COVID-19 TRAVEL INFORMATION
Turkey
(Updated August 2022)

 

TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS
Several countries have imposed travel and immigration restrictions due to COVID-19. This is a dynamic situation and it is the responsibility of the customer to check all relevant travel advisories to and from the countries they are visiting and transiting through. Always check travel restrictions for each part of your trip; this includes layovers for connecting flights, as well as entry requirements for your return back to the US. Please note that the information provided in this addendum is based on the time of print/publication and a country’s requirements can change at any time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to check all updates and obtain all necessary documents and tests prior to departure, as well as entry back into the US. Affordable World is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa. Non-U.S. Passport holders - please check with your local embassy or consulate for detailed visa and travel document/entry requirements. If you need clarification on whether you may enter Turkey, contact the closest Turkish Embassy or consulate, as well as your airline prior to travel. The US Embassy in Istanbul cannot give you permission to enter Turkey or request exceptions to Turkey or EU travel restrictions.

All travelers must ensure they are eligible to enter Turkey and produce all required entry documentation for this vacation. Requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors including but not limited to: your country of residence, passport nationality, transit points, as well as previous travel history.

*Full proof of Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required for our Istanbul & Malta tours*. This new protocol will take effect for Istanbul & Malta packages departing on or after August 30, 2022 and is subject to change at any time. For more details and a full list of exemptions, visit the Maltese Ministry of Health website and Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

 

DOCUMENTATION

1. Covid-19 Testing (PCR and/or Serology) & Other Entry Requirements:

Prior to departure (US to Turkey): 

• Vaccination Certificate: Effective June 01, 2022, Full proof of Covid-19 Vaccination is no longer required to enter Turkey. It is recommended to bring a vaccination certificate with you if you are fully vaccinated.  
• A negative COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen Test: Effective June 01, 2022, Travelers are no longer required to present a negative Covid-19 test to enter Turkey. 

2. Visa

 

MASK REQUIREMENTS:

• Travelers are no longer required to wear masks in public places.

BEFORE TRAVELING BACK TO THE UNITED STATES:

• Effective Sunday June 12, 2022 - Travelers are no longer required to present a negative viral COVID-19 test result for the flight to the United States. Please see CDC’s FAQ for answers to questions about the requirements for all air passengers arriving in the United States. *Important note: If you are unable to board your scheduled return flight to the U.S. for any reason, you will be responsible for any expenses you may incur (ie. flight expenses, hotel accommodation, transportation, meals, sundry expenses and more). Please note, Affordable World cannot be held responsible if you cannot return as scheduled and will not be responsible for any related expenses.

“As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.” - CDC


GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
We’d like to remind all guests to check their local state travel guidelines regarding travel restrictions when arriving from international destinations or other US States, as this may vary state by state.
US State Department
CDC Travel Resources
WHO
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Turkey
Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Turkish Airlines


U.S Embassy Ankara
110 Atatürk Blvd.
Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara
Turkey
Telephone: +(90) (312) 455-5555
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (312) 455-5555
Fax: +(90) (312) 466-5684
Contact American Citizen Services Ankara

U.S Consulate General Istanbul
Istinye Mahallesi, Üç Şehitler Sokak No.2
Istinye 34460 – Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000
Fax: +(90) (212) 335-9102
Contact American Citizen Services Istanbul
 

 

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
TURKEY
(Updated May 2023)

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
As you prepare to embark on your upcoming Affordable World journey, please log on to your My Affordable account and click on your trip confirmation ID to review the most up to date trip details including hotel information, flight schedules, and ticket number(s). Please make sure you have all travel documents*, passports, and necessary visas ready before you depart for your trip.

*Additional travel documents, PCR tests, proof of full vaccination and other items may be required due to Covid-19. It is the responsibility of the traveler to check relevant travel advisories, requirements and/or restrictions for each part of the trip; this includes airline specific policies, layovers for all connecting flights, entry requirements to Malta and entry requirements for your return back to the US; travelers must obtain all required documents, tests and vaccinations prior to departure. Affordable World is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa.

