Turkey now requires that US citizens have a VISA to enter the country. It is quite simple to get at the airport upon your arrival in Turkey. The counter is adjacent to where you will be lining up for passport control.

The cost is now USD 20 per passport and must be paid in cash.

Once you receive your stamp you move on to passport control. The process generally takes a few minutes during a time you would be waiting for your luggage to come through anyway.

If you are the anxious type and prefer to arrange your visa before departure send a self-addressed stamped envelope and a letter requesting a visa application to the Turkish Consulate nearest you. If you live in the New York City area, the address is: Turkish Consulate General, 821 United Nations Plaza, 5th floor, NY, NY, 10017.

If you live near a major city you should check to see if you have a Turkish Consulate nearby. In your letter indicate your nationality and the number of visa applications you need (one for each passport). Once you have received and completed your application enclose it together with your passport and a cashier's check or money order for $20 for each visa application.

The normal turn around time in New York City is 48 hours. The consulates do not process applications by telephone and they will not accept personal checks. You can also go in person to the consulate but you will probably wait in line. The New York Consulate hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. M-F.

We would strongly advise to do it at the airport on arrival in Turkey.