Turkey: visa, security and other issues
TURKISH VISA
Turkey is an open country in general, and a large part of nationalities can enter it easily or very easily. For most Europeans and some Latin American countries, a visa is not required at present (2023) and you can enter Turkey only with your passport, which will be stamped at the land border or upon arrival arriving at the airport. For many other nations, it is enough to apply for a visa a few hours before flying or arriving at a land border, while for others the process is more complex. On this website you can find out if you need a visa or not, price and duration: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/es
SECURITY
It is a VERY SAFE and friendly country, especially to foreigners. In fact, it is very common to run into people who want to invite you to their homes. Obviously something negative can always happen and traveling with common sense and listening to instinct reduces the probabilities. We only had two scares, although one was due to the police (the other when we were hitchhiking). The area with the worst reputation is the southeast, where the Turks themselves usually persuade you not to visit. This is because the Kurds live there and there have been independence movements and fights with the central government. However, my experience and that of many other travelers is that human warmth and hospitality abounds there.
Sonia hanging out with local women in Sanliurfa
On the other hand, the road and health infrastructure is very good. It is a generally clean country and there is no need to worry about getting sick from food or water. Of course, in some rural areas, Western minds have to get used to using latrine-type bathrooms and showers with buckets ;)
OTHER ISSUES
Whenever we travel we must respect the chosen country and culture. The Turks are used to tourism and will be understanding with some things we can do, but we must adapt to their customs, especially with regard to religion in the more conservative areas. Thus, if you enter a mosque you must wear appropriate clothing: long pants and cover your hair with a scarf if you are a woman.
It is also good manners to accept any offering they may offer you, such as tea. If you can't or don't want to, decline the invitation with a smile.
_edited.png)
Comments