Istanbul Airport (IST)
The city's main hub on the European side, with direct flights from many cities in the UK, Ireland, the USA and the Gulf.
Travel & accommodation
Travelling to Istanbul for treatment
Istanbul is well connected to the UK, Ireland, the USA and the Gulf. Here is what to know about flights, visas, your hotel and travelling home after surgery.
Getting here
Flights and arrival
Istanbul has two international airports. Either works; tell us which one you are flying into and your arrival time.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
On the Asian side, closer to the clinic in Üsküdar, and served by many low-cost and regional airlines.
Please book flights only once your dates are confirmed with our coordinator. Choosing a flexible or changeable return ticket gives you room if the surgeon advises a slightly longer stay.
Entry requirements
Visas and passports
Visa rules for Turkey depend on your nationality and can change. Some visitors can enter without a visa for short stays; others need an e-visa or a visa from a Turkish consulate.
Always check the current rules for your passport on the official Republic of Türkiye e-visa website, evisa.gov.tr, before you travel. Only use the official site.
- Make sure your passport is valid for long enough beyond your stay
- If you need an e-visa, apply online before you fly and keep a copy with you
- If your nationality needs a visa from a consulate, ask us about an invitation letter
Travel cover. Standard travel policies often exclude planned medical treatment. Check with your provider what is and is not covered before you travel.
During your stay
Hotel and transfers
Your hotel and transport within the city are included in our packages, so you can focus on your treatment.
Your hotel
Hotel nights are included in each package: 5 nights for the penile implant packages and 3 nights for the Peyronie's packages. Details of the hotel are confirmed with your booking.
Transfers
We meet you at the airport and take care of transport between your hotel, the clinic and the hospital throughout your stay.
A coordinator on hand
Our team keeps in touch by WhatsApp during your stay, so you always know where you need to be and when.
What to bring
A simple packing list
- Passport, visa or e-visa confirmation, and your travel policy details
- A list of your current medicines, and enough supply for the trip
- Copies of recent medical reports, test results and letters
- Loose, comfortable trousers and several pairs of snug, supportive underwear
- Slip-on shoes and comfortable clothes for travelling home
- A phone charger and an adaptor for Turkish sockets (type C/F)
- A bank card for personal expenses
Travelling with someone
Bringing a companion
Many patients travel with a partner, friend or relative. Having someone with you helps with luggage, the journey home and simply keeping you company while you rest.
Let us know early if someone is coming with you, so the hotel room and transfers can be arranged for two.
Going home
Flying after surgery
Your surgeon examines you before you leave and tells you when you are fit to fly. Most patients having a penile implant fly home around day six, but only on the surgeon's advice.
- Choose an aisle seat so you can stand and walk regularly
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on the flight
- Ask for help lifting bags; avoid heavy lifting for several weeks
- Keep your medicines and aftercare instructions in your hand luggage
Blood clots and long journeys. Surgery and long flights both raise the risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). Tell the surgeon about any history of clots, and seek urgent medical help if you notice calf pain or swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness during or after travel.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
It depends on your nationality. Check the official e-visa website, evisa.gov.tr, for the current rules for your passport before you travel.
Which airport should I fly into?
Either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). SAW is on the Asian side, closer to the clinic; IST has more long-haul connections. We arrange your transfer from either.
Can I go sightseeing?
Gentle walks are fine before surgery and once the surgeon says so afterwards. Plan to rest for most of your stay and avoid long days on your feet after the operation.
What if my flight home is delayed or I need to stay longer?
Let us know straight away. Extra hotel nights can be arranged; they are not included in the package price.
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Talk to our team in confidence
Send us your question or medical reports. A member of our English-speaking team will reply, and where appropriate your case is reviewed by the surgeon before we suggest a plan.