• General Information
• Art & Culture
• General Visa Information
• Currency Regulations
• Customs Regulations
• Health Regulations For Animals
• Motorist Regulations
• Yachting Regulations
• Formalities For Private Plane Owners
• Climate & Clothing
• Working Hours
• Important Service Telephone Numbers
• Postal Systems & Telephone Calls
• Miscallenous Facts
• Money

The First Geography Congress, which was convened in Ankara in 1941, at the conclusion of the research that had continued for a long time, separated Turkey into seven geographical regions. During the congress activities, the fact that Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, the presence of mountain ranges lying parallel to the length of the long coastline, the fact that these mountains separate the high, but slightly steep and uneven central section from the influence of the sea and because of this, factors such as the climate, natural plant cover and the distribution of types of agriculture, and the influences of these on the transportation systems and the types of housing between the coastal strip and the central sections, had been taken into consideration and it was possible to divide Turkey into four border and three inner regions. The first four of the seven regions determined were given the names of the seas which are adjacent to them (the Black Sea, the Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean Regions). The other three regions were named in accordance with their location in the whole of Anatolia (Central, Eastern and South-eastern Anatolia Regions).

Stretching out on two continents, Turkey is a paradise where one can experience the four seasons simultaneously... Whether you are fond of art, history, archeology or nature, you will feel the happiness beyond desires and hopes during your stay in Turkey.

Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of a shinning sea at four directions, Turkey generously offers her 8000km long shores before your eyes. Turkey is also rich in flora and fauna.

Twenty fascinating civilizations render Turkey the heir of 10.000 years old history which has still been examined for further ancient secrets to be brought up into daylight. These lands inhale at any moment the mystery of the past through the existenece of the statues of gods and goddesses, temples, theathers, agoras, churches, mosques, medresseh, palaces and caravanseraies. Becoming a united whole of daily life and all other values, Turkey forms the ideal circumstances.  ^Top

ART & CULTURE

Among the prominent statesmen of the 20th century, few articulated the supreme importance of culture as did Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, who stated: "Culture is the foundation of the Turkish Republic." His view of culture encompassed the nation's creative legacy as well as the best values of world civilization. It stressed personal and universal humanism. "Culture," he said, " is a basic element in being a person worthy of humanity," and described Turkey's ideological thrust as "a creation of patriotism blended with a lofty humanist ideal."

To create the best synthesis, Ataturk underlined the need for the utilization of all viable elements in the national heritage, including the ancient indigenous cultures, and the arts and techniques of the entire world civilization, past and present. He gave impetus to the study of earlier civilizations of Anatolia -- including Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian and others. Pre-Islamic culture of theTurks became the subject of extensive research which proved that, long before the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires, the Turks had already created a civilization of their own. Ataturk also stressed the folk arts and folklore of the countryside as a wellspring of Turkish creativity.

The development of painting, sculpture and the decorative arts had been arrested by Ottoman officials, who claimed the depiction of the human form was idolatry, but these arts flourished during Ataturk's presidency. Many museums were opened and architecture gained new vigor. Classical Western music, opera and ballet, as well as theater took impressive strides.Several hundred "People's Houses" and "People's Rooms" all over Turkey gave local people and youngsters a wide variety of artistic activities, sports and cultural affairs. Book and magazine publication enjoyed a boom. The Film industry started to grow. In all walks of cultural life, Ataturk's inspiration created an upsurge.

Ataturk's Turkey is living proof of this ideal -- a country rich in its own national culture, open to the heritage of world civilization and at home in the endowments of the modern technological age. ^Top

GENERAL VISA INFORMATION FOR BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS

British passport holders travelling to Turkey require visa. Visas can be obtained at the port of entry in Turkey or from the Turkish Consulate General in London or Turkish Diplomatic Missions in other countries.

Sticker type visas are issued at the port of entry and allow staying in Turkey for up to 90 days. It costs £10. If there is more than one person travelling on the same passport, each individual is liable to pay the visa fee. This type of visa does not permit to engage in paid or unpaid employment.

Those who wish to obtain entry visa from the Turkish Consulate in London should apply to the Consulate General. Visa fee is £40 and should be paid by postal order or cash only. A passport size picture should also be submitted during application.

