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Turkey Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Turkey. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles March 22, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Turkey.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Turkey. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Turkey.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Turkey. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Turkey, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Turkey. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Turkey, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Turkey. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Turkey include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Turkey’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Turkey. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Turkey may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Turkey, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Turkey, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Turkey .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Turkey for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

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Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Joyful Health Travel Agency

​ Your Joyful Health Journey

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Accommodation

A reliable, convenient and comfortable accommodation awaits you in our contracted 4 and 5 star hotels.

Transfer Services

We meet our patients at the airport with our private chauffeur-driven vehicles and transfer them safely.

Organization

We offer you the appropriate ticketing service by making the most accurate time planning for the arrival and return dates.

Before your trip, we make the necessary arrangements together with you and make your travel planning.

During the treatment, joyful tours are organized for you to visit the pleasant and historical places of the city.

During the treatment,  our special translators will accompany you in line with your request to make you feel comfortable.

Your Joyful Health Journey…

As Joyful Health Travel Agency, we provide services to patients from foreign countries at the contracted hospitals and medical centers in Istanbul; We support our customers with our services in the fields of eye treatments, hair transplantation and dental treatments.

We offer the most advanced technologies, the best hospitals, the most experienced medical team and the greatest VIP service in order to provide you a joyful journey in İstanbul, Turkey. 

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Health Services We Mediate

As Joyful Health Travel Agency, we mediate services to patients from various countries at the contracted hospitals and medical centers in Istanbul. We support our customers with our complimentary services from airport transfer, accommodation to touristic trips in order to give them a seamless travel experience together with our experienced team fluent in English, German and Arabic.

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As Joyful Health Travel Agency, it is our policy to work with health institutions and doctors who provide only the best and highest quality service to our customers.

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Home > Medical Tourism In Istanbul- What You Need To Know

Medical Tourism In Istanbul- What You Need To Know

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Thinking of going to Istanbul, Turkey, for some work to be done? Medical tourism in Istanbul is a booming new industry; here is what you need to know. 

Türkiye is one of the top 10 countries for medical tourism these days, and the fact that the prices are much lower than the equivalents you’d find in the EU, USA, and UK means that more and more people are choosing to fly to Istanbul and have their treatments.

Izmir is another popular city in Turkey for medical procedures, but Istanbul is, without a doubt, the top destination. Of course, that also means you can pair your procedure with a little sightseeing once you’ve recuperated.

With lower prices, high quality of treatment and care, and packages available that combine flights, transfers, and hotels with the treatment, it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing Türkiye for their medical needs.

While prices depend upon the treatment and any anomalies, you can usually expect to pay between 50-70% less than what you would pay in the EU. That’s a huge saving.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

What Are The Most Popular Procedures?

There are a huge range of medical procedures on offer for patients who travel to Turkey but the most common include:

• Botox and fillers
• Hair transplants
• Dental work
• Rhinoplasty (nose job)
• Breast surgery
• Liposuction and weight loss surgery

Of course, you should always do careful research before you choose a clinic and before you decide to have any procedure done. Check in with your doctor at home and talk to them about the procedure and whether it’s a good choice for you.

You should also remember to take copies of your medical records with you so that the doctors in Türkiye and check over things before agreeing to do your desired surgery.

You should expect to have a consultation before the surgery, and there is no guarantee that your surgery will go ahead until you’ve had this consultation and the doctor has checked everything out. If they agree, you can expect to have your procedure done within days.

You only have to Google ‘medical tourism in Turkey’, and you’ll see countless entries, but remember, some are better than others. This is your health, so you need to make sure that you’re attending a clinic that is top-class and offers a high level of service. Don’t always go for the lowest price – quality is always what you should be looking for.

To help you out, let’s check out some of the most popular procedures in Türkiye and a few recommendations of places to contact.

Brands We Use And Trust

Hair transplants.

The sheer number of men you see walking around Taksim with the tell-tale band around their head to say they’ve had a hair transplant that day or the day before is astounding. That tells you a lot about how popular this procedure is. Turkey is also among the top three countries in the world for this procedure. With low prices, it’s no wonder.

You can expect to pay somewhere in between $1500 – $3000 for a procedure, but that will vary depending upon your personal circumstances. You can also book pages that include accommodation and transfers, etc.

• Sapphire Hair Clinic in Sisli
• Taksim Acibadem Hospital in Taksim (Dr Karaaltin Hair Istanbul)
• Hermest Hair Transplant Clinic Istanbul in Uskudar

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Whether you want to change the shape of your nose for aesthetic reasons or you have problems breathing, nose jobs are very popular in Istanbul. This is a procedure which is rising in popularity year upon year and after a detailed consultation, your procedure will be carried out, with extensive after-care.

• Dr Salih Onur Basat at ClinicPlast Istanbul in Nisantasi
• Dr Mehmet Emre Dinc in Sisli
• Dr Ayse Sezim Safak in Pendik

Breast Surgery

Breast augmentation, lifts and reductions are much lower cost in Türkiye than in most countries the world over. Many women attend for a consultation and explain their needs to their surgeon and with detailed aftercare available, it’s a very popular option.

• ClinicPlast in Nisantasi
• Dr Asu Deniz Burhanoglu in Etiler
• M.D. Huseyin Kandulu at the Private Acibadem Hospital

Laser Liposuction, Obesity & Weight Loss Treatment

Laser liposuction is extremely popular in Turkey and it’s considerably cheaper than you will find in EU countries, the UK and USA. Due to the fact that obesity is on the rise worldwide, weight loss treatment is regularly requested and many people choose to travel to Türkiye for their procedure.

