Hello there! I am a female college student planning a winter break trip to Turkey. I am originally from the U.S. - but I am studying in Spain currently. I am meeting friends in Turkey (2 currently live in Istanbul), and I want to make it a great trip. Here are my questions, hopefully someone will be able to answer! Thanks in advance! 1. Will I need a visa to get into Turkey if I am flying in from Madrid? 2. What would you recommend: taking the train and bus and seeing Ankara and Cappadocia ... or flying to Antalya
and spending time on the coast? We have about 12 days, but we must begin and end in Istanbul. As I am a poor college student, money is a concern. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks so much!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23562 posts
You will need a visa to stay in Turkey. You buy it on entry to Turkey during the immigration checks at the airport. Cash only - US dollars or Euro. Believe it is 20 or 25 dollars. It has been awhile. Take the bus. Buses are good and cheap if trying to save money.
Posted by
Columbia, SC
389 posts
I believe the visa cost for US citizens is still 20 USD or 15 EUR. The interior of Turkey (Ankara, Cappadocia) is going to be quite cold in the winter, in the 30's during the day. Since Cappadocia is a very outdoorsy experience, I would not recommend it for that time of year. The coastal areas will definitely be warmer, in the 60's and 70's on sunny days. The resort towns will be pretty quiet but could make for a relaxing break. You could have some rainy days on the coast, though. Think about including some cultural activities, such as a visit to Ephesus. Not so weather dependent, and the crowds will be a lot thinner than in the other seasons. Good luck!
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
1). As already noted, yes you will need a visa. You will pay in cash (dollars or euros) when you arrive. 2). If it was me picking between the two options you mentioned, I would save the coast for warmer weather and visit Istanbul, Ankara and Cappadocia. Coastal resort areas are pretty dead in the winter and it will be too cool to swim. It will be cold in Ankara and Cappadocia, but if you dress warmly you'll be fine. I've hiked the Ihlara Valley in winter before and enjoyed it. One wrinkle in your plans, if you decide to go, may be transportation within Cappadocia. A lot of the sites are widely scattered and not well served by buses. I've always rented a car for this area. Another option is a tour. If you opt for buses, be sure to research it in advance. Good luck.