Hello I am wondering if anyone can offer advice about traveling from Samos to Kusadasi in Turkey. I would, of course, like to visit Ephesus. I am wondering if it is worth staying overnight? Or even two nights. It seems from my reading that when you arrive in Kusadasi from Greece, they take your passport. This is, if you are doing a day trip. Then they return it, when you come back to take your late in the day ferry back to Samos. What happens if you plan to stay overnight? Is it more of a hassle? Do you need a visa? I am trying to figure out if it is worth visiting Turkey for a day or two? Please advise and thank you for your help!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2714 posts
I've never heard of anyone taking your passport, is this with a tour company? I personally wouldn't do that. If you are a US citizen there is no longer a visa requirement to visit Turkey, see US State Department info: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html
I would stay at least overnight, just because it would be a very long day otherwise. Ephesus is spectacular and also very crowded especially if there are cruise ships in the harbor (you can check schedules). Plenty of hotels near the ferry port, just make sure to note the ferry boarding times and give yourself plenty of time to get on board. There have been reports that Samos passport control can be slow (depends on which port you use).