• Dr Ceylon Aydogan in Maltese
• Dr Firat Tutal in Sisli
• Istanbul Bariatric Center in Sisli

Dental Treatments

One of the most popular reasons that people travel to Istanbul for medical work is on their teeth. You’ve no doubt heard of the fact that dental work, including implants and veneers, is much cheaper in Turkey than anywhere else. Depending upon the procedure and how much extra work may be required, you can expect to pay around $500 – $750, which is a huge 70% cheaper than the EU, USA, and UK.

There are countless clinics offering teeth whitening and other procedures and it’s important to do your research beforehand. However, these are three of the best and ones you might like to check out:

• Dentfix Istanbul Dental Clinic, Sisli
• Eternes Dental Clinic Istanbul, Sisli
• Esthedent Dental Clinic, Sisli

What To Watch Out For

Again, always be very careful when choosing which clinic to attend. The clinics we’ve mentioned are all very highly regarded, but simply Googling your desired treatment isn’t going to give you the best results. There are many scams out there and you’ll find people attempting to show you lower prices than they will actually charge you in the end.

Basically, if you see a price that’s too good to be true, that’s because it is. However, do bear in mind that prices for medical treatments are lower in Türkiye compared to other countries. Simply do your research and ask as many questions as you need to, before making a decision. If the clinic is a reputable and professional one, they will have no problems answering as many questions as you want to ask and they will reassure you of their quality.

There are some fantastic clinics in Istanbul. It’s really not a surprise that it’s one of the best places in the world for medical tourism. So, if you’ve been thinking about having a procedure for a while and you’re sure that it’s the right thing for you, maybe Istanbul could be the destination for you .

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Comments (2)

Looking for treatment (meds) for high blood pressure, I’ve just been diagnosed with hypertension. Also would like meds for high cholesterol – can you recommend a dr/hospital? 13 Oct – 21 Oct visit.

For this, you’d need to go to the ER.

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Destinations

As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul constitutes the center of Turkey’s economic, cultural, intellectual, and social life. With a spectacular geographic location on the Bosporus Straight, Istanbul is the only city in the world that is situated on top of two continents, Europe and Asia. Istanbul has been at the cultural crossroads of East and West and uniquely surrounded by thousands of years of historical and cultural heritage. Istanbul has served as the capital to four of the world’s greatest empires including the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire.  In 2010, Istanbul was named a European Capital of Culture, and has gone through dramatic increases in visitor arrivals with over 11 million foreign visitors in 2012, making Istanbul the world’s fifth most popular tourism destination.   Istanbul also serves as Turkey’s biggest medical establishment, with the greatest number of hospitals, education and research institutions, the highest number of JCI-accredited medical facilities and largest tourist arrivals for medical treatment in the country.  Health Tourism in Istanbul,  Istanbul remains Turkey’s economic and cultural center as well as the place continuously developing and leading Turkey’s innovations in the healthcare industry. Investments in the health care system have provided Istanbul with the medical infrastructure necessary to accommodate international patients, mostly stemming from the private health sector.  Foreign patients are drawn to Istanbul, Turkey’s main medical hub, since it holds the highest concentration of JCI-accredited health care facilities, wide variety of high quality medical treatments and best availability for medical professionals to provide sophisticated treatments to international visitors.      Istanbul Health Tourism Service Areas Are:

• Orthopedics
• Brain Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Plastic Surgery
• Transplantation (bone-marrow transplantation, kidney transplantation, liver transplantation)
• Hair Transplantation
• Eye Treatment
• Dental Treatment
• Weight Loss
• Physical Treatment
• Dialysis for tourists

Why Istanbul for Medical Travel

• Geographical location
• Easy access via direct flights from Turkish Airlines
• Scientific and medical infrastructure
• Tourist infrastructure
• The welcoming and hospitable culture
• The value for money of the care
• Visa facilities
• Shopping (More than 120 shopping centers)
• One of the most visited destination in the world
• Of course, you always benefit from on-site assistance of our multilingual speaking medical team 24 hours a day.

Other Destinations

• Bosphorus Cruises
• Princes’ Islands
• Places of Worship
• Dinner Cruises
• Whirling Dervish Show
• Turkish Bath
• Audio Guides
• Best City Pass
• Istanbul Airport
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport
• Nightlife Guide
• Public Transport
• Best Restaurants
• Shopping Guide
• Taksim Area
• 5-Star Hotels
• With Bosphorus View
• For Honeymoon
• 4-Star Hotels
• Convention and Meeting
• For Weddings
• 3-Star Hotels
• Airport Hotels
• Port Hotels
• Group Hotels
• M.I.C.E. Services
• Wedding Offers
• Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery
• Medical Check-Ups
• IVF – İn Vitro Fertilisation
• Orthopedic Treatments
• Cancer Treatments
• Wrinkle Treatment
• Injectable Dermal Fillers
• Plasma Therapy
• Mesotherapy
• Skin Renewal
• Non Surgery Operations
• Wellness & SPA
• Care Facilities
• Tours & Tickets

Latest Covid Restriction Updates in Istanbul: All You Need To Know

On this page, we have listed the general sanitary Covid 19 rules in Turkey , as well as additional specific measures that apply in Istanbul.

To take control over the coronavirus outbreak and reduce the number of new Covid-19 cases, Turkey has implemented a series of preventive measures. Another important effort by the government is Covid-19 vaccination program . Currently, over 85% of the Turkish population at the age of 18 and above has received 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

The Turkish Ministry of Health has categorized the provinces of Turkey in four risk zones : low risk (blue zone), medium risk (yellow zone), high risk (orange zone) and very high risk (red zone) that are shown in a color-coded vaccination map. See the updated map on the official governmental website .

Istanbul is classified as a "blue zone" by the Turkish Ministry of Health, indicating that at least 77% of the population has been vaccinated with two doses and is at "low risk".

Let’s have a look at the general rules that apply throughout Turkey. After that, we will continue with Istanbul specifically.

