Turkey is a major tourist destination for many travelers, including Indonesians, with the number of visits steadily increasing each year. The country offers a wide range of attractions, from its rich history, culture, and nature to its modern diversity. Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and Izmir are some of Turkey's major cities, home to many historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Additionally, Turkey boasts stunning natural beauty, such as the beaches of the Turkish Riviera and the unique rock formations in Cappadocia, as well as delicious local cuisine like kebabs, meze, and baklava.

Turkey is also known for the warmth and hospitality of its people, who often invite tourists to chat or enjoy Turkish tea and coffee. The blend of Eastern and Western cultures in cities like Istanbul, located on two continents, creates a unique atmosphere reflected in its architecture, art, and daily life. If you plan to visit Turkey, it's important to plan your trip in advance, including understanding entry requirements, local culture, safety, and preparedness for natural disasters to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

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For those of you who want to travel to Turkey, one of the first things you need to know is the applicable entry and exit procedures. For Indonesian citizens, the requirements include having a passport that is still valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. In addition, you also need a visa to enter Turkey.

Fortunately, the Turkish visa application process is relatively simple, especially with the e-Visa system that makes it easier for Indonesian tourists and also visas on arrival. Tourists can enter and exit Turkey through several main entry points, either air, land, or sea. Here are the main accesses that are often used:

1. Air

Turkey has several main airports of entry, with Istanbul Airport (IST) being the largest and busiest, located in Arnavutköy and serving as a hub for Turkish Airlines. Alternatively, Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side of Istanbul, which serves low-cost carriers. Antalya Airport (AYT) in the Mediterranean provides access to resort destinations, while Esenboğa Airport (ESB) in Ankara and Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in Izmir serve central and western Turkey.

2. Land

In addition to air, Turkey has land borders with several countries, and access via land is usually done by tourists from neighboring countries, namely borders with Greece and Bulgaria, borders with Georgia, borders with Iran, Iraq, and Syria

3. Sea

If you travel by sea, Turkey also has an international port that accepts cruise ships and ferries, namely the Port of Istanbul for many cruise ships sailing in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. There are also the Port of Izmir and the Port of Antalya.

For the convenience of your trip to Turkey, here are some important requirements that you need to know and prepare:

1. Passport with a Minimum Validity of 6 Months

For a trip to Turkey, you must have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival. This means that your passport must remain valid for at least the next 6 months after arriving in Turkey. This is to ensure that your passport does not expire.

2. Visa

For tourists from Indonesia, a visa to visit Turkey is mandatory. However, the Turkish government also makes the process easier because it can be done online through the official Turkish e-Visa website. e-Visa is only for eligible countries such as Indonesia, and is used for short visits such as tourism, business, or transit.

For longer visits, such as education, work, or staying longer in Turkey, you need to apply for a regular visa at the Turkish Consulate or Embassy. e-Visa is valid for 180 days with a maximum stay of 30 days. However, you can choose the type of multiple entry visa so that you can use this visa to visit Turkey several times. The cost of applying for a Turkish visa is US$25.70 or around Rp415 thousand and the visa will be processed within 24-72 hours.

In addition to applying for an e-Visa, Turkey is one of the countries that implements a visa on arrival policy for Indonesian passport holders. That way, you can apply for a visa when you arrive at the Turkish airport. What needs to be noted, if you are going to apply for a Turkish visa on arrival (VOA), you need to prepare several documents such as a passport, passport-sized photos, email address, active MasterCard, Visa, or JCB credit card.

Each country certainly has different provisions regarding regulations on items that are allowed to enter or not. Here are some things to consider regarding items that are allowed to enter Turkey:

1. Personal Items

You are allowed to bring personal items such as clothes, cameras, and electronic equipment without any problems as long as they are not used for commercial purposes.

2. Restricted Items

In addition to personal items, there are also items that fall into the restricted items category. You will be limited when bringing certain items such as cigarettes, alcohol, and perfume. For example, you are only allowed to bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 1 liter of alcohol, which means that you can still bring them but within certain limits.

Prohibited Items

As a tourist, you must of course follow the rules in the country you are visiting. Here are the provisions for items that are prohibited from being brought if you travel to Turkey

1. Narcotics and Illegal Drugs

You are strictly prohibited from bringing any form of Narcotics. All types of narcotics and illegal drugs are prohibited in Turkey and have legal consequences. This includes medicines that do not have a valid prescription or are not registered in Turkey.

