Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul alone justifies a month: two continents, the Bosphorus, food that spans the old Ottoman world, and a currency slide that has made the city cheap in hard-currency terms even as locals struggle with inflation.
Entry and visas
Many nationalities enter visa-free for 90 days in 180 (including UK, EU, Japan, and since 2024 the US and Canada among others); some still need the online e-Visa. Longer stays require a short-term residence permit, which has become harder to obtain for tourism purposes in Istanbul's central districts.
| Passport | Category | Max days | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | Visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period; the visa requirement for US citizens was lifted in December 2023. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| CA | Visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period; the visa requirement for Canadian citizens was lifted in December 2023. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| GB | Visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| DE | Visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
| AU | e-Visa Australian citizens require an e-Visa obtained online before travel; multiple entry, 90 days in 180. | 90 | Oct 19, 2026 official source ↗ |
Remote work and long stays
Digital Nomad Visa (up to 365 days): Announced in 2024 for remote workers aged 21 to 55 from listed countries with monthly income around USD 3,000; implementation details have been inconsistent. official source ↗ Official eligibility verification required
Last verified Oct 19, 2026
Entry rules are research summaries with their official source and the date we last checked them; they are not eligibility decisions. Check the official page before you travel. Open the Visa & Work Finder →
Safety
Petty crime is low for a city of 16 million. Government advice warns against travel near the Syrian border. Earthquake risk is significant across the country, including Istanbul.
Health
Private hospitals in Istanbul are excellent and used by medical tourists. Insurance is required for residence permits and advisable for everyone.
Money
High inflation means prices move monthly; many hotels quote in euros or dollars. Cards widely accepted; ATMs from Ziraat, Halkbank and VakıfBank charge lower fees.
Tipping: 5 to 10 percent in restaurants; rounding up for taxis · Tap water: Treated but most residents drink bottled
Getting around
Intercity buses (Metro, Kamil Koç) are comfortable and frequent; high-speed trains link Istanbul, Ankara and Konya. The Istanbulkart covers ferries, metro, trams and buses. BiTaksi and Uber (taxis) in Istanbul.
SIMs and connectivity
Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom tourist SIMs are relatively expensive; foreign phones must be registered (for a substantial fee) after about 120 days of use.