CHECKING IN AT THE AIRPORT
Be sure to bring your passport and all required travel documents as you will need to present them when checking in at the airport. Please be advised that not all airlines assign seats in advance. Some airlines assign seats at the airport during check-in. We recommend all travelers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the flight departure time. You will receive boarding passes at the airline counter when you check in for your flight

UPON ARRIVAL IN TURKEY
Please go through Customs and Immigrations on your own. After you pick up your luggage, exit the baggage claim area and meet the representative outside the airport right after exit gate #14, as shown in the map below.   Please look for the Affordable World representative* holding an Affordable World flag or sign. Please wear your Affordable badge (enclosed) for easy identification.
*Depending on your arrival date, you will be met by a hotel representative or the local tour guide.

Airport Transfers upon Arrival

Affordable World tour guides/airport assistants will wait for arriving tour members outside the airport baggage claim area for up to 90 minutes* after the landing time of the tour member's flight before departing from the airport with transportation to the hotel. If for any reason a tour member does not meet the Affordable World representative within 90 minutes after the landing time of the tour member's flight, the tour member will be responsible for his or her own transportation from the airport to the hotel, along with all associated expenses.Please note the Istanbul (IST) airport is huge; please keep in mind that you may encounter a long walking distance from the arrivals gate to the customs & immigration section and to the baggage claim area. Please note we may provide your phone number to our ground operator in case they may need to contact you.

Extended Stay Travelers
Airport transfers-out are not included for those who have chosen to extend their stay at the end of the tour. If you have purchased an airport transfer service from us, please be sure to provide all flight information to Affordable World prior to your trip departure date.

DAILY ITINERARY
Upon arrival in Istanbul, a tour guide or representative will provide you with a detailed day-to-day itinerary with transfer schedules for city and optional tours as well as any necessary vouchers required for the trip. Istanbul City Tour on Day 3 generally starts at 9 AM.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

• 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.
• US Passport holders – U.S. citizens are required to have an entry visa to travel to Turkey and must obtain it prior to travel. For tourism or commercial travel of up to 90 days within a 180 day period, obtain a Turkish visa via Electronic Visa Application System prior to travel. For more information, please visit Turkey Visa page
• Non-US-Passport holders – please check with your local Turkey consulate for Visa requirements
• It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain a visa in a timely manner
• For detailed passport and visa requirements, all travelers are advised to check with the related embassy or consulate

***Please refer to Covid Addendum document for more information regarding entry and travel requirements for your trip.  

 

BAGGAGE

• Baggage allowance for international flights varies by airlines and is subject to change at any time. For up-to-date baggage allowance restrictions, please check with the appropriate airline for their latest regulations. Additional baggage charges may apply.  
• Please keep in mind within Europe the baggage limitation on all flights varies by airline. Generally, the baggage allowance on domestic or within Europe flights is limited to 1 check-in of 44 lbs. and 1 carry-on of 13 lbs. Please check directly with the corresponding airline to confirm baggage allowance policies.

Important Luggage Info & Tips

• Baggage is the sole responsibility of the traveler. We recommend using a TSA approved luggage lock and Affordable World luggage tags (enclosed) showing the name and contact information of the owner. Baggage without a lock may be refused for transport
• DO NOT pack medicine, valuables, and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep these items in your carry-on bag
• Consider packing a change of clothing, a set of undergarments and toiletries in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delays or lost luggage.
• Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh can be carried in the cabin and checked baggage, provided they are inside the device. 2 spare batteries with a capacity of 100 Wh-160 Wh. max can only be carried in hand luggage and packaged. They cannot be carried in checked baggage. Please visit the Turkish Airline website to view all baggage restrictions.
• Please visit www.tsa.gov for USA carry on restrictions.
• No porter service will be provided throughout the tour or on ferry journeys; customers will need to be physically able to carry their own baggage when embarking and disembarking the ferry to place baggage in the designated storage area (this may include steps, inclines and/or uneven walkways).
• During the tour please always keep an eye on your personal belongings and valuables. Be aware of your surroundings when going out on your own. 
• Never leave your valuables on the coach bus. Neither Affordable World nor the coach bus company bears responsibility for any loss, theft or damage to your valuables.
• Important note: Affordable World Tours’ representatives cannot enter the luggage claim area. After you collect your luggage, please exit the baggage claim area. Our local Affordable World representative will be waiting for you outside with an Affordable World flag or sign.

