Visa & Travel Guidance for Participants
1 | Do you need a visa?
| Category | Typical passport status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-exempt (90 days in any 180-day period) | Many EU/EEA countries, the UK, most Latin-American nations, Singapore, … | You can travel with a valid passport (≥ 6 months beyond arrival). No prior action needed. (mfa.gov.tr) |
| e-Visa eligible | Nationals of e.g. Australia, Canada, China, India, South Africa, UAE, USA, and dozens more | Apply online via the official e-Visa Portal run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The process takes ~10 minutes and you normally receive the pdf visa within minutes. Print or save the pdf on your phone. (evisa.gov.tr) |
| Sticker / embassy visa | Passports that are neither exempt nor e-Visa-eligible | Contact your nearest Turkish mission. See “Visa Information for Foreigners” on the MFA site for the exact procedure and required documents. (mfa.gov.tr) |
How to check your status
- Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page “Visa Information for Foreigners.”
- Locate your country in the interactive list to see whether you are visa-exempt, e-Visa-eligible, or must apply through an embassy/consulate.
- Follow the indicated path.
2 | Invitation letters
If your application route (embassy or e-Visa) requests proof of purpose, the SynergyMED Secretariat will issue a personalised invitation letter on university letterhead once your registration fee is paid. Before you request the letter, please have ready:
- Full name as in passport
- Passport number & expiration date
- Nationality & date of birth
- Your role (author / participant / exhibitor)
Write to us with the subject line “Invitation Letter Request – [Your Name]”. Allow 5 business days for processing.
3 | Practical timeline
| Step | Recommended latest date* |
|---|---|
| Register & pay conference fee | 10 weeks before travel |
| Request invitation letter | 9 weeks before travel |
| Submit e-Visa application or embassy appointment | 8 weeks (embassy) / 4 weeks (e-Visa) |
| Book flights & accommodation | 6 weeks |
| Print / download visa pdf & invitation letter | 1 week |
*Earlier is always safer; summer is peak season at Turkish missions.
4 | Arriving in İstanbul
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| Airports | Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side is the primary hub; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) serves mainly low-cost & regional flights. IST was voted World’s Best Airport 2024 and handles > 300 destinations. (istairport.com, thesun.co.uk) |
| Passport control | Present your passport, printed e-Visa or visa sticker, and invitation letter. |
| Transport to city | — Metro M11 from IST to city (35 min). — Havaist shuttle buses (24 h). — Metered yellow taxis (use official stand). |
| Currency & payments | Local currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs and exchange desks are in the arrivals hall. Most cards are widely accepted. |
| Connectivity | Purchase a Turkish SIM at the arrivals hall or use free Airport Wi-Fi (1 h). |
| Climate | Early-autumn temperatures in İstanbul average 18 – 27 °C; pack a light jacket for evenings. |
5 | Useful links
- Visa Information for Foreigners – Republic of Türkiye MFA
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa - General Information About Turkish Visas
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/general-information-about-turkish-visas.en.mfa - Official Türkiye e-Visa Portal
https://www.evisa.gov.tr - Istanbul Airport Arrival Guide
https://www.istairport.com/en/flights/airport-guides/arrival-passenger-guide
6 | Quick checklist before departure
- Passport valid ≥ 6 months beyond travel dates
- Printed e-Visa / sticker visa & invitation letter
- Proof of accommodation & return/onward ticket
- Travel insurance (medical cover incl. Türkiye)
- Conference registration confirmation & payment receipt
- Local currency or bank card with international use enabled
We look forward to welcoming you to İstanbul! Safe travels, and please contact us if you have questions.