1. General Regulations that apply Nationwide 

Many Covid 19 rules and measures, such as the lockdown, have been lifted over time, leaving most services available in Turkey without restrictions . The following regulations are currently still in place:

Social (Physical) Distancing

You need to maintain  social distancing (at least 3 steps) from others in public areas.

Wearing a face mask is no longer required. Only in medical establishments is it still necessary to wear masks.

The use of the HES ( Hayat Eve Siğar ) Code, the coronavirus contact tracing system, has been lifted in all institutions. The HES code, which was automatically generated when filling out the entry form, is no longer required for entry into the country as of March 2022.

Dining establishments

Dining establishments   (cafés, bars, restaurants etc.) are open without restrictions. 

Opening Hours

Grocery shops, shopping malls, boutiques and stores are open during the normal operation hours throughout the week.

Smoking in public areas is banned, but not very respected by the public.

Please remember that fines will be imposed on those who do not comply with the regulations imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

2. Additional Measures & Rules only in Istanbul

Vaccination rate with two doses (persons over 18 years of age):  With a vaccination rate more than 77%, Istanbul, currently classified as a blue zone (low risk province). 

Hotels in Istanbul: In Istanbul, more than 500 hotels and accommodation facilities have received a "Safe Tourism Certification" from the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Read More about Hotels in Istanbul .

Disinfection: Mosques, museums, tourist attractions, government buildings, and hotels in Istanbul are disinfected periodically against the COVID-19 virus. Read more about Museums in Istanbul .

Airports in Istanbul: To ensure that passengers can travel safely to Istanbul, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökcen Airport, the main arrival points for foreign travelers, have implemented numerous measures against the COVID-19 virus. See below the most important measures taken to protect travelers from the coronavirus:

• The same entry requirements apply to Istanbul as to the rest of the country. You will either need a negative Covid-19-PCR-Test , a negative rapid antigen test, proof of vaccination, or a documentation of recovery from COVID-19 to enter Istanbul.
• PCR and antigen testing is available 24/7 at the testing center of Sabiha Gökcen and Istanbul Airport for all passengers for a fee of 250 TL. Be sure to arrive at least 6 hours before your flight, as test results take up to 5 hours. To get a PCR test easily in town, please book it now in Istanbul Welcome Card Shop .
• Only passengers who have a valid ticket are granted access to the terminal. An exception is made only for passengers who require assistance. 
• Inside Istanbul and Sabiha Gökcen Airport, wearing face masks is mandatory for everyone.
• At the entrance to the terminal, as well as at the check-in desk, there are thermal cameras which carry out body temperature measurements of all arriving passengers. Passengers departing from international lines are also monitored with thermal cameras. If necessary, passengers will be subjected to a COVID-19 test.
• Foreign passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon landing will be referred to a private hospital by the Ministry of Health-Border Health Unit. Turkish passengers will be admitted to a state hospital.
• At Istanbul airport, an ultraviolet light is used to disinfect all baggage that passes through the X-rays.
• A hygiene team helps remind passengers inside and outside the airport of hygiene and social distance rules.
• Hand sanitizers are placed at key points throughout both airports.
• The terminal at Istanbul Airport is supplied with fresh air around the clock.
• To ensure social distance, there are social distance markings on the floor at all areas of the airport.
• Istanbul Airport houses pandemic help desks with quarantine rooms located within the terminal building.
• All airport personnel are trained in hygiene and sanitation. Body temperature measurements are also carried out at personnel entrances.

Now you are set to visit Istanbul safely. Don't hesitate to ask us for more questions and to consult our other articles for more help for your journey in Istanbul.

For more amazing pictures and tips about Istanbul, follow  our official Instagram account @istanbul.tourist.information

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There is no surprise billing. All doctors we work with have professional liability insurance. In case of excuse, you will receive a 100% refund. All our procedures are transparent. Besides your medical treatment, it also coordinates your social programs. All your services are managed from a single source without intermediaries. You will be notified of your treatment plan and pricing within 3-5 days at the latest after your application.

2. Health Tourism Economic Midi in Turkey?

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3. Is The Reason To Get Health Tourism Service Abroad Only Cost?

No. There is no waiting period in Turkey. There are world-class, high-tech medical equipment. There are many specialist healthcare professionals in their fields. In your home country, you can access uninsured transactions easily and at affordable prices. Access to modern medical services requiring expertise, socio-cultural similarity and traditional tourism opportunities are other reasons.

4. Hospital Quality in Turkey, How are you?

Turkey was # 1 in the world with 52 JCI accredited hospitals in 10 hospitals have been accredited by TEMOS. Because physical condition and equipment standards in the world, with 53 countries of Turkey Ministry of Health, there are 87 cooperation agreements in the field of health.

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The first step is to express your interest in seeking a second medical opinion. you will need to gather and provide relevant medical records, including test results, imaging scans, pathology reports, treatment history, and any other pertinent information. These records will provide the new healthcare provider with a comprehensive understanding of your medical condition, enabling them to provide an informed opinion.

We will review your medical records and connect you with a specialist who is best suited to provide a second medical opinion. We will also provide you with the doctor’s resume and information about the healthcare facility where they practice.

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CULTURE | Shopping | FOOD & BEVERAGE | NIGHT LIFE

Connecting the continents of Asia and Europe and being the only metropolis in the world with in this regard, Istanbul has a unique cultural diversity due to this quality. Istanbul, which has hosted many different civilizations such as Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans from the past to the present, has a magnificent history worthy of the magnificence of the city. Thanks to this historical background, Istanbul also brings together different religions, cultures, and other structures such as palaces, mosques, churches, and museums.