It is compulsory to have a minimum of three months validity on your passport from the date of your entry into Turkey.

Travel document holders need to apply to the Consulate General in person with his/her travel document with a validity of at least 6 months, a passport size photo, fully filled application form, latest bank statement, a reference letter from his/her employer or school. The fee is 40 pounds sterling. All visas for travel document holders are single entry.

For more information please contact Turkish Consulate General in London.

The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London

Tel : 0207 591 69 00
Fax : 0207 591 69 11

Please note, that they are open for telephone enquires between 14.00 and 16.00 hrs only

Visa Information Line: 09068 347 348 (24 hrs)

Address: Rutland Lodge
Rutland Gardens
Knightsbridge
LONDON
SW7 1BW

Web: www.turkconsulate-london.com
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                                                                                                    ^Top

CURRENCY REGULATIONS

Limits: You, a foreign national, can bring abroad cash up to USD 5000 or equivalent amount of any other foreign exchange.

Moreover, if you have declared the amount of your money to customs authorities just prior to your entry into Turkey, you are allowed to bring abroad cash up to declared amount on your return.

On the other hand, you are free to transfer abroad an amount of Turkish Liras or foreign exchange by means of banks in Turkey                                                                                                    ^Top

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
On Entry:

The following items may be brought into the country duty free personal effects of the tourist:

one TV, one colour pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV-tape-radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs, one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector, one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k. Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette - keyboard).

one transistor radio and portable radio - tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player.
Binoculars (one pair, except night binoculars)
harmonica, mandolin, flageole, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments).
personal sports equipment.
necessary medical items.
bicycle, baby buggy, toys.
200 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff
(In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country).
1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea.
1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets.
5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits.
five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each).
one portable typewriter.
one camera with 5 rolls of film.
First aid, and spare parts for the car.
Other items necessary during the journey.
Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner's passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.
Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner's passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.
Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year's.

Note: Cellular Telephones entering the country must be accompanied by a certification form showing ownership. Ownership must be documented in the passport of the owner and will be checked on entry and exit.

For more information contact the;
Ministry of Transportation, General Directorate at
Tel: 090 (312) 212 35 72 - 212 60 10 (10 lines)
Fax: (312) 221 32 26 or
write to Ulastirma Bakanligi Telsiz Gn. Md. Emek - Ankara.
On Exit:

Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary.
Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.
Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner's passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.
Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from the:

MTA Etudler Dairesi
(General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research)
06520, Ankara
Tel: 090 (312) 287 3430 /1622
Fax: 090 (312) 285 42 71

Tax Refund: You can receive a tax refund for the goods you purchased in Turkey.

Travellers who are not resident in Turkey may receive a refund of the Value Added Tax paid on goods purchased in the country.
1. Refunds will be made to travellers who do not reside in Turkey.
2. All goods (including food and drinks) are included in the refunds with the exclusion of services rendered.
3. The minimum amount of purchase that qualifies for refund is 5,000,000 TL.
4. Retailers that qualify for tax refunds must be "authorized for refund". These retailers must display a permit received from their respective tax office.
5. The retailer will make four copies of the receipt for your refund, three of which will be given to the purchaser. If photocopies of the receipt are received the retailer must sign and stamp the copies to validate them. If you prefer the refund to be made by cheque, a Tax-free Shopping Cheque for the amount to be refunded to the customer must be given along with the receipt.
6. For the purchaser to benefit from this exemption, he must leave the country within three months with the goods purchased, showing them to Turkish customs officials along with the appropriate receipts and/or cheque.
7. There are four ways to receive your refund:

a) If the retailer gives you a cheque, it can be cashed at a bank in the Customs area at the airport.
If it is not possible to cash the cheque upon departure or if you do not with to cash it, then the customer must, within on month, send a copy of the receipt to the retailer, showing that the goods have left the country, who will, within then days upon receiving the receipt, send a bank transfer to the purchaser's bank or address.
b) If the certified receipt and cheque are brought back to the retailer on a subsequent visit within one month of the date of customs certification, the refund can be made directly to the purchaser.
c) Retailers may directly refund the amount to trustworthy customers upon purchase.
d) The refund may be made by the organization of those companies that are authorized to make tax refunds.

