Attending SMIIC Halal Standards Masterclass?

If you need a visa, start the process well before September 15, 2026, processing can take several weeks.

Many nationalities enter Türkiye visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days); others can apply online for an e-Visa before travel. Confirm requirements for your passport at the official e-Visa portal.

General guidance only, always confirm requirements with the official embassy/consulate for your nationality.

Istanbul Airport (IST), ~40km to centre

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (Asian side) (SAW), ~40km to centre

Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom tourist SIMs at IST/SAW arrivals

eSIM: Airalo and similar eSIMs cover Türkiye

Plug: Type C / F (European 2-pin) · 230V / 50Hz

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Cards and contactless are widely accepted; carry some cash for bazaars and small eateries.

High ~27°C · Low ~17°C

Warm, mostly dry early autumn — among the best months to visit.

Light layers; a light jacket for evenings. Modest cover for mosque visits.

📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.

🆘 Emergency: 112 · Police 112

A dense network of metro, tram, funicular, Marmaray cross-Bosphorus rail and ferries connects both continents.

A single Istanbulkart works on metro, tram, bus, Marmaray and ferries.

Use BiTaksi/iTaksi or insist on the meter (taksimetre); have your destination written down.

• Hamdi Restaurant, Eminönü
• Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine, Sultanahmet
• Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta, Sultanahmet
• Çiya Sofrası, Kadıköy
• Karaköy Güllüoğlu, Karaköy

Approximate (Muslim World League method), confirm locally on the day.

Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet

Fatih

Eyüpsultan

Sultanahmet

Check the programme on the official event page and map out the zones you want to walk.

This event is aimed at: National standards body staff, Accreditation council staff, Halal certification bodies, Quality / regulatory affairs teams (food, cosmetics, pharma), Government regulators from OIC Member States, OIC Observer State representatives.