top of page

Americans Traveling To Turkey Are At All Time Highs

In the past decade, Turkey has become a major travel destination for Americans. The country has seen an increase in American tourists year after year, with the number of visitors from the United States reaching its highest level ever this year at just over 1 million. Even though there have been some setbacks in recent years due to security concerns and political unrest, Turkish officials are hopeful that they can continue to increase tourism numbers through different marketing initiatives targeted at American travelers.


Turkey has seen a significant surge in American tourists this year, with the number of visitors from the United States reaching its highest level in history.

Turkey has seen a significant surge in American tourists this year, with the number of visitors from the United States reaching its highest level in history.

According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), there were 1,744,000 tourists from America visiting Turkey in 2018, up by 11.3 percent compared to 2017. The United States saw a record number of arrivals for the first time since 2002 and was the third-highest source country after Germany and Russia.


Last year alone the country saw a 40 percent increase in American tourists.

Last year alone the country saw a 40 percent increase in American tourists. The number of visitors from the United States reaching its highest level in history, with nearly 4 million people visiting Turkey.

The increase is due to a number of factors, including cheap flights and hotel prices, as well as a booming economy and increased security measures following last year’s failed coup attempt—all of which have made Turkey an increasingly attractive destination for American travelers.


The country has also made efforts to be host to more international sporting events, such as the FIFA 2017 U-20 World Cup and the 2018 UEFA Champions League final soccer match.

There are a number of reasons why Turkey is becoming a more popular destination for American travelers. The country has also made efforts to be host to more international sporting events, such as the FIFA 2017 U-20 World Cup and the 2018 UEFA Champions League final soccer match.

Turkey is hoping to reach 90 million visitors by 2023 and has plans in place for infrastructure development in order to accommodate this surge in tourism.



Tourism Minister Numan Kurtulmuş recently said that Turkey is hoping to reach 90 million visitors by 2023, however there are some hurdles still facing the country.

Turkey is hoping to reach 90 million visitors by 2023, however there are some hurdles still facing the country.

Last year alone the country saw a 40 percent increase in American tourists, according to travel agent Lonely Planet. The tourism minister Numan Kurtulmuş recently said that Turkey is hoping to reach 90 million visitors by 2023, however there are some hurdles still facing the country.


A major contributor to the rise in tourism has been its visa policy, which allows American citizens to stay for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa first.

A major contributor to the rise in tourism has been its visa policy, which allows American citizens to stay for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa first. This also applies at border crossings, meaning that you can enter Turkey with your passport and leave after your allotted time has expired without having to go through any other process. You can extend your stay if you choose, but it's not required.

The 90-day limit is the maximum amount of time that most countries allow visitors from other countries; however, some countries will allow Americans (or anyone else) to stay longer than this on certain occasions or under certain circumstances. For example, if you want to study abroad at one of Turkey's universities or attend an event such as a conference or music festival (like Istanbul Jazz Festival), then these may be reasons why they would extend your stay past 90 days in some cases


Americans consider Turkey a top travel destination

Turkey has seen a significant surge in American tourists this year, with the number of visitors from the United States reaching its highest level in history. Last year alone the country saw a 40 percent increase in American tourists.

A spokesperson for Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism told reporters that they expect to welcome more than 3 million U.S.-based travelers by 2020. “The numbers have been astounding this year,” says Kemal Öktem, president of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).



Turkey is a country that has seen a significant rise in tourism, particularly from America. The country offers many opportunities for visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. If you’re interested in exploring Turkey but have been hesitant because of its recent political turmoil or safety concerns, now might just be the perfect time to go!

bottom of page