Connecting the continents of Asia and Europe and being the only metropolis in the world with in this regard, Istanbul has a unique cultural diversity due to this quality. Istanbul, which has hosted many different civilizations such as Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans from the past to the present, has a magnificent history worthy of the magnificence of the city. Thanks to this historical background, Istanbul also brings together different religions, cultures, and other structures such as palaces, mosques, churches, and museums. Reflecting Istanbul’s cultural past and serving first as a church, then a mosque, and now as a museum, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which is the only six-minaret mosque in the world, have an essential place in the art world in terms of their architecture and grandeur. The historical sites of Istanbul, which have a history dating back to several ages and cultures and host unique works, are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In addition to its unique cultural diversity, Istanbul also fascinates with the shopping opportunities it offers. With its shopping centers and colorful bazaars, Istanbul offers shopping-lovers an unforgettable shopping experience. Revealing the historical texture of the city in terms of architecture, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world. Thousands of products from bags to souvenirs, from carpets to jewelry, and many other things are exhibited and offered for sale in the Grand Bazaar. Spice Bazaar, another historical covered bazaar of Istanbul, is renowned for herbal products, dried fruits, and spice shops. Istanbul is the center of shopping experience with its big shopping centers as well as its historical bazaars. Large shopping malls such as Zorlu Center, which features the leading brands of fashion, Istinye Park, which has made a name for itself with innovations brought into the shopping concept, and Mall of Istanbul, which is Turkey’s largest shopping, entertainment, and living center, make Istanbul a city of choice for shopping.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Turkish cuisine is among the three richest cuisines in the world due to its unique and traditional delicacies. Being the heir of the Ottoman culture, influenced by dozens of great cultures, the rich Turkish cuisine has emerged with hundreds of years of accumulation, making its mark as the cuisine of skilled hands. Even though the first delicacies that come to mind in Turkish cuisine are kebabs, meat dishes, meatballs, and doner kebabs; vegetables and legumes are the indispensable tastes of the cuisine as well. Eggplant ragout, eggplants with minced meat, lahmacun, and sauteed meat, as well as ravioli, raw meatballs, stuffed meatballs, and olive oil with leaf wrap, are among the best-known flavors of the cuisine. If you do not have a dessert with milk such as rice pudding or chocolate pudding, or a dessert with syrup such as baklava or kunefe, the dinner is not finished. Finally, a cup of tea or Turkish coffee that you have right after the meal is a sine qua non tradition. In every corner of Istanbul, you can find a taste of Turkish cuisine that suits your budget.

Istanbul is also famous for its lively nightlife. It is possible to find entertainment for all tastes in venues spread all over the city, spearheaded by Beyoglu, Besiktas, Ortakoy, and Kadikoy. From jazz to classical, from rock to electronics, all kinds of music meet with music lovers in Istanbul’s nightlife. Suada Club, which is one of the most privileged venues in the world with its unique location in the Bosphorus, hosts events and celebrations with its various restaurants. 360 Istanbul, with its breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, is the highlight of the nightlife of entertainment lovers with DJ performances and live shows. Featuring many more venues, such as Babylon, a center of national and international music culture, and Dorock XL with its huge indoor live concert area, Istanbul is the heart of entertainment.

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Istanbul Health Tips To Consider Before You Leave

For most people, planning a city trip to Istanbul does not require any special medical precautions. It’s one of the major world cities — well developed and pretty Western. Nevertheless, I suggest to make sure you have a proper travel insurance and go over the list of recommended vaccinations. Also, if you’re on prescription medicines, do keep on reading.

Vaccinations

Do you need to get any special vaccinations for a holiday in Istanbul? No, you don’t. It’s very likely you’ll do just fine. However, every travel agency and governmental travel advice will recommend you to be immune to Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Typhus. Chances are you already received shots against most of these diseases in the past … and are still immune — check with your physician.

(Prescription) Medicines

Most medicines that require prescriptions in Europe or the US are freely available in any Istanbul pharmacy ( Eczane ). So, if you’re in need of a certain medicine, no need for a doctor’s visit first. Just enter any pharmacy and ask for it. The only exceptions are the real strong or habit forming drugs. To top that exception, medicines in Istanbul are usually cheaper than in European countries or the US.

The biggest obstacle you may experience is making the pharmacist understand what medicine you actually need. Pharmacists normally speak some level of English, but different pronunciation may cause a communication hiccup. Writing it down after a few attempts may solve the problem.

However, some medicines also have a complete different name. So, despite your pronunciation or spelling efforts, the pharmacist will still have no clue what you are talking about. To prevent such inconveniences, copy the generic/chemical name of your medicine and bring it along, and not just the brand name.

Bottom line: in case you get ill, medicines you are used to take to cure the illness are readily available in any pharmacy (even if they are prescription drugs in your country) and often even cheaper. In case you are on prescription drugs bring yours along, but write down their chemical name in case you run out or they get lost.

Travel insurance

Make sure your health insurance covers medical treatments in Turkey – even if Europe is included in your policy. Istanbul is indeed partly located in Europe, but the majority of Turkish soil is not! Your health service may categorize Turkey (and Istanbul) in a different region of the world. Turkey has both public and private hospitals. Private doctor offices are uncommon. Private hospitals (where you want to go in case something really nasty happens, God forbid!) can prove to be quite expensive if you are not covered by any insurance or social security scheme.

