Visa
Visitors from most countries are required to have a visa to enter Republic of Turkey. Prior to departure, applications should be made to Turkish Consulates in the country of origin to obtain a visa. However, visas may also be obtained upon entry. U.S. and European citizens need to have a visa for Turkey. Visas issued upon entry are valid for three months. Visas for longer stays and for study, research or employment must be obtained in advance. Passengers in transit through Turkey who do not leave their port of transit do not require visas.
All applicants should contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to learn their visa requirements and procedures. Turkish missions abroad are listed at www.mfa.gov.tr
Safety
Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel, and its crime rate is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe for travelers. Naturally, we recommend that travelers to Turkey exercise the same precautions they would elsewhere, and be aware of security concerns that affect all international travelers.
The Turkish Government takes air safety very seriously, and maintains strict oversight, particularly on international flights. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has places Turkey's civil aviation authority in Category 1-in full compliance with international aviation safety standards in overseeing Turkey's air carrier operations. In the days following the September 11 attacks, Turkish Airlines was one of the first international airlines cleared by the FAA to fly into the United States.
Prior travel
The best way to see and experience Turkey depends on one's knowledge, experience, and personal preferences. Touring is a safe way to experience new cultures and to see new places with peace of mind. Some travelers may prefer to visit sites independently without the confines of schedules and timetables.
Those who wish to travel to Turkey should make travel arrangements in advance. Cusomized itineraries can be designed to suit individual's time and preferences. In that, hotel and car rental reservations, and if required other services, can be arranged prior to arrival. Travelers can also make their own hotel reservations. The hotel guide web site www.hotelguide.com.tr comprehensively lists accommodation facilities throughout Turkey. Turkey is a destination with diversifications some two weeks itineraries are suggested in Turkey.
When to travel
The high season for Turkey is generally from mid-mid-April to late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much cooler and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Coastal regions are particularly popular with tourists during the summer months. These include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast with beaches and numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient cities, and yachting facilities.
Temperatures
Average air and water temperatures in Fahrenheit for major cities in of Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec.
Antalya Air 50 52 55 61 68 77 83 83 77 68 59 54
Water 63 63 63 64 70 75 81 83 81 77 72 66
Izmir Air 48 50 52 61 68 77 83 81 73 64 59 50
Water 52 52 54 59 68 75 79 79 75 70 63 55
Istanbul Air 41 43 45 54 61 70 73 73 68 61 54 46
Water 48 45 46 52 59 68 73 73 70 63 57 52
Trabzon Air 43 43 45 52 59 68 75 77 75 68 61 55
Water 50 48 48 50 57 68 75 77 75 68 61 55
Ankara Air 32 34 41 52 61 68 73 73 65 55 46 36
Erzurum Air 16 19 27 41 52 59 66 68 59 48 36 23
Diyarbakir Air 36 36 46 57 66 79 88 88 77 63 50 50
Temperatures are given in oC (degrees Celsius) in Turkey, conversions can be made from Celsius to Fahrenheit using following formula = (9/5)oC + 32
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 the holiday resorts of Alanya, Anamur, Bodrum, Dalaman, Finike and Marmaris.
How to travel
Most visitors arrive in Turkey by flying directly into Istanbul or aboard cruise ships, which dock in ports including Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Izmir. Visitors may arrive in Turkey by land at border crossings from neighboring countries. There are also ferry connections from several Greek islands to ports in mainland Turkey.
Popular destinations
Turkey is a country of contrasts. You will have diverse choices from the perfect beaches and ancient ruins to its cosmopolitan cities, Visitors can lose themselves in the magic of a historic palace before enjoying a world-class meal, or swim amidst Roman ruins before continuing their journey in the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht.
Religious history and issues of faith
Turkey has served as home for the three principal religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through out Turkish history all three religions have co-existed peacefully for centuries. For detailed information please refer to relevant pages.