+ 1h

Ankara

Turkish

• 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type F sockets is required.

Banks

8.30 am–12.00 noon and 1.30 pm–5.00 pm (Mon–Fri)

Shops

9.30 am–7.00 pm (Mon–Sat)

Shopping centres in major cities: 10.00 am–10.00 pm (Mon–Sun)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Yılbaşı)
• 23 April: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı)
• 1 May: Labour and Solidarity Day (Emek ve Dayanışma Günü)
• 19 May: Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day (Atatürk'ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı)
• 15 July: Democracy and National Unity Day (Demokrasi ve Milli Birlik Günü)
• 30 August: Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı)
• 29 October: Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı)
• Ramadan Feast (Ramazan Bayramı), 3 days: marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. The date varies each year.
• Feast of Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramı), 4 days: begins 70 days after the end of Ramadan and lasts for four days. The date varies each year.

The following documents are required for entry into Türkiye:

• For stays of up to 3 months, a passport or identity card valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival is required.
• Swiss citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Return or onward ticket: proof may be requested.
• Cooperate as fully as possible during security checks.
• Minors: minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents are advised to carry a travel authorisation. Further information: travel authorisation for travelling with children.

Last updated: February 2024

Due to its size and unique location across two continents, Europe and Asia, Türkiye has several distinct climate zones.

Mediterranean climate in the south and west

• Summer: during the summer months from June to September, temperatures range from 30°C to 35°C, while water temperatures are between 22°C and 26°C. A light Mediterranean breeze helps to moderate the heat. There are generally 10 to 12 hours of sunshine per day, and rainfall is rare.
• Spring and autumn: in April, May and October, temperatures are around 20°C to 25°C. There are 8 to 10 hours of sunshine per day, with occasional rainy days.
• Winter: from December to February, rainfall is frequent and daytime temperatures are around 14°C to 16°C. Conditions on the Turkish Aegean coast are slightly milder and windier.

Milder climate along the Black Sea coast in the north

• Summer: in July and August, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, while water temperatures are between 22°C and 24°C. There may be up to 12 hours of sunshine per day. Compared with the south and west, however, occasional rain showers can occur even during summer.
• Spring and autumn: during these transitional seasons, the region experiences mild temperatures and a greater likelihood of rainfall. Spring is generally slightly drier than autumn.
• Winter: conditions are considerably cooler than in the rest of the country, with daytime temperatures of only 5°C to 10°C. December and January are particularly rainy.

The ideal time to visit Türkiye

• Beach holidays: the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are ideal from June to September for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. Temperatures are warm and the sea is pleasant. May and October are also good options for travellers who prefer cooler conditions.
• City breaks: Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are best visited in spring, from April to June, and in autumn, from September to November. The milder temperatures during these periods make exploring the lively cities and historic sights more comfortable.
• Skiing: the ski season in Türkiye, particularly in areas such as Uludağ and Erzurum, runs from December to March, when the mountains are covered in snow and offer ideal conditions for winter sports.
• Sailing: the sailing season along the Turkish coast extends from April to October. May, June, September and October are especially popular because of their stable winds and pleasant temperatures.

• Roaming charges for calls, text messages and mobile data can be high for Swiss travellers visiting Türkiye. Before departure, it is advisable to check the special roaming packages offered by your Swiss mobile provider or purchase a local SIM card on arrival to reduce costs.
• Public Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, restaurants, shopping centres and public areas, providing a convenient way to stay online without incurring roaming charges.
• However, it is important to exercise caution and protect your personal data, particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks.

• Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque and museum throughout its history.
• Blue Mosque, Istanbul: renowned for its magnificent blue tiles and impressive Ottoman architecture.
• Cappadocia: an extraordinary landscape of rock formations and cave churches, best known for its hot-air balloon rides.
• Ephesus: one of the best-preserved ancient cities, featuring impressive Roman ruins.
• Pamukkale: a natural wonder formed by terraced white travertine pools filled with warm thermal water.
• Topkapı Palace, Istanbul: the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, housing a rich collection of Islamic art.
• Sümela Monastery: an ancient monastery spectacularly positioned on a steep cliff face.
• Göbekli Tepe: the oldest known temple complex, offering remarkable insights into prehistoric times.
• Antalya: a popular destination on the Turkish Riviera, renowned for its historic old town and beautiful beaches.
• Galata Tower, Istanbul: offers panoramic 360-degree views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn.
• Safranbolu: a well-preserved Ottoman town known for its historic houses and narrow streets.
• Hierapolis: an ancient city situated above the limestone terraces of Pamukkale, with well-preserved ruins and an ancient theatre.
• Ani: an impressive ruined city on the Turkish-Armenian border, known as the “City of 1,001 Churches”.
• Troy: the legendary city featured in Homer’s epics, famous for its archaeological excavations and the Trojan War.
• Aspendos: renowned for one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world, located near Antalya.