2. Dangerous Goods

Items such as explosives, firearms, ammunition, and flammable items are not allowed to be brought in.

3. Counterfeit and Copyrighted Goods

Items that infringe copyright, including counterfeit and imitation goods, are prohibited from being brought in.

Import Duty Payment

1. Goods Declaration

If you are carrying certain goods, especially those of high value or in quantities exceeding the duty-free limit, you must declare them upon arrival. Items that need to be declared include: high-value electronics, gold, jewelry, and other valuables and cash exceeding €10,000 or equivalent.

2. Customs Inspection

If the goods you are carrying exceed the duty-free limit, you will need to pay import duty. The amount of this duty depends on the type of goods and their value, according to Turkish customs regulations. Payment is made at the customs office at the point of entry, where officers will calculate the duty to be paid. The payment process is generally carried out at the customs counter available at nearby airport.

Turkish culture is a blend of Middle Eastern and European influences, which is reflected in social etiquette and everyday customs. Although Turkey is a secular country, the Islamic religion plays an important role in the daily lives of many people. Therefore, there are some cultural norms to be aware of.

One of the most important etiquettes that you need to understand is about dressing. Although most big cities like Istanbul are more open and casual, in rural areas and religious sites like mosques, dressing modestly is highly recommended. Women should wear clothes that cover their arms and legs, and cover their heads when entering a mosque. Men should also wear modest clothing, such as long pants.

In addition, with the friendliness of the local people, the culture of drinking tea and coffee is also one of the common and important things in social life in Turkey. If on your trip you get an invitation from a local to drink tea or coffee, you should accept the invitation as an honored guest.

Turkey has a modern and secular legal system, but it still respects local traditions. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

As a predominantly Muslim country, Turkey has a rich and tolerant religious culture. Here are the religious practices in the country:

The main language spoken in Turkey is Turkish, which has a unique accent and grammar that differs from other European languages. However, other languages ​​are also spoken in Turkey, such as:

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In general, Turkey is a safe country for tourists, but like many other destinations, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding safety and security, such as:

1. General Security

Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are safe and comfortable for tourists, with relatively low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and tourist scams can still occur in busy tourist areas, especially in places like markets and popular tourist attractions. Therefore, tourists are advised to keep their personal belongings safe.

2. Political Issues

In recent years, Turkey has experienced a lot of unrest related to issues in the Middle East, especially in areas bordering Syria and Iraq. However, attacks in major city centers and major tourist destinations are very rare. The Turkish government maintains strict security, especially in tourist areas.

3. Protests and Demonstrations

Political demonstrations and protests sometimes occur in some major cities, especially in Istanbul and Ankara. Although most protests are peaceful, there is a possibility of clashes with security forces. Travelers are advised to avoid areas of demonstrations and stay tuned to local news for updates.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for Indonesian tourists to enter Turkey. However, it is highly recommended to ensure that you have received standard vaccinations such as tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and influenza vaccines, especially if you plan to visit during the winter.

The health system in Turkey is quite good, especially in large cities. There are many hospitals and clinics that can serve tourists. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers international medical expenses, as health costs for tourists can be expensive without insurance.

Turkey itself has a 24-hour emergency service that you can contact if you need it. If you experience an emergency during your trip, you can contact the emergency numbers in Turkey. For medical services, call (112) for the police, call (155); and for the fire department, call (110). In addition, the Indonesian embassy in Turkey can also be a source of assistance if you need consular assistance. You can contact the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Ankara, Turkey at +903129697355.

Turkey itself has a very diverse geography and topography, including mountains, plateaus, fertile valleys, to enchanting beaches. This country is located on two continents, Asia and Europe, with most of its territory in Asia (Anatolia) and a small part in Europe (Thrace).

Turkey is also known to have many mountains, especially in the east and south. Some of them are the Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey, the Pontic Mountains along the Black Sea coast to the Eastern Anatolian Mountains.

Because it is located in an active seismic zone, Turkey certainly has a risk of earthquakes. This is because its territory is located at the meeting point of the Eurasian plate and the Anatolian plate. The most vulnerable areas are the eastern and western parts of Turkey, including Istanbul.