Further Recommended Reading

• Istanbul Health Tips While You’re There
• When To Visit Istanbul for a City Trip or Holiday?
• Where to Stay in Istanbul – Beyoğlu or Sultanahmet

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Sultanahmet

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Blue Mosque

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Grand Bazaar

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Dolmabahçe Palace

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Barış Manço House

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Kadıköy Produce Market

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Meshur Dondurmacı Ali Usta

Weekend and summer-night saunters down Moda Caddesi wouldn't be the same without a cone of the dondurma (ice cream) produced by the five brothers who…

Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat

Towering over Galatasaray Sq, this sleek cultural centre affiliated with a major Turkish bank stages art exhibitions, hosts classical-music concerts, and…

Spice Bazaar

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Hünkâr Kasrı

Built over a grand archway attached to the New Mosque, this small kasrı (pavilion) or mahfili (loge) dates from the same period and functioned as a…

Aqueduct of Valens

Rising majestically over the traffic on busy Atatürk Bulvarı, this limestone aqueduct is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. Commissioned by…

Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye

On a sunny weekend afternoon, you’ll find this slender green oasis in central İstanbul full of picnicking families, canoodling couples and slackline…

The Byzantine emperors loved nothing more than an afternoon at the chariot races, and this rectangular arena alongside Sultanahmet Park was their venue of…

Turkish Hamam Culture Museum

Constructed by order of the mother of Selim I and one of the wives of Beyazıt II, this now-decommissioned early-16th-century hamam is one of the largest…

SALT Galata

The descriptor 'cultural centre' is used a lot in İstanbul, but is often a misnomer. Here at SALT Galata it really does apply. Housed in a magnificent…

İstanbul Arastırmaları Enstitüsü

Associated with the nearby Pera Museum, this institution incorporates a publicly accessible research library focusing on the cultural and social history…

Beyazıt State Library

Occupying the former imaret (soup kitchen) and kervansaray (caravanserai) of the Beyazıt Mosque's külliye, this library has recently been the subject of a…

The only remaining built section of the Hippodrome hints at how monumental the arena was. The level of galleries that once topped this section was damaged…

Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park was once part of the grounds of Topkapı Palace, accessible only to the royal court. These days crowds of locals come here to picnic under the…

Feriköy Organic Market

Established in 2006 as Turkey’s first ‘100% ecological bazaar’, this bustling Saturday market is still going strong, with hundreds of colourful stalls…

Church of St Stephen of the Bulgars

Known as the 'Iron Church', this distinctive Gothic Revival–style building on the Golden Horn has an extremely beautiful interior, with its gilded iron…

Koç University Research Centre for Anatolian Civilizations

With a wealth of scholarly knowledge and archival photos to draw on, the exhibitions regularly staged on the ground floor of this university-affiliated…

Occupying a former tobacco warehouse, this alternative space is operated by Anadolu Kültür (www.anadolukultur.org), a not-for-profit organisation that…

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

This important complex marks the supposed burial place of Ebu Eyüp el-Ensari, a friend of the Prophet who fell in battle outside the walls of…

Rüstem Paşa Mosque

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Aşiyan Museum

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Women's Bazaar

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Akbank Art Centre

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Turkey Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, turkey - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated.  U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government (including on social media), can result in arrest.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Turkey.

If you decide to travel to Turkey:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
• Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for Turkey.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and Any Area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian Border – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest.  Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, and improvised explosive devices, as well as shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, and any areas within 10 km of the Syrian border.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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• Hotel Reviews

This Hotel in Istanbul Was Just Voted the Best in the World — Here's What It's Like to Stay

From gorgeous decor to an ideal location, and an unmatched history, this hotel has it all.

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Courtesy of Four Seasons

Any hotel can host you in a destination, but an extraordinary one will immerse you in the local culture right from the jump. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, voted the best hotel in the world by our readers in this year’s World’s Best Awards , sits firmly in the latter. 

“This recognition is an incredible honor for our team in Sultanahmet and across Four Seasons, further solidifying our position as luxury hospitality leaders. This exceptional property reflects our enduring commitment to personalized service and exemplary quality – all grounded in the genuine heart of our people,” Alejandro Reynal, the president and CEO of Four Seasons, told Travel & Leisure about winning the remarkable accolade. 

Right from its curbside entrance at Tevkifhane Street, the hotel is indeed a special one. Upon exiting my cab on a warm fall day, I got to experience this particular brand of magic for myself, determined to make the most of my short weekend getaway to Istanbul — and luckily for me and all the hotel guests, the towering neoclassical yellow building sits just a short walk from some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. But we’ll get into that in a minute because the building deserves to be this story's star. 

The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

• The beds here are unlike any we’ve ever experienced.
• Süreyya Teras Lounge has unmatched city views — among the best in the city.
• The spa’s hammam experience will leave your skin feeling like a baby’s bottom.

This particular building hasn’t always been a destination people want to check into. Built in 1918, it began as a guest house only to be quickly transformed into the Ottoman Empire's first jailhouse, a convenient destination next to the local courthouse. Even the street names give away its history — Tevkifhane translates to “detainee,” while the street around the corner from the front door, where prisoners were released, is named Kutlugün, meaning “happy day.” 

Political prisoners were often housed here, including novelist Orhan Kemal, who wrote Ward 72 while imprisoned. The jail eventually closed in 1969; however, following the 1980 coup, it was reopened for a short time as a military jail before falling into disrepair until 1996, when the Four Seasons took over. But the brand has made sure not to forget the building and the area’s extraordinary past. 

“The property itself is a marvel, and the thoughtful enhancements of its century-old Turkish neoclassical architecture have ushered in its next chapter, creating new opportunities for our guests to discover Istanbul from our very special hotel at the heart of the city’s Old Town,” Reynal said. “From Sultanahmet and beyond, our teams will continue to shine bright by building lasting connections with our guests and bringing the very best travel experiences to life.”

Not only did the Four Seasons brand work meticulously to preserve elements of the building in the mid-'90s, it did so again in 2022, when it emerged from a two-year renovation project, pulling in even more of Turkey’s gorgeous style into every room. “Our designers researched styling, pattern, and details from antiques, fabrics, and architecture and distilled these influences through a contemporary filter to create designs that feel completely in tune with the building and setting,” Martin Goddard of the design studio Goddard Littlefair, shared in a statement following the unveiling. 

Indeed, every inch of this space feels not only aligned with its surroundings but a part of them. Despite being next door to some of the most visited sites in the nation, it still provides guests with all the peace, quiet, and privacy they’d want. 

