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• Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
A visa is required for foreign nationals to enter Turkey. This costs £10 and is payable at passport control. It is recommended you take a £10 note. The visa is multiple entry for 3 months
• What are the Average Air and Water Temperatures for Turkey's Major Cities?
Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Most of the rainfall in these regions takes place only from November to February. As the summer temperature is around 86°-105° F (30°- 40° C) and usually above 50° F (10° C) in the winter, you can comfortably swim and sail in these turquoise-coloured waters for nine months of the year. The swimming season becomes shorter the further north one goes: Marmara and North Aegean - June to September, South Aegean and Mediterranean - April to October.
Turkey has inland mountain ranges; the country can offer a wonderful variety of climates. Imagine being able to ski the snowy mountain peaks in the morning and swim and laze around on the beach in the afternoon.
Surely one of the main attractions of Turkey is its wonderful climate. Like most areas of the Mediterranean, Turkey has over 300 sunny days a year, and with over 1,500 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline, it’s the perfect place to enjoy long, lazy days on the beach.
The web site of the General Directorate of the Turkish State Meteorological Service, www.meteor.gov.tr, gives current sea and air temperatures, humidity and 3-day weather forecasts for all cities in Turkey and for some holiday resorts.
• How can I travel in Turkey?
» By Plane
Virtually every major city in Turkey has air service and Turkish Airlines offers nationwide services. Most flights connect through Istanbul or Ankara, both of which have domestic and international terminals. You can check Turkish Airlines' schedules and book flights at www.turkishairlines.com.
» By Bus
Busses are an efficient and affordable way to travel in Turkey. Private bus companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities. Local Tourism Information Offices usually have bus schedules for their regions; their addresses can be found at www.turizm.gov.tr The major bus lines have spacious, comfortable coaches, and offer coffee, tea and snacks. The two largest bus companies' web sites, www.varan.com.tr and www.ulusoy.com.tr, provide routes, schedules, ticket prices, and office addresses.
» By Train
The extensive Turkish State Railways network connects most major cities. On some trains, sleeping compartments are available. Detailed train schedules and prices as well as reservation telephone numbers and authorized ticket agents are listed on their web site at www.tcdd.gov.tr.
» Transportation From and To the Airport
Havas airport busses are a convenient and affordable alternative to taxis for transportation from airports to downtown areas or from downtown areas to airports in Turkey. You can find detailed information about the schedules at www.havas.com.tr
• How should visitors dress in Turkey?
Casual wear is appropriate for most tour excursions. In public places women are advised to dress modestly. When visiting mosques it is recommended that they cover their heads with a scarf and both sexes should not wear shorts out of respects for religious customs.
• Should I exchange money before I go to Turkey?
The highly favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely affordable. Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most merchants.
• Are any vaccinations required for tourists entering Turkey?
There are no vaccination requirements for any international traveler. The World Health Organization web site, www.who.org, provides vaccination certificate requirements by country, geographic distributions of potential health hazards to travelers and information on health risks and their avoidance (click on "Travelers' Health").
• Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
Turkey practices safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.
• Where can I find information on Festivals, Fairs and other Events in Turkey?
There are more than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. In addition to the local festivals organized in almost every city of the country, international culture and art festivals are held in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Istanbul is the most important center in Turkey of international culture and art festivals. Information on the principle Turkish international art and culture festivals and other important events can be found at www.turkey.org (click on Travel and Tourism Calender and Weather section) The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation's web site, www.istfest.org, gives detailed information on their festivals in Istanbul. A list and a calendar of all fairs throughout Turkey can be found at www.igeme.org.tr (the calendar of fairs is in Turkish).
• How can I receive more information about Turkey?
Those interested in learning more about the Turkish Republic and discovering what Turkey has to offer to visitors may call or write to Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in the U.K. at: 0207 839 7778 www.gototurkey.co.uk |