Additional Information:

Ministry of Finance and Tax Dept. General Directorate
Maliye Bakanligi, Gelirler Genel Mudurlugu
KDV Subesi, 06100
Ulus/Ankara
Telephone: 00-90-312-310 38 80
Fax: 00-90-312-311 45 10 - 311 35 20

Alternatively you can visit:
www.globalrefund.com

Ministry of Finance and Tax Dept. General Directorate
Maliye Bakanligi
Gelirler Genel Mudurlugu)
KDV Subesi 06100
Ulus - Ankara
Tel: 090 (312) 3103880 / 725
Fax: 090 (312) 3114510                                                                                                   ^Top

HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR ANIMALS
For those who wish to bring domestic animals into the country the following are required:

A 'Certificate of Origin' giving the health record of the animal.
A 'Certificate of Health', issued not more than 15 days before the animal's entry into the country, stating that the animal is in good health and that it has been vaccinated against rabies.

Note: If you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one bird, one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country.                                                                                                             ^Top

MOTORIST REGULATIONS
General:Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other transport vehicles, will have to provide the following documentation:


* Passport.
* International driving license.
* Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner's name are registered). If it is somebody else's vehicle a power of attorney should be provided.
* International green card (Insurance card). The TR sign should be visible.
* Transit book "Carnet de passage" (for those who want to proceed to the Middle East).

Period: The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 Months. The owner should declare on the opposite form, the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely ve the country at the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be ended, it is necessary to apply to;

The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Turkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu)
1. Sanayi Sitesi Yani
4.Levent
Istanbul
Tel 090(212) 282 81 40(7 lines)

The General Directorate of Customs (Gumrukler Genel Mudurlugu),
Ulus/ Ankara
Tel: 090 (312) 310 38 80
Fax: 090 (312) 31113 46 before the end of the period declared.

In Case of Accident: The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should apply to the customs authority with his passport and report.
If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. (Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.)

Following an accident, you can telephone:
Traffic Police - Tel :154
Gendarme - Tel :156                                                                                                            ^Top

YACHTING REGULATIONS

All yachts entering or leaving Turkey are required to make their entry or departure at frontier ports.

PORTS OF ENTRY IN TURKEY:
Hopa, Rize, Trabzon, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, Inebolu, Sinop, Bartin, Zonguldak, Eregli, Istanbul, Tekirdag, Derince, Gemlik, Mudanya, Bandirma, canakkale, Akcay, Ayvalik, Dikili, Izmir, Kusadasi, Didim, Gulluk, Bodrum, Datca, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kas, Finike, Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Anamur, Bozyazi, Tasucu, Mersin, Botas, Iskenderun.

ENTERING TURKEY
If you wish to enter Turkey, after you have sailed through international ports and waters, then you are required to obtain a Yacht Registration Form, which contains information about yachts and yachtsmen. You will need to complete this form in accordance with the explanations given there and you will need to go through the Customs, Health and Port procedures as per the international regulations stated within those explanations and in accordance with your declaration.
The cost of the Yacht Registration Form is $30.00 and it is valid for one year.
However, if the owner of the yacht or the legal keeper of the yacht changes within that year and if the yacht leaves Turkish Customs Area or the Form is lost, then the term of validity of the Form comes to an end. It is possible to obtain a new Yacht Registration Form in such occurrences.

TRIPS WITHIN TURKISH WATERS OR BETWEEN TURKISH PORTS
You, as the owner of the yacht and your guests on the yacht, are entitled to sail freely in Turkish waters and between ports, on condition that the purpose of the trip is not commercial. You may wish to sail between Turkish ports for the purpose of travel, leisure or sport.


As long as the captain, crew and the yachtsmen of the yacht remain the same on such trips, you can sail freely to the bays on your route, except forbidden areas, without the need to go through any procedures.
If any change occurs between ports, in terms of your captain, yachtsmen or crew, then you should definitely make an application to the Director of Port in your area and obtain a confirmation for the change.


Foreign-flagged private yachts belonging to more than one owner and yachts belonging to an association or a yacht club, may be used by four keepers only in one year.