Upon check-in, I was whisked directly to my premiere room. Though the hotel’s smallest room category, it still clocked in at 645 square feet, larger than most New York City apartments. Everything about it felt plush — from the entry couch to the upholstered chairs around a small dining table for any in-room meals, the Turkish Kilim textiles hanging on the walls, and, of course, the overstuffed bed that sat like a cloud, ready to envelop weary travelers. However, I wasted no time lying down, instead doing what all guests at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet should do: swing open the windows. 

My room happened to open up to the dazzling and verdant courtyard below, sectioned off with intentional style to include garden space, lounge, and dining spaces, which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner thanks to the Avlu Restaurant — think Anatolian mezze plates; erişte pasta made with chives, spiced walnut, sautéed asparagus; and lamb tander smothered in a gorgeous tomato sauce with sheep cheese, oregano, chili flakes, sumac, and yogurt. Though the food here is undoubtedly fabulous, do make sure to head a few floors up for sunset. 

Resting atop the hotel sits Süreyya, its rooftop bar that comes with the bonus of the breathtaking Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque as the backdrop, making it the perfect place to transition from day to night with a craft cocktail in hand, like its Sultan Martini, made with vodka, passion fruit, yuzu juice, and vanilla syrup. Those feeling peckish while looking at the view can order small plates, salads, sandwiches, a sweet treat, or a cheese and honey plate stacked with Anatolian cheeses. 

However, there was one destination in the hotel that I couldn’t experience — but you now can. That is the Kurna Spa, offering traditional Turkish hammam rituals on its massive slate gray marble stones surrounded by colorful blue and soft green Turkish tiles, alongside a full menu of massages and facials. 

Though I didn’t get to see the spa during my stay, I could still explore so much more thanks to the hotel’s privileged position steps from the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, about a 15-minute walk away. There, I filled my bags with jewels, sweet-smelling spices, and tiny trinkets to remember my trip by. I also purchased two large rugs from a local supplier. Unsure of how I’d get them back to the hotel, the merchant asked where I was staying, and I couldn't even get the hotel's full name out before he said they’d be delivered to my room within an hour. And true to his word, they were there upon my return, speaking to how stellar this hotel’s relationships are within the area. 

The hotel, without question, deserves all the praise heaped upon it for the food and drink (worthy of a visit alone), the decor that roots you firmly in Istanbul, but most of all, because it is so utterly welcoming to all that walk through its door, setting a standard for hospitality that few can match. And the view most certainly doesn’t hurt either. 

The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet offers 65 luxurious rooms across several categories, including deluxe, premiere, and superior rooms and eight suites. Every room includes a seating area, a dining table, and an over-the-top fluffy bed. Guests can maximize their stay by booking the Beyzade Suite, a bi-level suite offering sweeping views thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street below. 

The hotel offers guests plenty of choices when it comes to their meals. Guests can book a fine dining experience at Avlu, its outdoor restaurant located in the courtyard, or inside at its elevated Lingo Lingo Bar and Restaurant. Guests are also invited to sip cocktails at night on the roof at Süreyya Teras Lounge or grab a coffee and a pastry in the morning at its on-site cafe, La Pistache. 

The concierge at the hotel will happily help guests deep dive into local culture by setting them up with one of the hotel’s unique experiences. This includes activities like an exclusive Bosphorus cruise, time with a Turkish coffee fortune teller, and a Wonders of Istanbul local tour. 

At the hotel, guests can book treatments at Kurna Spa, including traditional Turkish hammam treatments that will leave them feeling fully renewed. 

The hotel offers guests babysitting services, as well as baby and child amenities like cribs and rollaway beds, to ensure everyone has a fun and comfortable stay. 

The hotel takes part in various Four Seasons sustainability efforts, as well as site-specific efforts like its water reduction program through water-efficient landscaping, and irrigation control, waste reduction via the elimination of single-use plastic food and beverage containers and bathroom amenities, and by offering local, sustainable food and beverages and seasonal menus. The hotel also celebrates sustainability through its local tours to heritage sites and by displaying local artists throughout the hotel to bolster the Istanbul community.

There’s no need to rent a car when staying at The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. It’s within walking distance to several major attractions, including the Hagia Sophia Basilica, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. There are plenty of taxis available as well. 

A good way to get a little value out of your stay is by booking the hotel’s bed & breakfast rate, which includes the daily buffet breakfast in AVLU restaurant or an American breakfast through in-room dining for up to two guests. 

Travel + Leisure Readers' 500 Favorite Hotels and Resorts in the World

These properties scored the highest in Travel + Leisure's most recent World's Best Awards survey.

Sometimes a hotel is so special that it becomes a destination in its own right. If you’re on the hunt for a property worth planning a trip around, look no further than the T+L 500, our annual list of the hotels and resorts our readers love the most. 

Drawn from the results of the World’s Best Awards survey (voted on by our readers), these 500 top scorers deliver the bucket-list locations, outstanding design, and exceptional service our readers want to return to time and time again. 

The honorees are grouped into eight geographic regions: Africa and the Middle East; Asia; Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific; Canada; the Caribbean; Europe; Mexico, Central America, and South America; and the United States.

Below, we highlight 10 properties that embody all of the spectacular charm and amenities one might look for when planning their next dream vacation. You can read the full T+L 500 list in Travel + Leisure 's May 2024 issue, on newsstands today, or digitally on Apple News+.

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection

The name Etéreo , Spanish for “ethereal,” accurately describes this rejuvenating resort on Mexico's Riviera Maya. Known for its elevated restaurants, excellent Sana spa, gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea, and nearby cenotes , it’s no surprise this property is a family favorite, appealing to multiple generations.

