The United States and Turkey have a long-standing relationship that dates back to the early 19th century. Today, the two countries continue to work together on various political, economic, and security issues. However, one aspect of their relationship that often goes unnoticed is their connection through tourism.
Tourism between the United States and Turkey has been steadily growing over the past few years. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the number of American tourists visiting Turkey increased by 18% in 2019, with more than 245,000 Americans visiting the country. Similarly, the number of Turkish tourists visiting the United States has also been on the rise.
One reason for this increase in tourism is the growing popularity of Turkey as a travel destination. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes, Turkey has something to offer to every type of traveler. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the beautiful beaches of Antalya, Turkey has become a must-visit destination for many Americans.
On the other hand, the United States also offers a wealth of attractions for Turkish tourists. From the iconic skyscrapers of New York City to the beautiful national parks of California, the United States has something to offer to everyone. Additionally, the United States is home to a large Turkish diaspora, which further contributes to the cultural connection between the two countries.
However, despite the growing tourism relationship between the United States and Turkey, there have been some challenges in recent years. In 2019, tensions between the two countries rose over issues such as Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defense system and the U.S. support of Kurdish forces in Syria. These tensions led to a decrease in tourism between the two countries in 2020 due to travel restrictions and safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, both countries have taken steps to improve their tourism relationship. In 2021, Turkey announced that it would no longer require visas for American tourists, which is expected to further increase the number of American visitors to the country. The United States has also continued to promote tourism to Turkey through its travel advisory programs and partnerships with Turkish travel agencies.
Overall, the relationship between the United States and Turkey in terms of tourism is an important and growing aspect of their broader relationship. While there have been some challenges in recent years, both countries are working to strengthen their ties and promote travel between their citizens. As tourism continues to grow between the two countries, it will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures and traditions.
Entry Procedure to Turkey for citizens of the United States
Do US citizens need a visa to Turkey?
Yes, U.S. citizens who wish to visit Turkey may obtain an e-visa for Turkey.
How many days can stay in Turkey with an electronic visa?
After receiving a Turkish e-Visa, US citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days.
The Turkish e-Visa is valid only for tourist and trade purposes. The visa is multiple-entry and valid for 180 days from the date of issue. The validity period of the e-visa differs from the period of stay in the country. Although the e-visa is valid for 180 days, the period of stay cannot exceed 90 days within each 180 days. You can enter Turkey at any time during the 180-day validity period of the visa.
What other documents besides a visa are needed to travel to Turkey from the U.S.?
- Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of the trip and have at least one free page for stamps.
- Document that confirms the tourist's place of residence in Turkey: hotel reservation, travel agency voucher.
- Return ticket.
- Medical insurance.
- Confirmation of funds for the trip (bank statement or other document).
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How do I apply for a visa to Turkey from the United States?
U.S. citizens can apply for a visa to Turkey online on
this website and receive it by email.
It is very easy to get an electronic visa to Turkey for tourist purposes.
- Complete the online application form on the Turkish eVisa website;
- Confirm your application. Within a few minutes, you should receive an email asking you to confirm that you have started your eVisa application. Click on the link you received, which will take you back to the eVisa application website;
- Pay the fee. You will then need to pay the eVisa application fee;
- Download your e-Visa. You will again receive an email with a link that will take you to the same website where you will need to download your eVisa;
- Print out your e-Visa. A printed version of the e-Visa must be presented at the Turkish port of entry.
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Please note that if you overstay your Turkish visa, you may be fined, deported or banned from entering Türkiye in the future for a period of time.
What requirements/documents are needed to apply for an e-visa to Turkey?
U.S. citizens need the following documents to fulfill the online requirements for a Turkish visa:
- A U.S. passport with a validity of at least 150 days from the date of arrival in Turkey.
- A valid and active email address for online Turkish visa and Turkish visa notifications.
- Valid debit or credit card to pay Turkey visa fee
How long before the travel date should I apply for an e-Visa?
You can apply for an e-Visa at any time before you start traveling. However, we recommend that you create your visa application no later than 48 hours before your departure.
How much does a Turkish e-Visa cost for US citizens?
The cost of issuing a Turkish e-visa for US citizens is $50.
What is the processing time for a Turkish e-visa application?
Most applications are approved within 48 hours.
How can a U.S. citizen extend his or her stay in Turkey (for trips longer than 90 days)?
To extend their stay beyond this period, United States citizens need to apply for a short-term residence permit (ikamet) in Turkey.
A 3-month residence permit can be obtained once in one calendar year by applying to the authorized body. It must be done before the 90-day visa period expires.
Read more about obtaining a short-term or long-term residence permit for U.S. citizens in Turkey here
You can stay in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days if you obtain a visa that corresponds to the purpose of stay - it can be for
work,
study or
medical treatment.
It is a must for U.S. citizens to have
health insurance when traveling to Turkey. In addition to the fact that the policy must be presented at the border crossing, having health insurance can protect the tourist from unnecessary expenses in an emergency situation.
What are the requirements for insurance for a tourist trip to Turkey?
- Insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay in the country by a tourist.
- Medical insurance policy has a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
- The validity of the policy begins at least one day before the traveler's arrival.
- The insurance must cover basic services such as emergency care for injuries and unforeseen illnesses, as well as the exacerbation of chronic diseases.
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Turkey has always been a popular destination for travelers from the United States. This beautiful country has a lot to offer, from stunning scenery to vibrant culture. If you are planning to visit Turkey from the U.S., flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get there.
