İstanbul

Visa-Free Entry: Citizens from many countries — including the US, Canada, the UK, and most EU nations — can enter Turkey visa-free for tourism and business conferences for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

e-Visa: Attendees from countries not covered by the visa-free exemption can apply through Turkey's e-Visa system — a straightforward online process where payment and approval typically come through within minutes via email.

Visas and Supporting Documentation: For registered attendees who require a full consular visa, or who need additional documentation to support their application, our Organization can provide official Letters of Invitation and any other supporting materials that may be needed.

The 150-Day Passport Rule: This is the detail that catches most travelers off guard. Turkey requires passports to be valid for at least 150 days from the date of arrival — not the standard 6 months, but not the standard 3 months either. An attendee whose passport expires in 4 months will be denied entry regardless of visa status. We strongly recommend checking passport validity well in advance.

Airports: Most international flights arrive at İstanbul Airport (IST) on the European side of the city. Some routes — particularly from Asia and the Middle East — land at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side.

M11 Metro (IST): The fastest and most straightforward way into the city from İstanbul Airport is the M11 Metro, which connects directly to Gayrettepe station in under 40 minutes. From Gayrettepe, a transfer to the M2 line puts you within easy reach of major hubs including Taksim.

Havaist Airport Buses: For attendees traveling with heavy luggage, the official Havaist buses are a comfortable alternative, with direct routes to key areas including Taksim and Beşiktaş. Journey times vary depending on traffic, but the added comfort makes them worth considering.

A Note on Taxis: İstanbul taxis have a well-documented reputation for overcharging tourists, and the airport and major tourist areas are where this is most common. We strongly advise against hailing cabs off the street. Instead, use Uber or the local app BiTaksi, both of which hail official licensed taxis while locking in the route and displaying a fare estimate upfront.

Currency: The Turkish Lira (TRY).

Cards and Cash: İstanbul is highly card-friendly — Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, from high-end restaurants to corner shops. That said, we recommend carrying between 2,000 and 5,000 TRY in cash for street food, tips, and purchasing an İstanbulkart (the transit card required for ferries, trams, and buses).

Tipping: A tip of around 10% is standard in restaurants and is rarely included in the bill automatically. One practical note: adding a tip to a credit card receipt after it has been printed is generally not possible in Turkey. Either instruct the server to add the amount before they run the card, or leave cash on the table. For taxis, rounding up the fare is the norm.

Plugs and Voltage: Turkey uses standard European Type C and F plugs at 220V.

Staying Online: We strongly recommend purchasing a travel eSIM before departure. Buying a physical SIM card at İstanbul Airport is notoriously expensive due to tourist taxes and local markups, with prices typically running between $40 and $50 USD. A travel eSIM purchased in advance costs a fraction of that and works from the moment you land.

Local Culinary Highlights: The experience not to miss is a traditional Turkish breakfast (Kahvaltı) — a sprawling communal spread of small plates including cheeses, olives, honey, clotted cream (kaymak), eggs, and fresh bread. It is as much a social ritual as a meal, and worth seeking out on a slower morning. For dinner, authentic kebabs are the obvious centerpiece; finish with baklava and a cup of strong Turkish coffee.

Dietary Restrictions: Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, so all meat is Halal and pork is virtually absent from menus. The cuisine is meat-heavy by default, but vegetarians are actually well catered for — meze culture produces an enormous variety of small vegetable-based plates, and the category of olive oil-based dishes known as zeytinyağlılar offers some of the best vegetarian eating in the city. Vegan attendees will need to be more selective but should find dedicated options in the more cosmopolitan neighborhoods.

Tap Water: We advise against drinking tap water in İstanbul. The water is heavily chlorinated, and locals drink exclusively bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere.

The City Divide: İstanbul is the only city in the world that sits across two continents. On the European side, the Golden Horn divides the historic peninsula of Sultanahmet — home to the city's great monuments — from the modern entertainment and dining district of Beyoğlu and Taksim. The Asian side, centered on Kadıköy, is more residential and walkable, with a strong café culture and a noticeably more local feel.

Must-Sees — Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque: Two of the most iconic structures in the world, sitting directly across from each other in Sultanahmet Square. Allow time for both.

Must-Sees — The Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered markets on earth — a labyrinth of spices, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Go without a specific agenda and expect to get pleasantly lost.

Must-Sees — A Bosphorus Ferry: The cheapest and most rewarding way to experience the city is simply taking a public commuter ferry between the European and Asian sides at sunset. Use your İstanbulkart and let the city do the rest.

Mosque Etiquette: Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, and dress code requirements are strictly enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women, women must cover their hair with a scarf, and shoes must be removed before stepping onto the carpets. Scarves are available at the entrance if needed.

Street Animals: İstanbul is well known for its street cats and dogs, most of whom are registered, vaccinated, and looked after by the municipality and local residents. They are generally friendly — but let them come to you rather than approaching them directly, and enjoy the encounters as part of the city's character.