Medically reviewed by Uzm. Dr. Cihan BolatLast reviewed
The medicine is only half of a treatment trip. This guide covers the logistics international patients ask us about most before travelling to Istanbul — entry requirements, flights, transfers, accommodation near the clinic, how long to stay and how follow-up works once you are home.
Our coordinators handle most of this with you directly over WhatsApp. Nothing here replaces official visa or airline information — always confirm entry requirements for your own passport before booking.
At a glance
The practical shape of a treatment trip.
Plan 3–7 days
Most programs need 3–5 days; complex neurological or autism programs 7–10.
Fly into SAW or IST
Sabiha Gökçen is closer to our Suadiye clinic; Istanbul Airport has wider long-haul coverage.
Bring your records
Recent imaging, laboratory results and specialist letters — ideally sent to us before you fly.
Travel with someone
A companion is welcome and recommended for neurological, mobility-limited and paediatric programs.
Entry, visas and invitation letters.
Many nationalities — including most Gulf, European and UK passport holders — enter Türkiye visa-free or with a simple e-Visa obtained online in minutes. Requirements vary by passport, so always confirm with the official Turkish e-Visa service or your nearest consulate before booking.
Where a visa application requires supporting documentation, our coordination team can issue a clinic invitation letter confirming your appointment dates. Request it early — allow at least two to three weeks before your intended travel date.
Flights and airport transfers.
Istanbul has two international airports. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) sits on the Asian side and is 30–45 minutes from our clinic in Suadiye — the easier choice when a suitable route exists. Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side has broader long-haul coverage but adds a Bosphorus crossing, so allow 60–90 minutes.
Direct flights connect Istanbul with the Gulf, North Africa, most of Europe, the UK, Central Asia and much of sub-Saharan Africa. Private transfers can be arranged for you; our team will confirm the pickup arrangement once flight details are shared.
Where to stay and how long.
Bağdat Caddesi in Suadiye has a wide selection of hotels and serviced apartments, most within walking distance of the clinic — practical if you prefer a calm residential setting over the tourist districts. Families travelling for autism programs often choose apartment-style accommodation for the extra space.
Plan 3–5 days for most programs and 7–10 for complex or multi-route plans. Details of what happens on each day are on our stem cell treatment in Istanbul page.
What to prepare before you fly.
Send recent imaging (MRI, X-ray, ultrasound), laboratory results and any specialist letters during your free consultation — physician review happens before travel, not on arrival. Bring a current medication list, and tell us about anticoagulants or immunosuppressants well in advance, since they can affect scheduling.
Bring travel insurance that covers your trip, comfortable clothing for clinic days, and, where relevant, mobility aids. Your written plan and pricing are confirmed before you book flights — see the cost page for how programs are quoted.
After you fly home.
Follow-up is structured and remote: check-ins at defined intervals, written aftercare guidance you can share with your own physician or physiotherapist, and direct access to our coordination team. For orthopedic patients in particular, rehabilitation at home materially affects results.
If you would like to talk through logistics before committing to anything, book a free consultation — it is remote, confidential and carries no obligation.