PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

• Apply for your Turkey visa in advance using this link.

  • • Fill out the online application at least one week before departure. There is no need to send in your passport.

    • The fee is U.S. $50 per person (plus processing fee), which can be paid with either MasterCard or VISA.

    • The electronic visa will be emailed to you and can be downloaded immediately.

    • We suggest printing a copy and traveling with it as well as having a digital copy accessible offline on your phone.

• Complete the Traveler Entry Form within 72 hours of your flight departure. This form can be completed at: http://register.health.gov.tr

Covid-19 Reminders

Travelers from the United States are allowed to enter Turkey with some restrictions. Travelers must:

• Present ONE of the following:

  • • Proof of being fully vaccinated with at least 2 doses of a WHO-approved vaccine (one dose for Johnson & Johnson) received at least 14 days before arrival. An original copy of the CDC vaccine card can be used.

OR

• • • Proof of recovery from Covid-19 with a document issued by the relevant country’s official authorities stating that they have had the virus within the last 6 months. The 6-month period starts from the 28th day of the first PCR positive test result.

OR

• • • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test, with either a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the time of entry or an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before the time of entry.

• Undergo health screenings upon arrival including temperature checks.

  • • Travelers with high fevers or displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to take a PCR test on arrival.

    • Some travelers may be randomly selected to undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival even if they are not showing symptoms.

• You should bring your original Covid-19 vaccination card, as well as a paper copy and a digital copy (such as a photo of your vaccination card saved to your email or phone). Keep the original with your passport or photo ID.

• If you haven’t already, email your Covid-19 vaccination information to your primary care physician so that it is added to your immunization record.

• Check with your airline to see if it has any specific Covid-19 requirements in place (such as needing proof of vaccination, or if a negative Covid-19 test result is required within a certain timeframe prior to travel in order to fly).

• Be sure to complete Stanford Travel/Study’s online Travel/Study Covid-19 Agreement if you have not already.

• In the best interest of the health of the group, we ask you to take a COVID-19 rapid or PCR test no more than 48 hours before joining the group. Please note that if you test positive and are unable to travel, you will be able to file a claim via the included trip insurance. Many of you are traveling in other regions prior to the start of the trip and we ask you to be mindful of your activities and to do your best to join the trip healthy. We want a safe and enjoyable trip for all, and we appreciate your help in making this effort.

• If you are continuing your travels past the trip and returning to the U.S. at a later date, you will need to arrange for a test on your own. You may find it helpful to bring self-tests that meet CDC Covid-19 testing requirements for returning to the U.S. We suggest you bring two self-tests per person (one extra in case of invalid results).

• Examples of providers include Azova, BinaxNow Covid, Cue COVID-19 Test for Home or OTC Use.

• Please review the test kit instructions prior to departing home to make sure you have the correct web link to activate the kit and have downloaded the product’s app, if required, to receive your test results.

Other Reminders

• Be sure to check your passport to make sure it has at least 1 fully blank page and is valid for at least 6 months past the date that you will arrive back in the U.S.

• Get necessary immunizations and prophylaxes (refer to the health and medical section in the Trip Information tab).

• Notify your credit card company that you will soon be traveling, so that any significant charges you make will not be questioned or put on hold.

Transfer From the Airport

Airport transfers are included for all travelers arriving in Istanbul. We will use the flight information you provided to the Travel/Study office to arrange your transfers, so please be sure to alert us if there have been any changes to your flight itinerary since you first sent your flight information to our office. Note that you may be grouped with other travelers arriving on the same flight or at the same time. After you claim your bags and exit customs, look for our local staff member, who will be holding a “Stanford MLA” sign. If you have difficulty finding your transfer, please contact your Stanford tour manager or local operator representative using the Contact Information.

Please refer to the Flight and Transfer Information document that was sent to you via email to double check the flight information we have on file for you and for details on any additional services you may have arranged, such as extra hotel nights.

At the Hotel

Check-in time at Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel is 2:00 p.m. Luggage can be left with the bell captain if you arrive before your room is ready. Our first group activity will be a welcome reception and dinner at 7:30 p.m. on June 16 in our hotel.

In Case of Quarantine

In case one or more in your party need to isolate at the end of the trip, it is good to be prepared. Some suggestions of what to bring with you are:

• additional supply of prescription medications (approx. 2 weeks worth)

• materials to entertain you: books, movies, sudoku, crossword puzzles etc.

• laptop or iPad to be able to access virtual meetings

• a small supply of your favorite snacks/treats

• check with the person who is collecting your mail or taking care of a pet, to see if they can extend their assistance beyond the trip end date

• a list of contacts you may need (travel agent, airline numbers etc.)

Name Tag
Once you receive your name tag, please wear it at all group events; it helps trip staff and other travelers to get to know each other. It can also acts as a de facto entrance ticket when we are visiting certain museums or sites. Please let your tour manager know if you lose yours and they can make you a new one.

Punctuality
It is essential that everyone be punctual and pay attention to departure times. All excursions are optional, so if you do not appear by the departure time announced to the group, we will assume you have decided not to join us.

Masks
Please wear your mask whenever we are in a group setting indoors, including on board the coaches and at lectures. Wash your hands often and bring a hand-sanitizer and an extra mask with you each day.

Schedule
During our journey there will undoubtedly be changes to the itinerary. Whenever a change is made it is to adjust to circumstances or to take advantage of new opportunities. The trip staff will keep you informed of our schedule by making announcements at lectures or at the last group event of the day. If you have any questions about the schedule, please contact your tour manager.

Health & Safety
Here is a list of suggested items you should bring with you for daily touring: listening devices, hat, reusable water bottle and PPE (masks and hand sanitizer). Please leave all valuables (extra cash, passports, etc.) in your room safe or in a locked suitcase in your room.

Gratuities
All gratuities for group events such as meals, porterage, guides, and gulet crew are included in the program cost. You should only need money for personal expenses, such as meals on your own and souvenirs.

Beverages
Remember to bring your reusable water bottle with you each day, to help cut down on single-use plastic. Filtered water will be provided at all group meals, and large bottles of water that can be used to refill your bottle will be provided on the bus. Select wine and beer at group lunches and dinners is included. Should you wish to enjoy premium bottles of wine or additional beverages or cocktails at the bar, please pay for this on your own.

Meals
If you have any specific dietary concerns that were not shared with our office, please let our office know right away as we have worked with the restaurants in advance and any adjustments must be made immediately.

Contacts
If you should find yourself accidently separated from the group and/or require assistance, please remain in the location where you last saw the group and one of our tour staff will return to find you. If you are carrying a cell phone, please text or call your tour manager of local guide (see Staff Contact Information). You may find it prudent to copy the contact details with the staff mobile numbers and our hotel details into your phone’s notes.