Frequently Asked Questions
Documentation Questions
Q. What travel documentation do I need?
UNITED STATES CITIZENS
All United States citizens must have a Government Issued Passport, valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your trip, in order to travel to Turkey. Your passport must have at least one blank page per stamp. More information for United States citizens can be found HERE.
NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS
If you are NOT a United States citizen (are traveling on a non-United States passport), please verify your specific documentation and vaccination requirements with your country's consulate before departing. Please note that non-United States citizens may require a visa to enter Turkey, may require passports be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, and may require blank passport pages for entry and/or exit stamps.
ALL GUESTS
It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify and obtain all necessary documentation and vaccination requirements when traveling to another country. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return and may require blank passport pages for entry and exit stamps. Some citizens may be required to obtain a Visa and/or have specific vaccinations to Turkey.
We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.
Travel Questions
Q. What airport should I arrive at and depart from?
Flights should arrive and depart from the Istanbul International Airport (IST).
Q. When should I leave for the airport?
The recommended airport check-in time for international flights is three hours prior to departure.
Please check with your airline for schedule changes or flight delays and confirm the recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.
For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.
Q. How much luggage can I take?
Carry-On Bags
Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case. All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Carry-on baggage size requirements differ between airlines so please check with your airline before traveling to make sure your carry-on bags fit your airline's specified dimensions.
Checked Bags
Most airlines will allow you to check bags as well. Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees for carry-on and checked baggage. Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage.
Important Items
Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and travel documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.
*Please note that all baggage fees are at your own expense.
Q. What items can I carry on?
Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.
Q. Can I travel with my medication?
One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.
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It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
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Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
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You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
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TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
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Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat angina episodes in people with coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.
Q. What items can I carry on?
Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.
Q. Do I need to book flights to and from Cappadocia?
No, the group will be traveling on the following included group flights:
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Istanbul → Cappadocia: Thursday, March 4, 2027 at 12:00 p.m.
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Cappadocia → Istanbul: Sunday, March 7, 2027 at 3:00 p.m.
Important: If you are booking a departure flight home on March 7, please make sure your flight departs **after 5:00 p.m.**to allow enough time for the group flight to Istanbul and airport transfer.
Q. Can I extend my stay?
Extensions may be available up to three nights prior to our group check-in date and up to three nights after our group check-out date. Extensions are based on hotel availability and are NOT guaranteed until confirmed with the hotel. Hotel extensions are an additional cost, starting at the below rates, but the cost may be subject to change:
Burdock Hotel Istanbul - Run of House Room: $424Room/Night (Based on Double Occupancy)
Exedra Cave Hotel - Run of House Room: $508/Room/Night (Based on Double Occupancy)
Extensions are based on hotel availability and are NOT guaranteed until confirmed with the hotel. Please do NOT solidify your airfare until your extension dates have been confirmed. If you book extension dates and then later cancel, you will be held liable for any cancellation fees for those extension nights.
Q. Should I purchase travel insurance?
Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel Insurance gives you access to a 24-hour assistance hotline for expert, personalized support in a crisis. Travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable trip costs - including vacation rentals, car rentals, hotels and flights - if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and can reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodation and transportation expenses during a covered delay. Travel insurance can also reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling. Travel insurance can even arrange and pay for a medical evacuation if needed. Coverage is only available for United States citizens.
Please email your Destinations Travel Partner and advise you are interested in purchasing Travel insurance. They will provide Sequel Travel Vacation Department the necessary information for your travel insurance quote and connect you with an agent.
Destination Questions
Q. What is the weather like in Turkey?
March is a wonderful time to visit both Istanbul and Cappadocia, as spring begins to arrive across Turkey. In Istanbul, daytime temperatures typically range from 50–60°F (10–16°C), with a mix of sunshine and occasional rain showers, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic neighborhoods and waterfront. Cappadocia is cooler, with daytime highs around 45–58°F (7–14°C) and chilly mornings that can dip below freezing. While you may encounter crisp air or even a light dusting of snow early in the month, March often brings clear skies and comfortable conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and hot air balloon rides.
Q. What clothing should I pack?
Turkey experiences cool to mild weather in March, with warmer afternoons and chilly mornings and evenings, especially in Cappadocia. Pack lightweight layers that you can easily add or remove throughout the day, including long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, jeans or comfortable pants, and a medium-weight jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring historic sites and uneven streets, and a scarf and light rain jacket are recommended for cooler days or occasional showers. Be sure to pack a few dressier outfits if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants or attend special events.
Attire:
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Casual: Comfortable pants, jeans, or casual dresses paired with t-shirts, blouses, or lightweight sweaters. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing.
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Smart Casual: Men can wear chinos or dark jeans with a collared shirt or polo and loafers or clean sneakers. Women can opt for a blouse with tailored pants, a skirt, or a casual dress with flats or ankle boots.
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Casual Formal: Men should wear dress pants or dark jeans with a button-down shirt or blazer. Women can choose a dress, jumpsuit, or elegant blouse paired with slacks or a skirt. Closed-toe shoes or dressy flats are appropriate.
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Casual Elegant: Men should wear dress pants, a collared dress shirt, and dress shoes, with a blazer if desired. Women can wear a cocktail dress, sophisticated jumpsuit, or an elegant blouse with tailored trousers or a skirt, paired with dress shoes or heeled sandals.
Aside from clothing, be sure to bring any prescription drugs, your preferred sunscreen (limited brands are available here), a hat, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent.
Q. What form of currency does Turkey use?
The local currency is the Turkish lira (₺ or TRY).
The exchange rate fluctuates daily, but keep these numbers in mind as a general guideline:
₺100 = approximately US$2.50
₺500 = approximately US$12.50
₺1,000 = approximately US$25
United States dollars and Euros can be exchanged at banks, authorized exchange offices, and many hotels throughout Turkey. ATMs are widely available in airports, city centers, shopping districts, and tourist areas, and they generally offer competitive exchange rates for withdrawals in Turkish lira. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, though it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller businesses, local markets, and taxis.
Q. Do I need to bring an electrical adapter?
Travelers from the U.S. will need a Type C or Type F plug adapter for Turkey, as the country uses 230V electricity with European-style outlets. Most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers are dual voltage (100–240V), so you'll typically only need a plug adapter—not a voltage converter. However, if you're bringing a device that only supports 120V (such as some hair tools), you'll also need a voltage converter or a dual-voltage version of the device.
Q. What cultural practices do I need to be aware of in Turkey?
Cultural Practices
Turkey is a welcoming and culturally diverse country. When visiting local communities, please be respectful of local customs and traditions, and remember that removing your shoes may be customary when entering certain homes or religious spaces.
Attire & Mosque Requirements
When visiting mosques, modest attire is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may be asked to cover their heads; scarves are typically available at the entrance if needed. Shoes must also be removed before entering the prayer area.
Smoking & Indoor Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces, including restaurants, hotels, and other enclosed areas. Designated smoking areas are available, and smoking outdoors is common.
Health Questions
Q. What if I have a special health concern?
If you have any health concerns that may require special attention, please contact us prior to departure. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised to keep them in their carry-on luggage. While we don't require information about the extent of your health concern or disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you.
Q. Can I drink the tap water in Turkey?
Tap water in Turkey is treated and generally safe, but it's not typically recommended for visitors to drink, as the taste and mineral content vary by region and older plumbing can affect water quality.
Most hotels, restaurants, and locals prefer bottled water for drinking. Tap water is generally fine for:
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Brushing your teeth
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Showering
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Washing fruits and vegetables (if thoroughly rinsed)
For the most comfortable trip, plan to drink bottled or filtered water throughout your stay. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available in hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience shops.