Some participants will need visas to come to Turkey depending on country of origin. U.S. participants can obtain an entry visa at the airport. Please check the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a list of countries that require a visa.

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Participants for the Institute should plan to arrive on June 29th and Depart on July 19th. The closest airport is in Izmir. Institute staff will be arranging airport pick-ups on the day of arrival. Because Izmir is a distance from Decemko resort, there will likely be three scheduled airport pick-ups: mid-day, early evening, and late evening.

After you register for the Institute, it is a good idea to begin planning travel as soon as possible. Once you have scheduled your arrival into and departure from Izmir via flight, train, or bus, you will need to email your arrival and departure information to Arminda Lathrop (alathrop@idebate.org) to ensure that you will have transportation to and from Decemko.

If you are flying into Istanbul and then traveling to Izmir, you can book a domestic flight at www.atlasjet.com or www.flypgs.com. There are few regularly scheduled international flights into Izmir, but if you take this route, plan to arrive at some time on June 29th. If arriving internationally from Europe, you can check into chartered flights from your home country, which can be affordable and most convenient.

You can book a bus ticket from Istanbul to Izmir at http://www.ulusoy.com.tr/eng/. If you arrive by bus, please make arrangements to get from the bus station to the airport in Izmir, since that is where you will meet your ride to Decemko.

Packing List

Notebooks/Pens
Laptop Computer *optional*
220volt adaptor plug
Mosquito repellant
Swim Clothes
T-Shirts (very hot during this time)
Toiletry Items
Flip-flops
Towels
Hat
Sunscreen
Water Bottle
Walking or athletic shoes
Passport
Necessary or preventative medications (Aspirin, Cortizone, Tums, etc.)
Money for snacks and souvenirs
Items from your country for country expo night (flags, souvenirs, candies)
Materials for displaying your talent at the BorFest Talent Show (Instrument, CD, baton)
*************No alcohol or drugs************