Travel inspiration

Be inspired by our articles and discover Türkiye’s most fascinating destinations:

• From Antalya to Alanya: The most beautiful sides of the Turkish Riviera

• And if you would like to discover the country’s urban heart, take a look at our blog post about Istanbul, featuring top sights, neighbourhoods, culinary recommendations and practical tips for a city break.

Türkiye is renowned for its varied and abundant cuisine, characterised by regional specialities, fresh ingredients and a combination of diverse culinary influences. Geography, climate and historical developments have created unique flavours and traditions in every region. Particularly noteworthy are:

• Kebab and meze: kebab is one of the best-known dishes in Turkish cuisine and varies from region to region, with famous examples including Adana kebab and İskender kebab. Meze are small appetisers, often served in a wide variety of preparations featuring vegetables, yoghurt and seafood.
• Tea and Turkish coffee: tea is a central element of Turkish hospitality, particularly black tea served in distinctive tulip-shaped glasses. Turkish coffee, served in a small cup, is known for its strong flavour and special preparation method.
• Baklava and sweets: Türkiye is famous for its desserts, especially baklava, a sweet layered delicacy made with nuts and syrup. Other popular sweets include lokum and various types of halva.
• Bread and pastries: fresh bread is an essential part of every meal. There is also a wide variety of baked goods, the most popular of which is simit, a ring-shaped bread coated with sesame seeds.
• Yoghurt: yoghurt is used in many different ways in Türkiye, from drinks such as ayran to side dishes and sauces.
• Fish and seafood: thanks to its extensive coastline, Turkish cuisine offers a rich selection of fish and seafood dishes, particularly in coastal cities such as Istanbul and Izmir.
• Olive oil and vegetable dishes: olive oil is a cornerstone of Turkish cuisine, especially in vegetable dishes and salads. Turkish cuisine is also distinguished by its wide variety of dishes prepared with fresh and preserved vegetables.

Traditional restaurants known as “lokanta” can be found throughout Türkiye, serving authentic Turkish home-style cooking.

• Greetings: in Türkiye, it is customary to greet people with a firm handshake. Among close acquaintances or people of the same sex, an embrace or kisses on the cheeks may also be common. Eye contact is regarded as a sign of sincerity and respect.
• Saying please and thank you: the words “Lütfen” for “please” and “Teşekkür ederim” for “thank you” are essential in everyday interactions. Politeness is highly valued in Turkish culture, and even simple courteous expressions can help build positive relationships.
• Clothing: in urban areas and tourist destinations, clothing is generally Western and informal. More conservative dress is appropriate in rural areas and when visiting religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered, particularly in mosques.
• Dining etiquette: Turkish dining culture places great importance on community and hospitality. Dishes are commonly placed in the centre of the table and shared. Washing your hands before eating is generally expected, and meals often begin with soup. Refusing food may be considered impolite, so it is advisable to try at least a small amount of everything.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and cafés. Outdoor areas and designated smoking zones are exempt. It is advisable to ask those nearby for permission before smoking in their presence.
• Tipping: tipping is customary in restaurants, cafés and taxis in Türkiye. Around 5–10% of the total bill is appropriate, depending on satisfaction with the service. In smaller establishments or for small amounts, rounding up the bill may be sufficient.
• Other: direct eye contact is considered a sign of respect and attentiveness in Turkish culture. Showing your feet or pointing the soles of your feet towards someone is regarded as impolite. Respect for older people is also highly valued, and it is customary to give them priority on public transport or when entering a room.

