Türkiye

Turkey's aviation sector is a strategic pillar of the national economy, driven by a privileged geographical location that connects Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The primary hub, Istanbul Airport (IST), ranks among the world’s busiest terminals. Regulation of the sector is managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM - Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürlüğü), under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, which oversees safety, service standards, and air passenger consumer protection.

• Passport: must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the end of the permitted stay; for a 90-day stay, that means about 150 days of validity on entry.
• Visas: many countries are visa-exempt for tourism of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• e-Visa: citizens of non-exempt nationalities apply for the e-Visa on the Turkish government's official portal before travelling.
• ETIAS: Türkiye is not in the Schengen Area; the European Union's ETIAS does not apply to entering the country.

Türkiye applies the Air Passenger Rights Regulation (SHY-Passenger), modelled on the European rules (Regulation 261/2004). It covers flights departing from Türkiye, domestic flights and flights operated by Turkish airlines.

• Delays: from 2, 3 or 4 hours (depending on the flight distance), the airline must provide meals, communication and, if necessary, a hotel.
• Cancellation and denied boarding (overbooking): without at least 14 days' notice, compensation is paid in Turkish lira, worth:
• 100 euros on domestic flights;
• 250 euros on international flights of up to 1,500 km;
• 400 euros on international flights of 1,500 to 3,500 km;
• 600 euros on international flights over 3,500 km.
• Exceptions: no compensation is due in extraordinary circumstances (severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security).

In Turkey, there is no free hand or checked baggage guaranteed by law; each airline sets the allowance for each fare.

• Allowance: Airlines are required to clearly disclose baggage policies at the time of purchase.
• Damaged or Lost Baggage: The rules of the Montreal Convention, to which Turkey is a signatory, apply. Passengers must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport before leaving the arrivals area. Liability for damage or loss is limited to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights (SDR).

The entry of animals (dogs, cats, birds) is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı).

• Microchip: Mandatory for identification purposes.
• Certification: An International Veterinary Certificate issued by the country of origin, validated by the relevant Ministry of Agriculture.
• Vaccination: Up-to-date vaccination record, with emphasis on the rabies vaccine (administered between 21 days and 12 months prior to travel).
• Restrictions: Breeds considered dangerous (e.g., Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa) have restricted or prohibited entry. It is highly recommended to consult Turkish customs before issuing your ticket.

• Unaccompanied minors: airlines have their own service for children travelling alone (UM), with a form signed by the parents or guardians.
• Documentation: Minors under 18 must carry their own passport or equivalent identification document (for citizens of countries with bilateral agreements). When traveling with only one parent, it is recommended to carry a birth certificate and a notarized/apostilled travel authorization (Hague Convention).

Turkey follows strict standards for accessibility in public infrastructure.

• Airport Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) have the right to free assistance, provided the request is made to the airline at least 48 hours before the flight.
• Infrastructure: Modern Turkish airports are equipped with ramps, elevators, and tactile signage in accordance with international universal accessibility guidelines.

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM): https://web.shgm.gov.tr/
• Republic of Türkiye Electronic Visa Application System: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey (Visa Information): https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
• Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Pet Importation): https://www.tarimorman.gov.tr/
• Turkish Government Portal (e-Devlet): https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/