • Kuzu tandır – roasted lamb
  • Kӧfte – meatballs
  • Manti – tiny meat dumplings served with yogurt, garlic & a buttery tomato sauce
  • Balık ekmek – grilled fish on bread
• Bread Based
  • Pide – flatbread pizza with meat toppings
  • Lahmacun – crispy, thin pizza topped with zesty minced meat & served with lemon and a salad (aka recommended toppings)
  • Bӧrek – layered, flaky pastry filled with ıspanaklı (spinach), peynirli (cheese), kıymalı (minced meat) and patatesli (potato)

Alcohol in Turkey

Rakı

Double or nothing. This Balkan brandy is twice distilled from grape or plum residue and seasoned with an anise twist. Contrary to content there’s nothing fruity about lion’s milk. It is a drink for the majestically, muscular men (hence the animal nickname). In an attempt to dilute the testosterone, a milky way spirals through the clear liquor with the addition of ice cubes or water. This startling reaction is due to a water insoluble anise component (science aside). Nurse your lion’s milk or become open prey to humility as there’s no escaping the debauchery of 40-50% alcohol. Sipping solo is taboo, but I’ll never tell. Bottoms up! But actually always be sure to toast with the bottom of your glass. Top knockers are presumably pretentious.

Beer

The barley boom was bestowed upon the Ottoman Empire in 1893 courtesy of the Swiss Bomonti brothers. The currentday carb craft carries on, although is curtailed by high taxes and an advertisement ban. Sweet ‘16 celebrated the country’s first beer festival. Mark your May calendars for Brewstival (oh so clever!) in Izmir. Turkish production of Tuborg deems it a Danish delight. Feeling local? Opt for one of the following:

Efes, Bomonti & Gara Guzu

Wine

Although within the regional vicinity of the believed birthplace of wine, production was practically paused throughout the reign of the Ottoman Empire. The bacchanalian blessing was only recently restored as of 1925 thanks to the secular views of Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Late to the game, the country received a viticulture crash course from the already fluent French. Opt for one of the following indigenous varieties: