Introduction
Turkey is one the most vibrant tourist destination around the globe. Planning a Turkey Travel from Pakistan can be an exciting yet complex endeavor, given the rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes Turkey offers. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey presents endless possibilities for exploration. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, careful planning is essential. This guide walks you through the critical steps from obtaining the necessary visas to creating a detailed itinerary so you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Turkey without any last-minute hassles.
Visa Requirements
First prerequisite of Turkey Travel is checking visa requirements and agencies that are responsible to process your visa. In Pakistan you can get VISA from Anatolian visa services having offices in all big cities. Few important documents that are required for Turkey Travel VISA processing are listed below: –
| Compulsory Documents for Turkey Travel |
|---|
| Visa Application Form (VAF) duly filled and printed at Anatolia Travel Services by office staff in accordance with the information given by the applicant with two colored biometric photos attached on it (White Background - 5x5cm size) Front pose without sun glasses, veil, cap, Turban (80% face 20% body) . Printed VAF should be checked and signed by the applicant. |
| Unimpaired Passport / Travel Document valid for at least 6 months from the travel date, and copies of the Bio Data and used pages of old passports only on A4 size |
| Official documents showing income status (Salary checks, FBR, NTN, Active Tax Payer Certificate etc.) |
| Family registration certificate or marriage registration certificate (if newly married) from NADRA office |
| Cover letter written by the applicant explaining details of the planned visit including the purpose of visit, the places to be visited, estimated expense including accommodation and tickets, how the applicant is planning to cover its expenses, who the applicant is travelling with, whether he/she has been in Turkey before etc. (Cover letter should be one page) |
| Financial documents showing funds easily accessible by the applicant that show sufficient funds available for the planned trip (Bank statements of last 3 months and not older than 10 days from the date of submission, and dully signed and stamped from the bank), savings etc. |
| Proof of intention to return from Turkey or onward journey after compilation of planned travel (return ticket reservation, transit ticket reservation etc). |
| Proof of secured accommodation in Turkey during trip (hotel reservation, invitation letter from the host mentioning residence details or lease/deed papers etc.) |
| Travel health insurance certificate-coverage of Euro 30.000 / US Dollars 50.000 and period of stay in Turkey and the repatriation costs as well. |
| Conditional Documents for Turkey Travel |
|---|
| If the applicant is a government officer, Ex-Pakistan Leave Paper or NOC is required |
| If applicant is travelling with a company who already had a valid Turkish sticker visa / E-Visa/ Residency Permit, a copy of the aforementioned document of the company is required. |
| In case applicant has a sponsor, affidavit letter from sponsor on a stamp paper for the covering of the expenses along with the proof of income (like business letter, NTN, bank statement, salary, duration of the employment etc) and demonstrating relationship with the applicant. If sponsor is living abroad, sponsorship letter should be attested by diplomatic missions of Pakistan / relevant organization where parents are working / notary public from any legal firm. |
| If old passport of the applicant is lost, Police report and it's English translation is required. |
| In case applicant is an employee, a statement undersigned by employer (with name/surname and contact number) mentioning title, salary, duration of the employment on a company letterhead, paper along with last 3 months' salary slips and type of payments (cash, bank deposits etc.). |
| If applicant is under 18 year old and intends to travel without one or both parents, original consent letter of absent parent(s) is/are required on a stamp paper and should be attested by the Notary Public. If one of parents is deceased, Death Certificate from Union Council is required. For separated parents, consent letter of the guardian of child and notarized guardianship papers are required. In case, parents are living abroad, consent letter of the parents should be attested by diplomatic missions of Pakistan / relevant organization where parents are working / notary public from any legal firm. |
| Important note: Start documents preparation at least 2 to 3 months before and file VISA at least 1 month before |
Budget for Turkey Travel
Financial calculation is one the most important aspect of any travel planning. Calculate your budget, including flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, sightseeing, and shopping. Important guidelines for managing your budget are as follows: –
| Budget Expence Breakdown of Turkey Travel | |
|---|---|
| Check latest Currency Rates | 1 lira= 8 or 9 PKR approx |
| Convert some Pakistani Rupees (PKR) to Turkish Lira (TRY) for initial expenses. Take at least 3000 USD with you | Consider having at least 1500TRY and rest take dollars and convert USD to LIRA in Turkey |
| Return ticket will cost around: 1 to 1.60 lakh | Do advance booking through apps like Skyscanner, directly from airline websites or travel agents |
| Room rents around: 10 to 18 thousand per day | At least do advance bookings from online websites for Istanbul, rest bookings you can do after reaching Istanbul |
| Turkey domestics flight from Istanbul to Antalya around: 18 to 25 thousand per person Turkey Buss tickets from Istanbul to Antalya around: 8-12 thousand per person | Longest travel in turkey is from Istanbul to Antalya, consider doing it by Air if you have less number of days |
| Daily meals around: 1500 to 2000 per person | Breakfast is generally included in your hotel stay |
| Ferry boat ride tickets: 1000 to 5000 per person | Bosporus tour or island ferry tour as per your choice |
| Balloon ride: 25000 to 35000 per person | Balloon ride is always Weather dependent consider early ATV ride at Cappadocia as well |
| Take credit cards from at least 2 banks. Some credit cards may generate unexpected errors | Caution for increased international transaction charges |
| At least 8-10 lakh required for a comfortable visit of 2 weeks | |
Best Time to Visit Turkey
Choosing the right time for Turkey travel depends on what you want to experience. The country’s diverse climate means you can enjoy different activities throughout the year. However, the best time for Turkey travel is during the summer months (April to September). A month-wise breakdown is discussed below:
| Month | Description | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| April to June | Spring is one of the best times to visit Turkey, especially if you want to see the country’s natural beauty at its peak. The weather is mild, and the landscapes are lush and green. | Cultural activities such as the International Istanbul Film Festival and the Tulip Festival, which paint the cities in vibrant colors. |
| July to September | Summer in Turkey is synonymous with sun-soaked beaches and warm Mediterranean waters. It’s the ideal season for those who love swimming, sailing, and sunbathing | The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are scattered with some of the best beaches in the world, including Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye. |
| October to November | Autumn is perfect for exploring Turkey’s historical sites without the crowds. The weather is still pleasant, making it an excellent time for sightseeing. | Visit of Historical Sites: The ancient ruins of Ephesus, the rock formations of Cappadocia, and the palaces of Istanbul |
| December to March | Winter in Turkey is often overlooked, but it’s a magical time, especially if you enjoy winter sports or want to experience the country’s festive atmosphere. | Ski resorts in Uludağ and Erzurum offer excellent skiing opportunities, while the thermal pools of Pamukkale provide a warm retreat. |
Luggage and Packing Turkey Travel
Luggage is one of the most important aspects we often overlook during Turkey travel. Travel experts always recommend taking less luggage; the best configuration is one medium-sized shoulder bag for each individual, containing only essential clothing. A list of recommended essentials for your Turkey travel is mentioned below:
| 02 Jeans | Stretchable and comfortable jeans, at multiple occasions you have to walk |
| 03 Tea shirts | Consider taking 01 half sleaves dress shirt |
| 02 Trousers | Consider taking 01 Shorts with you |
| 01 Good quality joggers | Consider 01 good quality slider as well |
| 01 Sunglasses | A must to have |
| Convertible sockets and chargers | As Per your requirement |
| Essential medicines & dry fruits |
Few pro tips
- Take along credit cards/ debit cards of multiple banks
- Don’t convert all rupees to Lira rather keep 20% lira and 80% dollars and convert dollar to lira in turkey when required
- Reduce your baggage to only one medium bag
- Must take along good joggers/ footwear’s because you have to walk a lot in Istanbul
- Take along basic medicines
- Don’t buy anything from airports they are expensive
- Take Turkish SIM and transport cards from any of your friend who have recently visited
Conclusion
Planning a Turkey travel experience can be incredibly enriching, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Turkey is a destination that promises unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on a sun-kissed beach, or savoring delicious Turkish cuisine, Turkey travel has something for everyone in this beautiful country.
FAQs
The best time to visit Turkey depends on your preferences. Spring (April to June) and autumn (October to November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing.
Yes, most travelers will need a visa to enter Turkey. You can apply for an e-visa online before your trip.
Some must-try foods in Turkey include kebabs, mezes, baklava, and Turkish delight. Don’t miss out on the street food, especially in Istanbul.
Is Turkey safe for solo travelers?
Turkey is generally safe for solo travelers, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions, especially in crowded areas.
A typical trip to Turkey lasts about 7-10 days, giving you enough time to explore major cities like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya.
