Facts for the traveler
Visa
Required by all except the following:
(a) Nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 3 months (except nationals of Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the UK who do need visas, but can obtain them at point of entry for a fee).
(b) Nationals of Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Chile, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea (Rep. of), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, St Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vatican City for stays of up to 3 months.
(c) Nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Indonesia, Romania and Slovenia for stays of up to 2 months.
(d) Nationals of Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and South Africa for stays of up to 1 month.
Passports
Passport valid for at least 6 months (if visa is issued on arrival) and at least 1 year (if visa is issued by the Turkish Consulate) required by all, except nationals of 1. Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland who can enter with a national ID card.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travelers checks and Eurochecks
Checks can be cashed immediately upon proof of identity. However, it may take several days to cash checks from private accounts.
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
Hours are from 0830-1200 and 1330-1700 Monday to Friday.
Duty free
The following goods may be imported into Turkey without incurring customs duty:
(a) 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers or 50g of chewing tobacco or 200g of pipe tobacco or 200g of snuff tobacco.
(b) 5 bottles (1 liter) or 7 bottles (700ml) of wine or spirits, reasonable amounts of coffee and tea.
(c) 5 bottles (up to 120ml) of perfume.
(d) And gifts up to a value of US$300.
Prohibited imports
More than two sets of playing cards, narcotics, sharp implements and weapons.
Restricted exports
(a) The export of souvenirs such as carpets is subject to customs regulations regarding age and value.
(b) The export of antiques is forbidden, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counselor's Office.
(c) Minerals may only be exported under license from the General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research.
Social conventions
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Hospitality is very important and visitors should respect Islamic customs. Informal wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking is widely acceptable but prohibited in cinemas, theatres, city buses and dolmuses (collective taxis).
Tipping
A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills.