• Drinking water: in urban areas and many tourist regions, tap water is often chlorinated and theoretically safe to drink. However, as a precaution and to avoid gastrointestinal problems, it is advisable to use bottled or appropriately treated water. In rural areas, tap water should be filtered or boiled before drinking or replaced with water from sealed bottles.
• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are required for entry into Türkiye. Make sure that you and your children are up to date with the standard vaccinations recommended in the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.
• Other health advice
• Hygiene: to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses, it is advisable to pay close attention to food hygiene. Choose thoroughly cooked meat and fish, as well as fruit and vegetables that have been carefully washed and disinfected.
• Insect bites: protection against insect bites is particularly important in rural and coastal areas to reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases such as West Nile fever. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing in the evening.
• Protection from the sun and heat: due to intense sunlight and high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, effective sun protection and adequate hydration are important. Use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, wear a hat and choose light, breathable clothing.

• Medical care in Türkiye is of a good to high standard in urban areas and tourist centres. There are numerous public and private hospitals, as well as clinics offering modern medical services. Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir have highly qualified doctors, many of whom have also trained abroad and speak foreign languages.
• Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive travel health insurance that also covers any repatriation costs.

• Check the media for the latest information before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• There is a generally elevated risk of terrorist attacks in Türkiye. Travellers should therefore remain vigilant at all times and regularly consult the latest security advice.
• The crime rate is low to moderate. However, basic safety precautions should be observed, such as avoiding the open display of valuables.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Last updated: February 2024

• Swiss driving licences and vehicle registration documents are recognised.
• To hire a car in Türkiye, drivers must be at least 21 years old and must have held a driving licence for at least two years. Drivers under the age of 25 are often required to pay a young driver surcharge. Certain vehicle categories, such as luxury or sports cars, may only be available to drivers aged 25 or over.
• Make sure that your hire car is equipped with a fire extinguisher, as this is required by law.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰. Even a minor excess may result in severe penalties. The safest option is to avoid alcohol altogether.

• Long-distance trains: Türkiye has an increasingly modern and efficient rail network operated by the state-owned railway company TCDD. High-speed trains such as the YHT connect major cities including Ankara, Istanbul and Konya, significantly reducing journey times.
• Regional trains: regional trains offer affordable connections to smaller towns and rural areas for travellers wishing to explore the country beyond the major urban centres. These trains are slower but provide unique insights into Türkiye’s landscapes and culture.
• Buses: Türkiye has an extensive bus network connecting almost every part of the country, including regions that are not served by rail.
• Metro: major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir have well-developed urban rail and metro systems, providing fast and efficient transport within the cities.
• Tickets: public transport tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at stations, kiosks, official sales outlets or online. Special offers and travel passes are also available for tourists, making journeys easier and more affordable.
• Useful public transport apps in Türkiye include:
• Trafi: provides timetable and route information.
• İBB CepTrafik: offers traffic information specifically for Istanbul.
• Moovit: provides route planning and real-time information.
• BiTaksi: makes it easier to book taxis.
• For rail travel in Türkiye, the TCDD Taşımacılık app is particularly useful, as it provides timetables, ticket booking and up-to-date information about train services.

• Istanbul Airport (IST): direct connections from Basel, Zurich and Geneva.
• Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB): direct connections from Zurich.
• Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB): direct connections from Basel, Zurich and Geneva.
• Antalya Airport (AYT): direct connections from Basel, Zurich and Geneva.
• Dalaman Airport (DLM): direct connections from Zurich.
• Bodrum-Milas Airport (BJV): direct connections from Zurich.
• Gaziantep Airport (GZT): direct connections from Zurich and Basel.
• Kayseri Airport (ASR): direct connections from Geneva and Basel.

Major airlines operating in Türkiye include Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier, Pegasus Airlines, SunExpress, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), Lufthansa and easyJet.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 112
• Police: 115
• Fire brigade: 110

Atatürk Bulvarı 247, P.K. 25
06680 Kavaklıdere, Ankara
Tel. +90 312 457 31 00
Email: ankara@eda.admin.ch

• Türkiye is located in a highly active seismic zone. The country is therefore frequently affected by earthquakes, including many minor tremors and occasional severe earthquakes.
• Drug laws are very strict.
• Photographing military installations and public structures such as airports and bridges is prohibited.
• The export of cultural property, even items of low value, is prohibited and may be punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment.
• Please note that special rules and regulations may apply during Ramadan.