US/Canada to Turkey 40–80% OFF
Cheap flights discovered by AI^✨

Yes, the M11 metro line is fully operational and connects IST Airport to Gayrettepe station in about 30 minutes. From Gayrettepe, you must transfer to the M2 line to reach Taksim or Yenikapı, making the total journey to the city center roughly 60-75 minutes depending on transfer times. While much faster than traffic-clogged taxis, the transfer at Gayrettepe involves a long walk, so this route is challenging if you have heavy luggage. For most tourists with suitcases, the Havaist airport buses ($6-8) remain the most convenient direct option to Sultanahmet or Taksim.

Turkish Airlines has recently expanded its US network to include Denver (DEN), Detroit (DTW), and Minneapolis (MSP), adding to its existing hubs like New York, Chicago, and LA. This aggressive expansion means more direct connection options and often competitive pricing wars between US carriers and Turkish Airlines for the Europe/Asia corridor. If you live near these new gateway cities, check for introductory fare sales, as the airline often discounts economy seats to $700-800 roundtrip to fill the new capacity on their Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 fleets.

The US State Department maintains a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory for Turkey generally, but strict “Do Not Travel” warnings remain for areas within 10km of the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Tourist areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and the Turquoise Coast are considered safe and far removed from these conflict zones. Standard big-city precautions apply in Istanbul regarding pickpocketing, but the risk of terrorism in tourist zones has remained low throughout 2024 and 2025 due to heightened security presence. Always register with the STEP program before departure for real-time alerts.

No, the online “Form for Entry to Turkey” and the associated HES code system were discontinued completely. You do not need to fill out any health forms, show vaccination proof, or take PCR tests to enter Turkey from North America. Entry is now just a passport check. Be wary of scam websites appearing in search results that still claim to sell this form for a fee—they are fraudulent. Your valid passport is the only documentation needed for immigration.

Bring $100-200 in clean, crisp USD bills for emergencies, but rely on bank ATMs (Bankamatik) for your daily spending. Major banks like Garanti, İş Bankası, and HSBC offer reliable ATMs with English menus and fair exchange rates, unlike the predatory Euronet machines you’ll see in tourist zones. Always decline the “Dynamic Currency Conversion” (DCC) if the machine asks to charge you in USD—choose to be charged in Turkish Lira (TRY) to let your home bank handle the conversion at a much better rate. Cash is still king for small tea shops, taxis, and bazaars.

No, do not drink tap water in Istanbul or anywhere in Turkey, as the filtration systems are designed for utility use, not consumption. While the water won’t kill you, the heavy chlorination and old pipe infrastructure often cause stomach upset for travelers not accustomed to the local bacteria. Locals almost exclusively drink bottled water (“su”), which is incredibly cheap—about $0.25-0.50 for a large bottle. Use tap water for showering and brushing teeth, but stick to sealed bottles for drinking to avoid losing vacation days to digestive issues.

Yes, but you must keep all pills in their original prescription bottles with your name clearly printed on the label. If you carry controlled substances like Adderall, Xanax, or strong painkillers, you must carry a doctor’s note or copy of the prescription explaining why you need them. Turkish customs can be strict about “narcotic” medications without documentation. Bring only the amount needed for your trip plus a small buffer, as bringing large bulk quantities can trigger suspicion of drug trafficking.

Yes, Istanbul is generally safe for solo women, but you will likely experience “verbal harassment” in the form of catcalling or persistent shopkeepers. This is usually annoying rather than dangerous. Dress modestly to minimize attention, avoid walking alone in Tarlabaşı or unlit backstreets of Beyoğlu late at night, and sit in the back seat of taxis. Turkish hospitality is genuine, but maintain firm boundaries with men who are overly eager to be your “guide.” Many solo women report feeling safer in Istanbul than in major US cities due to the low violent crime rate.