Tourism is a key sector of Turkey's economy. According to a report of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2022, Turkey is the third largest tourist flow in the world. Most tourists come from Germany (5.6 million people), followed by Russia (5.2 million tourists), and the UK is in the bottom three with 3.3 million vacationers.
Tourists from Russia actively influence the development of tourism sector in Turkey. It is expected that in 2023 the number of Russian tourists in the country will exceed 6 million people. There are many prerequisites for this, first of all it is a flexible migration policy in Turkey.
Also in the country there are many tourist destinations and developed infrastructure. In Turkey there are 2870 hotels with 700,000 seats. There are also a lot of attractions - the ruins of Ancient Greek and Roman cities, including the legendary Troy, monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The state is one of the world leaders in the number of thermal springs and is actively developing medical tourism.
It is worth noting that in 2023 Turkey will be able to surprise even those Russians who have been in the country many times. The authorities are planning to develop a new region for sightseeing tours - Southeastern Anatolia. It has a very interesting history and culture, and Anatolia is considered the culinary capital of Turkey. Tours here are already in demand in the Asian markets - in South Korea and Japan, but are not yet popular in Russia.
The Republic of Turkey is quite loyal to all foreigners, so today it is a good option for people who want to avoid political/legal persecution or mobilization due to the unstable geopolitical situation in the world.
Entry into Turkey for Russians
Do Russians need a visa to Turkey?
There is a visa-free regime with Turkey for Russian citizens.
How many days can be in Turkey?
Holders of regular passports are exempt from visas for tourist and business trips for up to 60 days. Holders of official passports are exempt from visas for up to 30 days provided they do not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. Holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from a visa for up to 90 days.
What you need to enter Turkey
Russians can enter Turkey with a valid passport, which is valid for at least 150 days after the day you plan to leave. You also need to have your round-trip ticket booked, hotel rental agreement, and proof of financial security.
What documents do children need to travel from Russia to Turkey?
A passport is not necessary for children under 14 years old, as long as the child is registered in one of the parents' passports. If there is no record in the parents' passport, or if the child is over 14, a passport is required.
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How can I extend my stay in Turkey (for tourist trips over 60 days)?
To extend your stay beyond that period, Russian citizens need to apply for a short-term residence permit (ikamet) in Turkey.
A residence permit for a period of 3 months can be obtained once in a calendar year by applying to the competent authority. This should be done before the expiry of the 60-day visa-free period. The following documents are required:
- 2 questionnaires (to be taken at the department and filled out in English).
- 4 standard size photos.
- Passport and a copy of the spread.
- Proof of financial support of stay in the country (not less than $500 per month of stay).
- Accommodation rental agreement.
If the need for a long stay in Turkey due to family or marital relations with citizens of the country, then in addition to the Office is provided a letter of guarantee from the host party and the original/copy of a civilian passport.
Read more about obtaining a short-term or long-term residence permit for Russians in Turkey here
Also stay in Turkey for a period of more than 60 days is possible with a visa that corresponds to the purpose of stay - it may be
work,
study or
medical treatment.
What are the insurance requirements for a tourist trip to Turkey?
The insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay in the country by the tourist. The validity of the policy begins at least one day before the traveler's arrival. The insurance should cover basic services such as emergency care for injuries and unforeseen illnesses, as well as acute exacerbations of chronic diseases. Also, in addition to the basic options, we recommend that you include additional risks: for example, if you travel with children - children's infections, if you plan an active holiday - protect yourself from possible consequences.
Important!
Not all insurance companies include COVID-19 coverage in the basic policy. That is why we recommend you to pay attention to this risk when drawing up your travel insurance.
There are direct flights from many cities in Russia to Turkey. There are also land border crossing points with neighboring countries. Average duration of flight Russia (Moscow) - Turkey (Ankara) - 3 hours. 43 min.
Which airlines fly from Russia to Turkey?
Several airlines offer direct flights from Russia to Turkey: Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Red Wings, Rossiya Airlines, Azimuth, IrAero and Azur Air.
From what cities in Russia can I catch a direct flight to Turkey?
There are flights to Turkey from 45 Russian cities, but not all of them have direct flights at the moment.
Direct flights to Turkey depart from the following Russian cities: Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Voronezh, Grozny, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Mineralnye Vody, Orenburg, Samara, Kaluga, Ufa, Saratov, Astrakhan, Novosibirsk, Belgorod, Arkhangelsk, Perm, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Chelyabinsk, Naberezhnye Chelny, Tyumen, Syktyvkar, Krasnoyarsk, Surgut, Omsk, Khabarovsk New, Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Kemerovo, Zhukovsky.
Take flight from Russia to major cities of Turkey: Antalya, Ankara, Bodrum, Izmir, Istanbul, Dalaman, Alanya.
Also in Turkey is well established system of air links with many countries around the world. Therefore we advise you to consider this country as a transit point for flights to Europe, America and other destinations.
How much is a ticket to Turkey from Russia?
Destination Moscow - Turkey is most popular in August, September and October. During this period the average cost of tickets is $250. During low season - May, June and July the average ticket price falls to $200.
