Earlier I wrote about how there was finally an end in sight for the diplomatic spat between the US and Turkey, which began in October The situation unfolded when a worker at the US consulate in Istanbul was arrested over suspicions of being linked to a cleric blamed for last year’s failed coup. The US…
Continue reading: Turkey Resumes Visa Issuance For US Citizens, Accuses The US Of Lying
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I guess US citizens not visiting Turkey was a lot more painful for Turkey than the other way around.
I just went ahead and got mine now, just in case the start tit for tat again. I was planning to use 2nd passport, but this won't be necessary.
I figured this might happen soon. The tourism industry in Turkey is a disaster under the current situation. It was bad before the US visa ban. I can't imagine how desperate things have become now. I was there early in 2017 and the shop keepers and guides literally begged me to tell others in the USA how they are open and welcome tourist. It might be a good time to go. The exchange rate is good for Americans. The hotels are cheap on cash or points. The airfares can be decent at times. The streets are a bit dangerous for Americans but not that bad if you are smart about it.
Erdogan is a terrible person... but don’t let that distract from the wonderful warm and friendly Turkish people.
Dear DaninMCI
The facts are totally opposite of your thread.
Tourism arrivals in Turkey are UP 28 percent in the first 10 months of 2017. Hardly a disaster or desperation by any means.
Here is link to English news story:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/foreign-tourist-arrivals-in-turkey-rise-nearly-30-pct-in-2017-123250
Interesting situation. I have no plans to travel to or through Turkey, so this specific development won't impact me, but to be completely honest I trust the Turkish Embassy far more than I do our current administration. Lies and misinformation are the building blocks of our current POTUS' reputation, so it seems reasonable to me that Turkey's Embassy is spot on in this case.
I must agree with @Josh. One certainly cannot trust any declaration coming from the Trump administration.
I too long for the good old days when statements from the US Administration and the POTUS were always spot on. Some of my favorites:
"If you like your health plan, you can keep your health plan. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor".
'Premiums will soon go down by 25%'.
'Benghazi was a spontaneous demonstration over a video. And there was no way to get help there in time to save lives'.
"I didn't send any classified emails over my private server".
And of course the all time classic:
"I did not have sex with that woman".
Ah, yes, those were the days, weren't they? 😉
@Robert Hanson - So previous people's statements justify current ones? Dude get a grip. Live in the present. Presently we have a mentally ill compulsive liar in the White House. That was my point. (And for the record, I don't condone lies by anyone.)
Good news.
Turkey is probably one of the most interesting places on the planet to visit from its rich culture, food, sights, etc. And TK is a pretty decent product with often great pricing.
DaninMCI - Americans make up less than 2% of Turkish tourists, the world doesn't revolve around America quite as much as many would like to believe.
@james
Would not put much trust into a Turkish government run publication . My experience is that tourism in turkey has collapsed. I was last there in mid July. Restaurants empty grand Hyatt empty 3 nights in a row I was the only person in bar or restaurant. On my previous visits there were lineups everywhere. Tourism venues museums etc totally empty and very few westerners . They are bringing in tourists from the Middle East but they don’t seem to be the ones who pay the bills as they are ultra religious so quite conservative. I will be there again end of the month and booked the park hyatt for 150.00$ Extremely cheap. So I would say they are hurting badly.