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Your trip plan
A step-by-step plan for Istanbul — built backwards from the goal: arrive prepared, do the expo well, get back. Event dates: September 15, 2026 – September 17, 2026.
Now
Visa & entry
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.
Flights
Istanbul Airport (IST) — ~40km to centre
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (Asian side) (SAW) — ~40km to centre
1–2 weeks out
Connectivity & money
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.
Pack for the weather — September
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.
Save before you go
📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.
🆘 Emergency: 112 · Police 112
During the expo
Airport → venue & getting around
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.
Eat — halal near the venue
Prayer at the venue
| Day | Fajr | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 15 Sep | 05:11 | 12:59 | 16:30 | 19:14 | 20:41 |
| Wed 16 Sep | 05:12 | 12:59 | 16:29 | 19:12 | 20:39 |
| Thu 17 Sep | 05:13 | 12:59 | 16:28 | 19:10 | 20:38 |
Approximate (Muslim World League method) — confirm locally on the day.
A spare evening
Hagia Sophia & Topkapı Palace
Sultanahmet
The great Byzantine-Ottoman monument (now a mosque) and the imperial palace.
Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
Fatih
Historic covered markets — carpets, lanterns, sweets and spices.
Bosphorus ferry
Eminönü / Karaköy
Cross between Europe and Asia by public ferry for the classic skyline view.
The reason you came
Plan your day
Check the programme on the official event page and map out the zones you want to walk.
Event details →Is this for you?
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.
Travel info sources: https://goturkiye.com · https://www.evisa.gov.tr · https://www.istanbul-airport.com