Montage Los Cabos

Located on Santa Maria Bay in Los Cabos, Mexico, Montage Los Cabos has 122 guestrooms, suites, and casas, as well as 52 residences. Here, you’ll find fresh Baja-inspired cuisine — and, if your timing is right, the annual grey and humpback whale migration. 

Kokomo Private Island Fiji

A quick 45-minute flight from Nadi International Airport gets you to Kokomo , a private island resort in Fiji. Unspoiled and wildly luxurious, this secluded escape has some of the best diving and snorkeling around the world’s fourth largest reef. 

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

With a European address that overlooks Asia, this Four Seasons Hotel holds a unique position along the Bosphorus Strait. After a busy day of shopping in one of Istanbul’s trendiest neighborhoods, the heated outdoor pool is the perfect place to wind down and relax the senses. 

Six Senses Douro Valley

The restored 19th-century manor in Lamego, Portugal has 71 guest rooms with panoramic views of the Douro river, private balconies, and wooden bridges leading to tranquil, secret gardens. 

Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection

This top 10 best resort in Europe, according to our 2023 World’s Best Awards, lies in the heart of Santorini’s Imerovigli village. Whether you’re in the infinity pool or in the comfort of your private villa, it’s impossible to miss the bright orange sunset that sets its light over the Aegean Sea. 

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Deeply rooted in Hawaiian history, The Ritz-Carlton Maui , which underwent a $100-million renovation last year, centers its design around the location’s culture and maintains the nearby Honokahua Preservation Site (a recognized wahi pana , or sacred site, where about 2,000 Hawaiians were buried between 610 C.E. and 1800 C.E.).

Nayara Tented Camp

If you’ve ever been to La Fortuna, Costa Rica, you know it's one of the most magical natural places in the world. At Nayara Tented Camp , not only can you revel in the surrounding biodiversity with highly trained naturalist guides, but after a busy day of sightseeing, you can return to your spacious tent with a private pool fed by the volcano’s mineral hot springs. 

The Little Nell

Aspen’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel has 92 rooms, a new luxury spa, two restaurants, three bars, extraordinary mountain views and, you guessed it — all things après-ski. 

White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection

Drive 90 minutes north of Boston to Kennebunkport, Maine, to find the effortlessly cozy and elevated White Barn Inn . Roomy waterfront cottages await with a fireplace, a large living area, and direct access to the heated infinity pool.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

• International

April 21, 2024 - News on the Middle East conflicts

By Simone McCarthy, Sana Noor Haq, Antoinette Radford and Maureen Chowdhury, CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

Israeli troops kill 14 during two-day raid in the occupied West Bank, health ministry says. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Israeli troops have concluded a two-day operation in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces told CNN on Sunday.

Images from  the raid — one of the IDF's largest in the West Bank since October 7 — show concrete slabs and rubble strewn across the area. At least 14 people, including a child and a teen , were killed in the raid, the Palestinian Ministry of Health and official news agency Wafa said Saturday. Israel says it killed 10 "terrorists" and arrested wanted suspects.

Violence by Israeli settlers and IDF troops in the West Bank has surged during Israel's campaign in Gaza. Settlers killed an ambulance driver trying to transport injured Palestinians on Saturday, the Palestine Red Crescent said.

According to the health ministry, 483 Palestinians have been killed by settlers or Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7.

Here's what else to know if you're just joining us:

• Gaza death toll : At least 34,097 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7 , the Palestinian health ministry reported Sunday. At least 76,980 people have also been injured. More than 70% of those killed have been women and children, according to the ministry. CNN cannot independently confirm the numbers due to the lack of international media access to Gaza.
• West Bank labor strike : A West Bank-wide labor strike took place on Sunday , a working day, over the Palestinian deaths in the occupied territory and in Gaza, Palestinian political faction Fatah said on Saturday, according to Wafa. 
• Hamas condemns US aid: Hamas has condemned the United States House of Representatives' approval of a more than  $26 billion foreign aid package  for Israel, calling it a violation of humanitarian norms and a "green light" for further decimation of Palestinians and their communities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the package showed bipartisan support for Israel in the US and "defends Western civilization."
• Turkish and Hamas leaders meet: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and the “urgent need” for a ceasefire during a meeting with Hamas' top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in the capital Istanbul on Saturday, his office said. It's their first meeting since October 7.
• War cabinet meeting : Israel's war cabinet met late on Sunday local time to discuss efforts to free the remaining hostages in Gaza, an Israeli official confirmed. Talks on a ceasefire and hostage deal  have been facilitated by international mediators for weeks, but have yielded no apparent breakthroughs of late.
• Iran tensions : Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has called on the country’s armed forces to continue their fight against Israel by pursuing military innovation and learning "the enemy's tactics." In a statement on Khamenei’s official website Sunday, he thanked Iran's military for its operation against Israel on April 13. Strikes between Israel and Iran this month  spiked fears of a widening regional conflict  in the Middle East, but the two sides  appear to be stepping back for now .

Israeli war cabinet met Sunday to discuss hostage situation in Gaza, official says

From CNN’s Eugenia Yosef and Larry Register

The Israeli war cabinet met late Sunday local time to discuss efforts to free the remaining hostages held in Gaza, according to an Israeli official.

The war cabinet is made up of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, who is chairman of the National Unity Party.

In a video statement, released by the Government Press Office to mark Passover on Sunday, Netanyahu said, "This night, 133 of our dear brothers and sisters do not sit at the Seder table and are still imprisoned in the hell of Hamas."

Netanyahu accused Hamas of rejecting proposals for a hostage deal "outright," and said Israel will soon land "additional and painful blows" and will increase "military and political pressure" on Hamas to free the hostages.

State of the negotiations: Talks on a ceasefire and hostage deal have been facilitated by international mediators for weeks, but have yielded no apparent breakthroughs of late.

