Visas for Istanbul

[Joecors]

Am contemplating taking a cruise with Az. which involves one pre-cruise night stay in a hotel. I understand that a visa is required for U.K. citizens and the best way to acquire one is to purcahse at the airport for approx £10. Can anyone please advise whether Turkish Lira is essential for this or whether £/$ or Euros would be acceptable?

[englishlee]

I joined a cruise at Istanbul in April. Visa's can be purchased using Euro's and US$, in fact from what I recall they preferred it. Remember to join the Q for your visa before you join the immigration Q, the kiosk for visa purchase is immediately before the you get to immigration.

 

I can't remember what we paid (either 15 or 20 Euro) as it varies according to the passport you hold.

[Albert Ross]

They want exact money so don't pay with a £20 and expect £10 change -use £10 notes only. Simple process to buy them when you land.

[California Native]

You purchase the visa at the airport and you do so BEFORE you go into the Passport Control line.

We have flown into Istanbul 2x. When we arrived they wanted Euros or USD. I did not see anything about Pounds being accepting.

They do NOT accept Lira..

Have you checked the website for your British Embassy in Turkey, they might have up to date info if pounds are now being accepted. I know for US Embassies in each country

they are in, there is a travelers section for advice/warnings etc etc

Side note if you are going into the Harem at Topkapi Palace they only accept Lira.

We absolutely LOVE Istanbul and have spent a total of almost 2 weeks there.

Here are our links to our research info and photos, the final link is to our Youtube Channel..

 

We were onboard AZ Journey and watched the firework celebration for Republic Day. You can hear Captain Jason's response at the end of the video

 

 

http://ourpassportstamps.com/TurkeyPhotos_WL9P.html

http://ourpassportstamps.com/Our_2009_Adventure.html

 

(LOTS of Istanbul)

 

http://ourpassportstamps.com/Our_2010_Adventure.html

 

(the rest of Istanbul and a ton of AZ info)

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/OurPassportStamps

 

Istanbul Fireworks viewed from onboard AZ Journey

Buon Viaggio

K.