Visitors Guide to Turkey

Residency, Visas and Passports

Restrictions for visa requirements, along with associated documents for entering Turkey should be confirmed prior to travelling to ensure complete and up to date information. Restrictions vary depending upon the citizenship of the traveller, so the information provided here is to be used only as a general guide.

Most of the EU countries, the United Stated, Canada and various countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America are freely able to purchase Turkish property. The only restrictions that are held over all foreign buyers are in municipal areas with less than 2000 registered inhabitants, and within military zones. Another restriction relates to the size of the property being purchased by foreigners, with a maximum of approximately 30,000m2 or a special permit will be required.

The purchasing process is similar to buying in other European countries, with a holding deposit required while the solicitors check through the paper work to ensure a safe purchase. The private purchase contract will be signed to enter into an agreement of the sale, at which point a reservation deposit will be placed. The deposit can vary between developers, and is usually between 10% and 25% of the purchase price.

With all purchases, permission for the sale will need to be obtained by the local Army headquarters and usually takes from 6 to 8 weeks. Once the permission is secured, the Title Deeds (Tapu) are arranged at the local Land Registry Office. Although it is not necessary, the use of a solicitor specialising in Turkish property is advised to ensure thorough checks for a safe purchase.

The processing of the Title Deeds can be a slow process in Turkey; buyers should be prepared to wait up to 9 months for the deeds to be issued. It is also a legal requirement for all property sales to foreign buyers to use a government authorised interpreter for notary processes.

You can find more on visas and immigration here: Turkish Tourism

Getting There

These days Turkey is easier than ever before to reach, with various international and national airlines offering direct or connecting routes to 30 airports within the country. Regular flights are available to the main airports throughout the country, with competitive prices enabling discounted fares. Turkish domestic airlines include Turkish Airlines, Atlasjet, Pegasus Airlines, Fly Air, Sun Express Airlines and Onur Air.

Due to the strategic location of Turkey with land and sea borders, it is also possible to reach the country by ferry. Neighbouring countries of the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea coasts offer passenger, car and cargo ferries to Turkish sea ports of entry. Turkey also offers an extensive rail system, connecting with neighbouring countries. This enables train transport connections with Turkey from various European cities.

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Local Transport

As private cars are not as plentiful in Turkey in comparison to other European destinations, the public transport system is extremely effective and very affordable. Bus transport is the most popular for local and long distance travel, while rail transport is becoming increasingly popular with an ever improving network.

Coaches are modern and travel routes across the country are available at all hours. Intercity bus systems are also excellent forms of transport. Mini buses also operate set routes with conveniently located stops, while the larger cities also offer trams. Metro systems operate in the cities of Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa and Izmir.

Due to the size of the country, coupled with the competitiveness of airlines and extensive number of airports, domestic flights offer a fast transport method for long distances.

Car rental companies are dispersed throughout Turkey, with services available from some of the world’s major companies, such as Avis, Hertz and Europcar. To rent a car in Turkey, drivers will need to be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of 1 year’s driving experience.

Health and Safety

Turkey has become a very popular touristic destination with no major health or safety problems in the touristic areas. While English is widely understood throughout the country, some precautions should be taken to ensure a more enjoyable visit.

No vaccinations are required and modern facilities are available in private hospitals, yet it is highly advisable to obtain private health insurance when planning a visit. Some public health facilities are considered to be below the average European standards, so private health insurance can provide options in the event of an accident. Turkey lies on a seismic fault line and can be subject to tremors and earthquakes.

General personal safety should be observed when travelling however Turkey has a very low street crime level. Small groups of Kurdish separatist groups operate in some areas of Turkey, especially the south-east of the country, so visitors are advised to keep away from any types of street demonstrations. As a predominantly Muslim country respect should be shown, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Tap water is considered to be safe to drink, yet bottled water is advisable. Smoking is very popular in Turkey although times are changing, with smoking now banned on all forms of public transport and outdoor venues. This ban is expected to extend to cafes, bars and restaurants in mid 2009.

More about investing in Turkey:
Features & Benefits
Past, Present & Future
Reasons to Invest in Turkey
Visitors Guide to Turkey
Investors Guide to Turkey
Investing Information
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