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PASSPORTS AND VISAS
When arriving in Turkey you must hold a passport that is valid for at least
6 more months and get a tourist visa. Citizens of New Zealand, Japan, South
Africa and most Western European countries need only a valid passport for
stays of up to 3 months. Citizens from Australia, the UK, Canada, the US,
Austria, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain do need visas, obtainable
in advance at a Turkish consulate, or at a port of entry to Turkey.
STAYING LONGER AND/OR WORKING
If you wish to stay longer you need a Residence Permit ('ikamet tezkeresi').
The only way to obtain a Residence Permit for your non-wage earning partner
and children is by obtaining a Work Permit yourself. To be ready for the
applications of these permits it is wiser to keep the following papers at hand:
passports / marriage certificate / at least 15 photographs for each member of
the family. It is preferable to have separate passports for each member of the
family to ensure easier traveling abroad.
PETS
Importation of Pets into Turkey
from the USA
The documents necessary for the importation of pets into Turkey are as follows:
1. A rabies vaccination certificate, which must be, issued not later than fifteen
days prior to the entry.
2. A "United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination
for Small Animals" (Also called Form 7001)
If above documents are given by a accredited veterinarian OR if they are
approved by U.S. Department of Agriculture accepted by Turkish authorities, it is
not necessary that the documents be legalized by the Turkish Embassy's Consular
Section or a Turkish Consulate General.
There is no quarantine for pets but they must have had a rabies shot maximum 6
months prior to importation as well as a 'free of contagious disease' certificate
given 48 hours before arriving in Turkey. This must be issued by a vet from the
country of origin, notarized as well as translated and authenticated at a Turkish
Consulate or Embassy.
HOLIDAYS
New Year : Jan 1 - 2003 (1 day)
Sacrifices Bayram: February 10 (½ day), 11-12-13-14 2003 (4½ days)
National Sovereignty and Children's Day: April 23 - 2003 (1 day)
Youth Day: May 19 - 2003 (1 day)
Victory Day: August 30 - 2003 (1 day)
Republic Day: October 29 - 2003 (1 day)
Ramadan Beginning of Fasting: 27 October - 2003
Ramadan Bayram (Ramazan Holiday) : November 24 (½ day), 25-26-27 2003 (3½ days)
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THE WEATHER
The surface of Turkey makes for a variety of different weathers. Nevertheless, this
is a country which lives all four seasons. Istanbul is mainly hot and a bit humid in
the summer. Fall and spring bring precipitations while winter is cold, although not
necessarily snowy every year. Of the 3 the major cities, Ankara tends to be dryer and
rougher during the winter months and Izmir more lukewarm during winter and really hot
in the summertime. In short: winter is a chilly one, attaining degrees below zero and
necessitating boots and thick overcoats, while summer is a real one with temperatures
around 30 degrees at the least.
DRIVER'S LICENCE
A valid EC driver's license is all that is required. You must always have your car
papers in your car. If you have imported your car, always carry your international
green card.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
While no vaccinations are legally required, it is advisable to have hepatitis A & B
vaccinations. For others such as polio, tetanus, diphteria, typhoid, rabies and TB of
which there are a few cases in Turkey, it is best to consult with your doctor before.
ROAD TAX
Must be paid every 6 months at Ziraat Bankası. Receipts will be asked for before you
leave the country.
INSURANCE
The only obligatory insurance is that of your car: 'Obligatory traffic insurance'. This
basic insurance covers almost nothing which means you will need private insurance. A private
company of your choice is also advisable for health and home insurances.
ARRIVING AND LEAVING
Both foreign nationals and Turkish citizens must register with the district officer (Muhtar)
and the Police. These authorities must be informed in case you move. This is also valid for
your embassy or consulate.
TIME DIFFERENCES
GMT/UTC plus two hours.
ELECTRICITY
220V, 50 Hz.
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Kilos and the metric system apply.
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