It is recommended that applicants do not finalize travel plans and arrangements until they are notified about the outcome of their applications.  When they are granted a visa, they must submit a copy of their return airline ticket before the issuance of the visa by this Consulate.

US Citizens Going To Turkey For Pleasure (Tourist Visas):

If you are an American citizen, you may get a tourist visa upon arrival in Turkey, or beforehand at a Turkish Consulate or Turkish Embassy, either by coming in person or by applying through the mail. The cost for Americans is 100$ US, both for multiple or single entry tourist visas.  The visa is good for one year from the date of issue. To determine which Turkish Consulate in the United States has jurisdiction over your state of residency, please click here:

A multiple entry visa will allow a tourist to enter Turkey multiple times within a year, with duration of stays dependent on the merits of each case.  Typically, a multiple entry visa will allow a tourist to enter Turkey unlimited times, with a maximum stay of one month for each entry.

A single entry visa allows a tourist to enter Turkey one time, with a stay of three months.

It is easy to get a tourist visa at the airport or point of entry.  It is simply a matter of preference as to how you want to get it (upon entry/beforehand).  If obtaining a visa upon arrival in Turkey, make sure you have 100$ US cash per person for the visa fee and original and valid US passports with you.

If sending your passport to us by mail, it takes approximately five business days to process, with the turn-around time in the mail depending on the type of pre-paid envelope you provide us (Fed Ex, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as you are sending original passports).  Please also include a short note describing your approx. dates of travel and that you are requesting a tourist visa (a multiple entry or singe entry).  We accept money orders or cashiers checks (no personal checks, sorry) made out to "the Turkish Consulate General".

If you come in Monday-Thursday before 12 pm., a tourist visa can usually be processed by that same afternoon, or sometimes the next day.  Although we cannot guarantee same day tourist visa issuance, normally the wait is short and same day issuance is not a problem.

If you come in the late afternoon or on a Friday, it will be ready the next day or Monday (for Friday drop-offs).  Our office is open 9-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri for pick-ups.  Our Consulate is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, US federal holidays, and some Turkish holidays.

For answers to other US tourist visa questions, please call our visa information line at (312) 263-0644, ext. 28.

Below is a list of of all Turkish embassies in USA.

Turkish Consulates General in the USA:

New York - Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Puerto Rico

Chicago - Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Houston - Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas

Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC / Consular Section

District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

I am traveling with children (and/or babies), do they need a visa?

Yes, children of any age do need a visa to enter Turkey.  There are no age limitations for visas.  Please see our section on “visa formalities” for visa requirements to Turkey.

Do I need immunizations to go to Turkey?

Immunizations are not required for travel to Turkey.  However, it is recommended that all booster shots be up to date. Many of the possible diseases found in the Middle East are not applicable to Turkey.  

Can I bring medication to Turkey?

Medications in labeled pharmacy bottles can be brought into Turkey.  Injections needles needed for those with diabetes are also allowed, but it would be helpful if you have a doctor’s note or copy of your prescription with you.  Wheelchairs of any sort are allowed into Turkey, along with breathing mask or other protective medical clothing.

What can I bring to Turkey?

On Entry

• The following items may be brought into the country duty free:
  • personal effects of the tourist.
  • one TV, one color pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV-tape-radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank), 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs.
  • one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector.
  • one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128K Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette - keyboard).
  • one transistor radio and portable radio - tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player.
  • Binoculars [one pair, except night (vision) binoculars]
  • harmonica, mandolin, flageole, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments).
  • personal sports equipment.
  • necessary medical items.
  • bicycle, baby buggy, toys.
  • 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
  • 200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff
  • (In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country).
  • 1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea.
  • 1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets.
  • 5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits.
  • five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each).
  • one portable typewriter.
  • one camera with 5 rolls of film.
  • First aid, and spare parts for the car.
  • Other items necessary during the journey.
• Valuable items and all items with a value of over $15,000 must be registered in the owner's passport upon entering Turkey for control upon exit.
• Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner's passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
• Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
• The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.

Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year's.

For more tips and guidelines on customs, please visit the Embassy’s section on traveler tips:

[LINK: http://turkey.org/traveltourism/tips.htm].

Are there any current travel warnings for Americans traveling to Turkey?

