Istanbul for families from Germany: ID, flights, money and health insurance

Which documents do you need when travelling from Germany?

• German citizens: can enter with a passport, temporary passport, children’s passport or national ID card (Personalausweis). A temporary ID card is not recommended.
• Length of stay: no visa is needed for tourist visits of up to 90 days in total within 180 days.
• Children: every child needs their own valid document. If a child travels with one parent or an adult with a different surname, carry a consent letter and the birth certificate.
• Other nationalities: for families living in Germany with another citizenship, the rules depend on that citizenship.

An expired ID card can cause problems at hotel registration or at banks. Details are in our guide to passports, visas and documents.

Flights and getting from the airport to Sultanahmet

Direct flights to Istanbul from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and many other cities take about 3 hours. Flights land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side.

• From IST to Sultanahmet takes about 45–75 minutes by car depending on traffic.
• From SAW the journey can take longer because of the Bosphorus bridges and traffic.
• If you need a child seat, book your transfer in advance.

All options are in our guide from the airport to Sultanahmet.

Can you pay in euros?

Some tourist shops accept euros, but at their own rate. Paying in lira or by card is usually cheaper.

• If a card terminal or ATM asks “euro or lira?”, choose lira.
• Change euros at exchange offices in the city; at the airport only enough for the first day.
• Service, cover and table charges in restaurants have been banned since early 2026.

Details are in our guide to money, currency and tipping in Istanbul.

Is German health insurance valid in Türkiye?

Thanks to the social security agreement between Germany and Türkiye, people with statutory health insurance (gesetzlich versichert) can be treated at state health facilities in Türkiye. Ask your insurer for the required certificate before you travel. Private hospitals and clinics are not covered, and medical repatriation is usually not covered either.

That is why we recommend travel health insurance (Auslandsreisekrankenversicherung) for the whole family. For emergency numbers and nearby hospitals see our guide to emergencies in Sultanahmet.

Practical tips for families from Germany

• Time: Türkiye keeps the same time all year; it is 2 hours ahead of Germany in winter and 1 hour ahead in summer.
• Plugs: the same plug type and voltage as Germany; no adapter needed.
• School holidays: Easter, summer and autumn holidays can coincide with Istanbul’s busy periods; book early. For seasons see our best time to visit guide.
• Families with Turkish roots: combining a family visit with a few days in Sultanahmet is a relaxed way to show children the city’s history.
• Mobile data: EU roaming does not cover Türkiye; check your plan or consider a local SIM or eSIM.