 

CURRENCY
Turkey’s currency is called Turkish Lira (TRY) As of February 2022, the exchange rate is $1 U.S dollar to 13.48 TRY. We suggest you bring a combination of cash and credit cards for your trip. Most department stores, hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. However, it is more convenient to use cash especially if you are planning to shop and eat in smaller shops. Please always keep your currency exchange receipts as you may need to present these when changing TRY back to your own currency at the end of your trip. All travelers entering or leaving the EU with a sum equal to or exceeding 10,000 Euros must declare it on their customs form. As of February 2022, the Turkey currency restriction for exit is 25,000 Turkish Lira or 10,000 euros (or equivalent).
 

TIPPING
An important note on tipping - please note gratuities are not included in your tour cost. They are customary and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our guides greatly appreciate any tips you would like to give them. Our recommended tip amount is:

• Local guides: €1 or £1 (half day), €2 or £2 (full day)
• Local drivers: €1 or £1 (half day), €2 or £2 (full day)
• Long distance coach driver: €3 or £3 per guest per night

 

HEALTH & MEDICAL MATTERS
Medical and vaccination requirements vary between countries and it is important you check with your family doctor or a qualified medical professional for the most up to date travel health information for the region you are visiting. Due to the length of the trip, it is advised you consult your doctor for existing medical/dental conditions before departure. It is advised to pack any prescription medicine in your carry-on hand luggage. Please make sure prescription medicine is fully labeled. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for the flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour guide for assistance. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Turkey to ensure the medication is legal in Turkey. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Some medications may be unavailable in Turkey.
 

WALKING
Our Itineraries include city tours and these involve a decent amount of walking. Be prepared for many steps, uneven pavement, walking up steep inclines, and tight spaces – comfortable walking shoes with grip are strongly recommended.
 

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT
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
 

TIME DIFFERENCE
The time difference between major cities in North America and Istanbul are as below:

• Los Angeles + 11 hours
• New York + 8 hours

 

MEALS
Certain meals are included in Turkey as per the itinerary. We regret to inform you that Affordable World is unable to confirm any special meal request as it is based on the availability of the restaurants, hotels, and airlines. Please contact the airlines directly to place special meal requests for your flights.
 

SHOPPING
Although Affordable World Tours’ national guides will be happy to assist you with any shopping requirements, Affordable World Tours does not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour. You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and thus must be responsible for your own purchases. Any after sales correspondence must be between the passenger and the shop in question.
 

OPTIONAL TOURS
Optional tours may be added up to 7 days prior to the departure date. Optional tours may also be purchased while on the tour. All on-site optional tour purchases are an additional $10 per person and must be payable in USD cash (credit cards are not accepted for on-site optional tour purchases). Optional tours that have a “pre-book” icon are only available for purchase up to 7 days prior to the departure date and are not available for on-site purchase. Unused services, including optional tours are non-refundable.
 

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES
Hotel Elevators: Elevators in most European hotels are generally smaller than in the US. Please be patient when waiting for elevators or for luggage in hotels.
Public Restrooms: It is common in Europe that travelers have to pay to use restrooms. It is recommended you carry some coins at all times.
 

CLIMATE & CLOTHING
The climate zones observed in Turkey are the Mediterranean Climate where summers are hot and dry and the winters are mild and rainy. We suggest bringing comfortable, casual clothing and good walking shoes for the trip. Please be aware some churches and other sites in Europe have specific dress requirements (i.e. no shorts or sleeveless tops).

TURKEY EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
+90 530 9621490
+90 530 9621491

U.S Embassy Ankara
110 Atatürk Blvd.
Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara
Turkey
Telephone: +(90) (312) 455-5555
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (312) 455-5555
Fax: +(90) (312) 466-5684
Contact American Citizen Services Ankara

U.S Consulate General Istanbul
Istinye Mahallesi, Üç Şehitler Sokak No.2
Istinye 34460 – Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000
Fax: +(90) (212) 335-9102
Contact American Citizen Services Istanbul

Our experienced staff of Turkey specialists take pride in providing you with the very best in service and planning. Thank you for choosing Affordable World as your partner in travel. We are confident your trip will be happy and rewarding!

Bon Voyage!