TURKEY ADDITIONAL NOTES (Tour Code: PTA)

• TURKEY is on the Mediterranean, in the Anatolian region of West Asia, with a small section in Southeastern Europe separated by the Turkish Straits. 
• Visa:
  • Ordinary US Passport holders – Effective January 19, 2024, U.S. citizens are no longer required to have an entry visa to travel to Turkey for less than 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Official US passport holders are required to have an entry visa to Turkey. Please obtain a Turkish visa at Electronic Visa Application System prior to travel.
  • Non-US-Passport holders – please check with your local Turkey consulate for visa requirements.
• Non-US-Passport holders – please check with your local Turkey consulate for visa requirements.
• Passport: Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the date of entry (into Turkey) and have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. You will be denied entry into Turkey if there is not enough space for entry and exit stamps in your passport.
• Climate: The climate in Turkey has a vast diversity depending on the diverse topography and latitude. Aegean and Mediterranean coastal areas enjoy the typical Mediterranean climate. For more information please check: http://www.theweathernetwork.com
• Language: The official language is Turkish. English is popular among the younger generation.
• Religion: 98% of Turks are Muslim.
• Cash Controls: US dollars, Euros, major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and traveler’s checks are widely accepted in big cities.
• Currency: The currency of Turkey is Lira (TRY). Better have some local money with you at all time for the smaller purchase. Pocket money is usually needed for using public washroom.
• Clothing: Dress conservatively and follow all traditional procedures while visiting Turkey. Upon entering a mosque, women have to wear head scarves and not to wear miniskirts or shorts.
• Electrical: Turkey’s electrical system operates at 230 volts. The electrical outlets are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. It is recommended travelers bring their own voltage converter and adapter.
• Shopping: Bargaining and shopping is part of Turkish culture. Famous products that you may want to bring home from Turkey: carpets, silk, earthenware, coffee, olive oil soap, etc.
• Food & Water: Avoid drinking tap water. It is recommended to buy bottled drink water which can be found almost everywhere at stores. Turkish dishes are mainly cooked of meat (beef, lamb, and chicken – pork is not eaten).
• To all passengers flying Turkish Airlines: After arriving at Ankara Airport, please pay attention to the instructions of Turkish Airlines. Head to the international baggage claim to pick up your luggage, not the domestic baggage claim. Although passports have been stamped at the Istanbul airport, the luggage has not yet passed through customs procedures.