The framework laid out by negotiators, according to sources familiar with the talks, would see a six-week pause in fighting, during which Hamas would release 40 of the remaining hostages, including all the women, as well as sick and elderly men. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be released from Israeli prisons.

Hamas has told the mediators — which include Qatar and Egypt — it does not have 40 living hostages who match the criteria for release. CNN’s record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

This post has been updated to reflect the meeting took place.

Israeli military concludes deadly raid on refugee camp in the occupied West Bank

From CNN's Benjamin Brown

Israeli troops have concluded a two-day operation in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, in the occupied West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces told CNN on Sunday.

Images from the offensive on the camp, which appears to be one of the largest in the West Bank since October 7, show concrete slabs and rubble strewn across the area.

At least 14 people, including one child , were killed in the raid, the Palestinian Ministry of Health and official news agency Wafa said Saturday.

The IDF claimed security forces killed 10 "terrorists" and arrested “eight wanted suspects” during its “extensive counterterrorism” operation, which started on Thursday. 

Attacks on Palestinians: Violence in the occupied West Bank has only increased during Israel's offensive in Gaza.

An ambulance driver from the Palestine Red Crescent Society was killed while transporting Palestinians injured in an attack by settlers in the West Bank on Saturday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.

Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians in the occupied territory increased in 2023 to their  highest level  since the UN began recording data in 2006, the Human Rights Watch reported Wednesday.

At least 483 Palestinians have been killed by settlers or IDF soldiers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7, according to the health ministry.

The spike in violence by extremist settlers has led to more sanctions by the US and EU.

This post has been updated with additional data on violence in the West Bank.

Hamas condemns new US military aid to Israel as a "green light" for Gaza "aggression"

From CNN’s Ibrahim Dahman and Eve Brennan

Hamas has condemned the United States House of Representatives' approval of a more than $26 billion foreign aid package for Israel, calling it a violation of "all international laws and humanitarian norms."

The Palestinian militant group views the funding as confirming US complicity in an Israeli campaign that has "claimed the lives of tens of thousands of innocent martyrs, in addition to the systematic destruction of cities and residential neighborhoods and all civil facilities and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip," it said in a statement Sunday.

The US administration and President Joe Biden, Hamas said, bear personal "political, legal, and moral" responsibility for what it described as war crimes in Gaza. The bill provides a “green light” for Israel to continue its "brutal aggression" in the strip, Hamas said.

The US House passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act on Saturday with a vote of 366-58.

Erdogan discusses need for ceasefire in meeting with Hamas leader in Turkey

From CNN’s Zahid Mahmood in London

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and the “urgent need” for a ceasefire during a meeting with Hamas' top political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the capital Istanbul on Saturday, his office said.

It was the first meeting between Erdogan and Haniyeh since October 7, when Israel began its military invasion into Gaza following Hamas' attack. Earlier this week, the Hamas leader held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Doha.

"During the meeting, President Erdoğan said that Turkey continued its diplomatic efforts to draw the attention of the international community to the persecution of the Palestinians and emphasized at every opportunity the need for an end to the atrocities and the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire,” a statement from the Turkish presidency said.

Erdogan said Turkey had provided Gaza with more than 45,000 tons of humanitarian aid in order to “alleviate some of the suffering” and would continue to do so.

Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed 34,097 Palestinians, health officials say

From CNN's Ibrahim Dahman

Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed 48 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported on Sunday, raising the total death toll to 34,097 people killed.

At least 76,980 people have been injured since October 7, the ministry said. A number of Palestinians are trapped under the rubble and destroyed roads, the ministry added, but ambulance and civil defense crews are unable to reach them.

The vast majority of those killed in Gaza are women and children, according to Palestinian health officials. As of April 20, the ministry reported:

• At least 72% of those killed are women and children
• More than 9,100 women have been killed
• More than 14,000 children have been killed

CNN cannot independently confirm the numbers due to the lack of international media access to Gaza.

Israeli military strikes four locations in Lebanon overnight, Lebanese state-run news agency reports

From CNN’s Charbel Mallo, Benjamin Brown, and Irene Nasser

Israeli strikes hit four sites in southern Lebanon overnight, Lebanese state-owned National News Agency reported, as regional tensions intensify over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The strikes hit the villages of Khiam, Tayr Harfa, Kfarkella near Odaisseh, and in an area between Ramieh and Beit Leif.

The Israeli military confirmed bombardment on three of the four locations, hitting what it said were Hezbollah targets. Hezbollah is an Iran-backed, Lebanese militant group with one of the most powerful paramilitary forces in the Middle East.

In Tayr Harfa, Israeli forces said "a terrorist was identified operating inside a Hezbollah military structure" which fighter jets struck. Elsewhere, Israeli troops hit "an observation post" in Odaisseh and "two military structures" in Khiam.

Israel-Lebanon relations: Israeli and Hezbollah forces have engaged in cross-border fire and tit-for-tat exchanges since October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage.

Hezbollah’s political stance has unambiguously supported the Palestinian militants. It has roundly condemned Israel’s relentless airstrikes on Gaza, which have killed more than 34,000 Palestinians and injured more than 76,900, according to the Ministry of Health there.

CNN's Tamara Qiblawi and Abeer Salman contributed reporting.

West Bank prepares for labor strike in protest of Palestinian deaths: official media

From CNN's Irene Nasser and Mia Alberti

A West Bank-wide labor strike has been called for Sunday, a working day, over Palestinian deaths in Tulkarem in the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinian political faction Fatah said on Saturday, according to official Palestinian news agency WAFA. 

The strike calls on people "to unite in support of our people," Fatah said, according to WAFA.

The Palestinian Teachers Union said that a general strike will be adhered to at all schools, educational facilities, and the ministry, WAFA reported, adding that the General Union of Transport Workers also said it is committed to adhering to the strike.

Some context: The call for a general strike was announced after 14 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli military operation in Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem, in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

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