If you are in our country with your yacht and you wish to extend your visa for your stay, then you will need to allocate a marina or a mooring place licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, as your address of residence and after you notify the authorities of the address you will be granted an extension. In such cases, the extension you can be granted on your term of residence and visa may be no longer than 5 (five) years, depending on your term of contract that you have with the marina or the moorage.


You can also use your own vehicle freely, after you inform the Directorate of Customs, whilst you stay in Turkey under the term of your visa and residency.


Should you wish to leave Turkey for a period of time temporarily with your yacht, you can leave your road vehicle, if you have one, which you have brought to Turkey, at places that are allocated and monitored by the Customs authorities.


If, for example, you or your family need to be collected from another port or taken to another port, then your captain, on condition that he has your written or fax instructions to do so, can obtain a permit to sail from the Directorate of Port and can sail to another Turkish port, forth and back, without any yachtsmen or guests on board.


Unless the authorities receive a complaint or a claim, which should be made in accordance with the regulations, no searches, either of your yacht or for any goods, will be carried out. However, if the authorities conduct a search upon receipt of a complaint or a claim through the appropriate channels and establish you to be in possession of goods that are forbidden to be taken into Turkey, then any such item or items will be seized by the customs authorities and will not be returned until your yacht leaves Turkish waters.


In such instances when you have to depart from or enter Turkey for reasons of emergency, extraordinary conditions or under the obligations set out by the Law protecting life and property afloat, it is an obligation to report the case to the Turkish officials at the first port of arrival.

DIVING AREAS
Equipped diving is subject to obtaining permission. You can obtain the relevant information and the co-ordinations from regional Tourist and Information directorates.

CHANGES IN THE YACHT INVENTORY
Whilst your yacht is in Turkey, if due to any reason (i.e. repairs, etc.) a change occurs in the inventory of the yacht, you will be required to have the necessary changes logged through the relevant Customs officials on your Yacht Registration Form.


Spare parts belonging to your yacht and other material will be allowed to remain in Turkey as long as your yacht remains in Turkey.


If any spare part becomes redundant following repairs carried out on the yacht and the owner wishes to take it out of Turkey, then the owner will have to have such parts registered in the inventory list of the yacht. You can also leave your old spare parts with the customs officials in accordance with the Customs Act 4458, section 164.

LEAVING YOUR YACHT IN TURKEY
Foreign-flagged yachts, on condition that they are sailed by their owners once every two years, can remain in Turkey up to five (5) years without a requirement for any permission.


You can leave our country by another means of transport during this period after you leave your yacht at a marina or a moorage licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

LEAVING TURKEY

When leaving Turkish ports for international ports with your yacht, you need to complete the relevant section of the Yacht Registration Form, have it confirmed by the Director of Port and complete the required procedures at the Customs Directorate.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1) You are not allowed to use your private yacht for commercial purposes unless you obtain the necessary permission from the Ministry of Tourism.

2) You are not allowed to charge individuals you have declared as your guests for any cruises.

3) You need to be aware that if any untruthful declarations are being submitted, these will be subject to legal proceedings brought against you.

4) If you export any historical artefacts, you will be subjected to legal proceedings brought against you. Such an act constitutes a crime.

5) You should not engage yourself in any way of exchange of goods (buying or selling) that have not yet been through the necessary customs and duty procedures, with other yachts or ships. Such an exchange is illegal.

Such occurrences as stated above are considered as acts of crime internationally and in our country and if such an act is established to have taken place, then the legal proceedings to follow will be in accordance with the relevant legislation in Turkey.                                                                                    ^Top

FORMALITIES FOR PRIVATE PLANE OWNERS
General: When coming to Turkey, international air routes should he followed. Private planes may stay for up to three months in Turkey with tourist status, but for longer periods permission should be obtained from

The General Directorate of Customs
(Gumrukler Genel Mudurlugu),
Ulus
Ankara
Tel: 090 (312) 310 3880
Fax: 090 (312) 311 1346

The airports of Ankara, Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Dalaman have ties for private planes. It is also possible to hire planes and helicopters in Turkey.