You can plan your route and find the best days to fly to Turkey on the website for airline tickets.
Because of the difficulties with air travel and high prices in 2023, traveling to Turkey by car / bus looks like a good solution. This is especially true for a large family, a group of friends and those who go for a long time. But you need to be prepared for a long road, overnight stays on the way and possible delays at the borders.
The way to Turkey via Georgia
The most popular option for traveling by car / bus to Turkey is via Georgia.
How much to drive: 3700 km is the distance from Moscow to Antalya by the shortest route without any side trips.
The only possible place to cross the border between Russia and Georgia is the Upper Lars border crossing. Travel through Abkhazia and South Ossetia is not possible.
Georgia-Turkey border.
To enter Turkey in 2023 by car from Georgia, you must go through checkpoint "Sarpi" (by the sea) or through checkpoint "Vale", which is located in the Adigen district of Georgia. The road through the checkpoint "Sarpi" is more popular, and there are often queues that last for hours. Through the "Vale" checkpoint the passage is free.
Tips:
- Border checkpoints can be less busy at night. If you want to cross the border in the daytime, prepare for queues.
- Russian is understood at the Russian-Georgian border, but you will have to communicate in English when crossing the border with Turkey.
The way to Turkey via Bulgaria
Some tourists bypass the Black Sea from the west. Compared to the way through Georgia, the way to Turkey by car through Bulgaria is more complicated and expensive. This is because of the numerous borders and the need to obtain visas for Romania and Bulgaria. However, if you already have a multiple Schengen visa, the borders are open for you.
The shortest road by car to Turkey passes through the territory of Romania and Bulgaria. To bypass the territory of Ukraine, go through Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania (or Serbia) and Bulgaria. How much to drive: 3100 km is the shortest road from Moscow to Antalya via Romania and Bulgaria.
The largest number of Russian-speaking population is concentrated in Alanya, Antalya, Istanbul, Kemer and Marmaris. The unique climate, convenient location and a lot of ultramodern apartment complexes at an affordable price, like a magnet attracts Russians in these places. There are all conditions for a quick adaptation to the new country and a comfortable life of Russians in Turkey. There are Russian-speaking schools for children, in medical institutions are doctors who speak Russian well.
Most of the Russian-speaking population took a fancy to the resort town of Antalya. According to official data, there are over 50 thousand Russians. There are even Russian quarters and neighborhoods where Russian speech has become customary.
Russian neighborhoods in Istanbul
One of the most popular among Russian-speaking citizens is considered the Laleli neighborhood in Istanbul, which belongs to Fatih district in the European part of the metropolis. It is located between Aksapay and Beyazit squares. This area is the largest by number of inhabitants (450 thousand), so it concentrates a lot of stores and markets.
Russian neighborhoods in Alanya
1. Mahmutlar
Mahmutlar, perhaps the most popular resort area among Russians in Alanya. Literally in a few years a small modest village was turned into a modern district, built up with new residential complexes and homes on the beach.
2. Kargydzhak
Kargicak is adjacent to Mahmutlar and is located to the east of it. This is an attractive area for real estate investors as the residences are located on the slopes of the mountain.
3. Oba.
The most Europeanized area of Alanya. Next to the residential neighborhoods in Oba, which choose the Russians, there is a large shopping center and furniture store. Numerous cozy cafes and restaurants everywhere. Sandy beaches and blooming promenade dispose to a relaxing vacation.
Turkish resorts have always been popular among Russians. The high level of service combined with an affordable price tag - that's why people love this country.
The most popular places for Russians in Turkey:
- Antalya
Here, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, a great climate and a large selection of quality inexpensive hotels. Many of the staff know Russian, as well as the staff of entertainment centers. It is possible to go on interesting excursions for all tastes. An excellent resort for those who prefer a quiet, measured rest.
- Kemer
This resort is located next to Antalya, and has the same advantages: a pleasant Mediterranean Sea, good hotels, a favorable climate. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient cities of Phaselis and Olympos. Kemer is perfect for those who are interested in archeology, history.
- Marmaris
Recently, tourists often choose to spend time in Marmaris. Here hotels are a bit more expensive, but there is a variety in the form of the Aegean Sea. In addition, they began to go to Turkey not as families, and youth companies, and Marmaris is ideal for this. The city is famous for its active nightlife and an abundance of bars and clubs in the open air.
5 "stars", "all-inclusive" and water slides are the main parameters that Russian tourists pay attention to when choosing hotels in Turkey.
The most popular among Russian tourists hotels in Turkey:
- Oz Hotels Side Premium. 5*, Side;
- Port & River Hotel Spa. 5*, Side;
- Hedef Rose Garden Hotel. 4*, Alanya;
- Sural Resort. 5*, Side;
- Justiniano Deluxe Resort. 5*, Alanya;
- Asrin Beach Hotel. 4*, Alanya;
- Katya Beach Hotel. 5*, Alanya;
- Ganita Holiday Village. 4*, Alanya;
- Kleopatra Alis Hotel. 3*, Alanya;
- Akka Antedon Hotel. 5*, Kemer;
- Akka Hotels Alinda. 5*, Kemer.
Turkey