In addition to mountains, Turkey also has many plateaus located between the Taurus Mountains and the Pontic Mountains. Its height ranges from 900 to 1,500 meters above sea level. This plateau is a center for agriculture and livestock. The popular Cappadocia is also a landscape of volcanic rocks and valleys carved by wind and water, resulting in amazing geological formations.

Not only mountains, Turkey also has a long and beautiful coastline, the Mediterranean Coast in the south, the Aegean Coast in the west, and the Black Sea Coast in the north, with lush forests and mountains bordering the sea.

Overall, Turkey’s varied topography and geography provide extraordinary natural beauty and also challenges in terms of environmental management.

Turkey's climate varies greatly depending on the region and what activities you want to do. In general, Turkey has four seasons. For that, it is important for you to know the climate conditions at your destination in Turkey when planning a trip. Here is a guide to the best time based on the season and climate conditions of Turkey that you need to know.

1. Spring (March - May)

Spring is considered the best time to visit Turkey. Comfortable temperatures and sunny weather make it ideal for exploring historic cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, as well as natural attractions such as Cappadocia and Pamukkale. At that time, the temperature there ranges from 12 ° C to 25 ° C. You can see tulips blooming in Istanbul during April, making the city even more beautiful. In addition, tourist destinations are not as crowded as in summer.

2. Summer (June - August)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Turkey, especially in coastal areas such as Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beach and water activities. During this time, the temperature in Turkey ranges from 25°C to 35°C (especially in the Mediterranean region). During this season, you will find many summer festivals and events taking place, as well as the opportunity to enjoy beautiful beaches. However, keep in mind that the weather can be very hot in some areas, especially in the south.

3. Autumn (September - November)

Like spring, autumn is also a very popular time for tourists. The temperature is comfortable and the natural scenery in Cappadocia is beautiful with the changing colors of the leaves. During this time, the temperature there ranges from 15°C to 26°C. Not as crowded as summer, but it is an ideal time to visit historical sites and go trekking in nature.

4. Winter (December - February)

For winter enthusiasts, Turkey offers a different experience. In mountainous areas such as Uludağ and Palandöken, winter is the best time to ski. Temperatures there range from 0°C to 15°C (depending on the region). During this time, coastal areas are usually quiet and much cheaper, and provide a different experience from the calmer and more beautiful atmosphere of Istanbul.

Turkey has an effective emergency response system, especially in dealing with natural disasters such as earthquakes. The Turkish government has educated the public on how to act during an earthquake and has built earthquake-resistant infrastructure in major cities. Hotels and public buildings are generally equipped with disaster evacuation plans, so it is important to always pay attention to evacuation maps and emergency routes when staying. With proper preparation and knowledge of local conditions, a trip to Turkey can go smoothly.

As a country located in an active seismic zone, Turkey frequently faces natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) and the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) play key roles in disaster response, including providing emergency assistance, evacuating victims, and offering temporary shelters. The Turkish people are also active in fundraising and providing aid, demonstrating strong solidarity in the face of disasters.

1. Understand the Risks in the Region: Turkey has a high risk of earthquakes, especially in the areas around Istanbul and the Aegean Sea. Make sure you understand the level of risk where you live.

2. Prepare an Emergency Bag: An emergency bag should contain essential items such as drinking water, food, medication, a flashlight, and spare batteries. Also include copies of important documents such as your passport and ID.

3. Attend Disaster Response Training: Turkey has an emergency response training program organized by AFAD. Attending this training can help you and your family be better prepared for an emergency situation.

4. Know the Evacuation Plan: Every building in a disaster-prone area usually has an evacuation plan. Know the nearest evacuation routes and shelters around you.

5. Use Emergency Apps: Download official apps such as AFAD Acil Çağrı that provide early warnings and information about disasters that are happening.

As one of the tourist destinations that combines natural beauty, rich culture, and deep history, Turkey offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. From the alluring charm of Istanbul to the natural wonders of Cappadocia, every corner of this country holds new adventures waiting to be explored.

With thorough preparation and an understanding of the local culture, a trip to Turkey will not only provide a lasting impression, but also comfort and safety during your vacation. Make Turkey your dream destination and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.

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