For further information, apply to:
The Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport
(Ulastirma Bakanligi, Havacilik Gen. Mud.)
Bosna-Hersek Cad.
No: 5 - 06338
Emek - Ankara
Tel: 090 (312) 212 67 30
Fax: 090 (312) 212 46 84                                                                                                  ^Top

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
WHEN TO COME

Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts: These coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and wild winters. The swimming season becomes shorter the further north one goes: Marmara and North Aegean - June to September, South Aegean and Mediterranean - April to October. Black Sea Coast: warm summers, mild winters, and relatively high rainfall.
Central Anatolia: Steppe climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Eastern Anatolia: Long snowy, cold winters with mild summers.
Southeast Anatolia: Hot summer with mild, rainy winters.

WHAT TO WEAR

Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts: Light, cotton summer clothing and cardigans for evening.
Black Sea Coast, Central and Eastern Anatolia: Summer wear, warmer clothing should be taken for cool evenings at high altitudes. Comfortable shoes are necessary for visiting archaeological and historical sites.

Visiting a mosque: Five times a day, the "muezzin" calls the faithful to prayer in the mosque. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors should also remove their shoes and show the respect they would any other house of worship and avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time. Women should cover their heads and arms, and not wear miniskirts. Men should not wear shorts. (In certain famous mosques, overalls are provided for those not suitably dressed.)     ^Top

WORKING HOURS

Government offices: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm-5:30 pm (Closed Saturday and Sundays, open daily in tourist areas)
Banks: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; 1:30 pm-5:00 pm (Closed Saturday and Sundays, open daily in tourist areas)
Shops: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm (In tourist areas, closing times vary, some close around midnight)
Covered Bazaar- Istanbul: 8:am - 7:pm (Closed Sundays)
Summer hours: In the Aegean and the Mediterranean regions of Turkey, government offices and many other establishments are closed in the afternoon during the summer months. These summer hours are fixed each year by the provincial governors.

OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS IN 2004
New Year’s Day January 1
Sacrifice Festival January 31 (1/2 day) to February 4
National Sovereignty and Childrens' Day April 23
Ataturk Commemoration & Youths and Sports Festival May 19
Victory Day August 30
Republic Day October 28 (½ day) to October 29
Ramadan Festival November 13 (½ day) to November 16                                                        ^Top

IMPORTANT SERVICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Traffic Police: 154
Police: 155
Gendarmerie: 156
Fire: 110
Emergency: 112
International Operator: 118
Municipal Police: 153                                                                                                           ^Top

POSTAL SYSTEMS AND TELEPHONE CALLS

Turkish post and telephone offices are easily recognizable by their "PTT" and "Turk Telekom" signs. Major post offices are open from 8:00am to 12 am Monday to Saturday and 9:00am to 7:00 pm on Sunday. Small post offices have the same hours as Government offices (see below).

Poste restante
Poste restante letters should be addressed "postrestant" to the central post office ("Merkez Postanesi") in the town of your choice. It is only necessary to produce and identification card when collecting your letter. This service is for sending and receiving documents from other countries.

Fax Office
Fax service is available for sending and receiving documents from other countries.

Valuable Dispatch
This service is for sending valuable belongings or important documents.

Other PTT services
It is possible to exchange money at some PTT branches at the current international exchange rate. International post orders and travellers cheques can also be exchanged. An express postal service (Acele Posta Servisi -APS) operates from Turkey to 72 other countries for letters, documents and small packages. Stamp collectors will be delighted with the wide range of special stamps available from the philatelic section. International subscriptions are also available.

Phone calls
The most economic way to telephone in Turkey is from a PTT telephone booth (Found in all towns). Telephone cards are available.                                                                                             ^Top

MISCALLENOUS FACTS

Local Time: GMT+2hours (Summer).
Electricity: 220 volts AC all over Turkey (A European adaptor will be suitable).
Tap water: Safe to drink in all cities since it has been chlorinated.
Weights and measurements: Metric System
Foreign Newspapers: Available in large cities and tourist areas.
Interpreters-guides: Ministry of Tourism Offices and travel agents can provide professional interpreters/guides. Travel agents are obliged to provide a professional interpreter/guide on all of their tours.                                                                                                                             ^Top