The fastest way to get from the US to Turkey
The fastest way to get from the U.S. to Turkey is by direct flight. The average flight time from the US to Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, is about 10-11 hours. Keep in mind that travel time may vary depending on the departure city, airline, and flight schedule.
From which cities in the United States can I fly direct to Turkey?
Several cities in the United States offer direct flights to Istanbul. Major cities include:
- New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JK))
- Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport (LAX))
- Chicago (Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD))
- Washington (Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD))
- Miami (Miami International Airport (MIA))
- San Francisco (San Francisco International Airport (SFO))
- Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA))
These cities have direct flights to Istanbul's two main airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).
What airlines fly from the U.S. to Turkey
Several airlines fly from the U.S. to Turkey, including:
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines and others.
Turkish Airlines is Turkey's national airline and offers direct flights from several U.S. cities to Istanbul. Other airlines offer flights with connections in Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey.
How much is a plane ticket to Turkey from the U.S.?
The cost of a plane ticket to Turkey from the U.S. depends on several factors including the airline, departure city, travel dates and time of booking.
The average round-trip airfare (U.S.-Turkey and return) is about $1,240 (New York-Stambul-New York flight).
If you have time and want to save, consider buying connecting flights from the United States to Turkey. In most cases, indirect flights take longer, but allow you to save significantly.
As of 2022, there are approximately 28,000 American citizens living in Turkey. However, this number is an estimate and may not include those who have not registered with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Turkey.
According to the data from the U.S. Department of State, the cities in Turkey with the most U.S. citizens are:
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- Izmir
- Antalya
- Mugla (including the towns of Bodrum and Fethiye)
Istanbul, being the largest city in Turkey and a major economic and cultural hub, has the highest number of U.S. citizens. Ankara, the capital city, and Izmir, a major port city on the Aegean coast, are also popular destinations for American expats. Antalya, a resort city on the Mediterranean coast, and Mugla, a province in southwestern Turkey known for its coastal towns and beaches, are also popular among U.S. citizens.
Located at the intersection of two completely different worlds, Turkey is an extremely popular tourist destination. It is a place where Asia meets Europe, East meets West, and new meets old in an absolutely fascinating cultural synthesis.
The profile of American tourists shows that they visit Turkey for its historical and cultural attractions. The priorities of American tourists differ from those of European tourists.
According to statistics, US citizens mostly come to Turkey on cruise ships, so their preferred destinations are mainly planned through Turkey's famous ports - Kusadasi, Istanbul, Marmaris.
Some of the most popular resorts in Turkey for Americans are:
- Istanbul. American tourists’ first choice is İstanbul. İstanbul is Turkey’s most visited city. It has amazing nature, great historical and cultural heritage, great shopping opportunities and oriental nightlife.
- Bodrum. Bodrum is certainly one of the best places for Americans to vacation in Turkey. The city is so popular that even the Turks themselves consider it one of their favorite travel destinations. Bodrum is perfectly located on a picturesque peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by high mountains and stunning coastlines. It tends to be a bit more upscale than many other popular vacation destinations in Turkey.
- Fethiye. Fethiye is a charming coastal town located in the province of Mugla in Turkey. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and ancient ruins.
- Marmaris. Another extremely popular vacation spot in Turkey for U.S. citizens is Marmaris, a modern seaside resort in scenic surroundings. Marmaris is located in a picturesque bay and surrounded by green mountains, which give the city an insanely beautiful and almost exotic look. Unfortunately, Marmaris does not have the best beaches in Turkey, but its surroundings still make Marmaris a true paradise. There are plenty of opportunities to get yourself in the holiday spirit on the long beach promenade, the harbor and the old town. You can also go shopping in the covered bazaar or join a party in the famous bar street.
- Kusadasi: Kusadasi, located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, is a popular resort town known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and lively atmosphere. In Kusadasi there’s an idyllic holiday atmosphere, offering a charming old town, historical sights, and long sandy beaches.
Americans consider several criteria when choosing hotels in Turkey for their vacation. Here are some of them:
- Location: U.S. citizens prefer hotels located in popular locations such as Istanbul, Antalya or Bodrum, close to tourist attractions, restaurants and shopping centers.
- Price: The cost of living is an important factor for many travelers. Americans can look for hotels that offer good value for money and stay within their budget.
- Amenities: Many Americans prefer hotels which offer a wide range of amenities, such as swimming pools, spa services, fitness centers and on-site restaurants.
- Reputation: Americans may look for hotels with positive reviews and a good reputation among past guests, as well as hotels in well-established chains such as the Hilton or Marriott.
- Safety and Security: Safety and security are important considerations for many U.S. citizens when traveling abroad. They may look for hotels that have effective security measures in place, such as 24-hour front desk service, security cameras, and secure locks on room doors.
- Accessibility: Americans may also pay attention to the accessibility of hotels, particularly if they have mobility or other special needs. They may look for hotels that offer accessible rooms, ramps, and other amenities.
There are many hotels in Turkey that are popular among Americans for vacations. Here are a few examples:
- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet: Located in the heart of Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, this luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
- Rixos Premium Belek: This all-inclusive resort is located on the Mediterranean coast near Antalya and offers a wide range of amenities, including multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and a spa.
- Hillside Beach Club: Located near Fethiye, this resort is situated on a private bay and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. It features a wide range of activities, including watersports, tennis, and yoga.
- Mandarin Oriental Bodrum: This luxurious resort is located on the Bodrum Peninsula and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It features multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and a spa.
- Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum: This 5-star resort is located on a private bay near Bodrum and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It features multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and a spa.
Turkey