Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Visa Extensions
There are single- and multiple-entry visas. Single-entry visas are valid for one or three
months from the day of entry; multiple-entry visas are valid for three-month blocks during
a one-year period. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to extend your visa.
Most visitors wanting to extend their stay for a few months avoid bureaucratic tedium by
taking a quick overnight trip to Greece (Thessaloniki or Rhodes), returning to Turkey the
next day with a new three-month stamp in their passports.
Women Travellers
Travelling in İstanbul as a female is easy and enjoyable provided you follow some simple
guidelines. Tailor your behaviour and your clothing to your surrounds - outfits that are ap-
propriate for neighbourhoods such as Beyoğlu and along the Bosphorus (skimpy tops,
tight jeans etc) are not appropriate in conservative suburbs such as Üsküdar, for instance.
It's a good idea to sit in the back seat of a taxi or dolmuş rather than next to the driver.
If approached by a Turkish man in circumstances that upset you, try saying
Ayıp!
(ah-
yuhp
), which means 'Shame on you!'
You'll have no trouble finding tampons, sanitary napkins and condoms in pharmacies
and supermarkets in İstanbul. Bring a shawl to cover your head when visiting mosques.