US Citizens can check the United States Department of State’s travel warnings list for any warnings that may from time to time be issued:

[LINK: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html#e]

Please note that Americans are welcome in Turkey and that problems such as theft and robbery are rare, but as in any country, it can happen.  Standard safety guidelines for any international traveler (such as not counting your money on the street, leaving your wallet on a table or hanging out if your pocket, etc. are normal precautions for anyone traveling abroad).  Women traveling by themselves will be pleased to find that walking on the street at night and touring Turkey is safe.  For more advice on safe travel, please visit the US Department of State website’s “Traveling and Living Abroad” section [LINK: http://www.state.gov/travel/].

What is the weather like now in Turkey?

Istanbul is comparable to San Francisco in the fall, with cooler days, rain, and foggy conditions.  Istanbul does occasionally get snow during the winter, but not very much.  The Anatolian interior (Ankara) and the east of Turkey (Van) do get a lot of snow.  The southern coastline is warm and temperate.  Although you may not be able to swim during winter, the spring and summers are warm, and the end of July and August can be very hot, all the way from the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines to Istanbul. 

For information on average weather conditions during all months of the year, please check

[LINK: http://www.affordablegate1tours.com/Destinations/General_Info/weather/turkey.htm]

For Istanbul: [LINKS:http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/climatology/monthly/TUXX0014]

[http://my.excite.com/weather/obs.jsp?id=TUXX0014]

I have heard of therapeutic and healing hot springs in Turkey.  Where can I get information?

Hot Springs Link [LINK: http://www.turkey.org/traveltourism/activitiesthermalresorts.htm]

Climate

Travelers should pack light cotton clothes that conform to Islamic requirements, along with a light jacket for cool evenings.

Time

Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Money / Currency

Currency: Turkish Lira (TL). Notes are in denominations of TL10,000,000, 5,000,000, 1,000,000, 500,000, 250,000 and 100,000. Coins are in denominations of TL100,000, 50,000, 25,000, 10,000 and 5000.

Currency exchange: All exchange certificates and purchase receipts must be retained to prove that legally exchanged currency was used. Money and travelers checks can be exchanged at all PTT branches. Many UK banks offer differing rates of exchange depending on denominations of Turkish currency being bought or sold. Check with banks for details and current rates.

Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers Checks: Can be cashed immediately upon proof of identity. However, it may take several days to cash checks from private accounts. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers checks in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Turkish Lira against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date	Aug ’02	Nov ’02	Feb ’03	May ’03
£1.00=	2,496,558.10	2,498,612.5	2,584,222.60	2,402,359.5
$1.00=	1,641,500.00	1,580,000.0	1,623,000.00	1,467,000.0

Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency, though visitors bringing in a large amount of foreign currency should obtain a written declaration from the Turkish authorities. No more than the equivalent of US$5000 in local currency may be exported. Foreign currency may be exported up to US$5000, but no more than the amount imported and declared.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1230 and 1330-1700.

 What to Pack (recommended checklist)

CLOTHING	comfortable shoes for walking/hiking
	slippers for shower/bathroom
	socks, underwear, belts
	loose-fitting cotton shirts / blouses
	loose-fitting pants / long skirts
	light sweater / sweatshirt
	hats, caps / hijab
	nice outfit for local dinner program
TOILETRIES & MEDICINE	prescription medication & prescriptions
	toothbrush & toothpaste
	soap and shampoo
	comb, brush
	sunscreen, moisturizers, lotion
	deodorant, Q-tips, cotton
	hygiene products
	razors, shaving cream
	contact lenses & solution, eyeglasses
	hand towel, bath towel
DOCUMENTS	passport and visa
	airline tickets
	an emergency contact card
	money belt or neck wallet
	cash, traveler's checks, credit cards,
	insurance information
	international phone card
MISCELLANEOUS	camera, film rolls & or cassettes
	sun glasses, sunscreen lotion, lip balm
	travel journal
	day pack, backpack, small tote
	battery-operated alarm clock
	moist towelettes
	batteries
	electrical adapters & voltage converters

Health Insurance / Medical Facilities

Contact your doctor for health advice or a thorough check up if you have not had one for quite a while.  Check your health insurance policy. If it does not provide for overseas visits, consider requesting your insurer to extend the policy. It is also advisable to take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of accidental injury as well as cover for medical expenses. Take along the copy of your medical record.

For those who take special medicine on a regular basis, make sure that you carry an adequate supply of the prescription medicines you use regularly to last throughout your trip. Carry them in the original containers to identify them as legally obtained drugs and pack them in your carry-on bag.