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Turkey Travel and Destination Guide
PRE-DEPARTURE INFO
Turkey is generally safe, but sporadic violence due to domestic and regional tensions does occur. Bomb attacks are sometimes aimed at targets that represent Western interests, such as banks and consulates. Shopping and tourist areas in Antalya and Marmaris have also been targeted. In August, 13 people were injured when a car bomb exploded in Izmir in the country's west. At least 17 people were killed and 150 injured after two bombs were detonated in a crowded pedestrian street in Istanbul on July 27. Other bomb attacks have been reported in Diyarbakir and Ankara in 2007.
The Iraq border region (south-east Turkey) continues to be very dangerous due to conflict between Turkish and Kurdish forces, and travel to this area is not advised. Incursion of Turkish troops into northern Iraq has resulted in heightened security concerns across the country. Check travel advisories before travelling to rural areas near the borders of Syria and Iran.
Travellers should exercise caution and monitor the news for any further warnings. Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.
When to Go
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, since the climate will be perfect in İstanbul and on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. It will be cool in central Anatolia, but not unpleasantly so. Visiting before mid-June or after August may also help you avoid mosquitoes. The Black Sea coast is best visited between April and September; there will still be rain but not so much of it. With the exception of İstanbul, Turkey doesn't really have a winter tourism season. Places catering to backpackers usually see Anzac Day as the official start of the season; those catering to package holiday-makers get going in early May. Peak season is from July to mid-September, when most Turks take their holidays. The best time to visit eastern Turkey is from late June to September. Don't plan to venture east before May or after mid-October unless you're prepared for snow. Try to avoid travelling during Kurban Bayramı, Turkey's most popular public holiday.
Visas Overview
Citizens from a long list of countries do not require a visa to enter Turkey. This list includes some South American, European, Asian and Middle Eastern countries, so it is worth checking out whether or not you will need a visa. However, travellers from Canada, the UK, the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and a number of other countries do need a visa to enter Turkey; however, this is just a sticker bought on arrival at the airport or border post rather than at an embassy in advance (make sure to join the queue to buy your visa before the queue for immigration). Those from the UK and the USA pay
Electricity
220V 50Hz
Electric Plug Details
European plug with two circular metal pins
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