Location and travel information

Demonstrations and protests have been taking place in Istanbul and other cities across Türkiye, however they have occurred far from the event venue (Istanbul Congress Center) and recommended event hotels. Large international events, including ours, are continuing as planned in venues across the city. We are closely monitoring the situation through local partners on the ground and do not foresee any impact on the congress at this stage.

THE is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for all our delegates.

To help you prepare for your upcoming visit, we encourage you to review the key information and travel advice below.

Before traveling, we recommend checking the travel guidelines and recommendations from your home country's embassy. Additionally, we advise consulting your primary care provider to determine whether any vaccinations or other health preparations are needed for your trip.

Istanbul Congress Center (İstanbul Kongre Merkezi)
Harbiye, Darülbedai Caddesi No:3
34367 Şişli
İstanbul
Türkiye

Osmanbey and Taksim stations are the closest metro stations to the venue. They are both on the M2 green line, a 7-min walk from the venue. View metro map.

From Istanbul Airport (European Side) catch the Airport Metro to Gayrettepe Station then change to the M2 green line and get off at Osmanbey Station. Alternatively, a taxi from the airport will take ~40 mins.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (Anatolian Side) the quickest option by public transport is to catch the Havabus Airport Shuttle to Taksim Square. It's a 7-min walk from the drop-off point to the venue. Alternatively, a taxi from the airport will take ~55 mins.

Visa-free entry

Nationals from these 78 countries can enter Türkiye for tourism or business without a visa. Follow the steps listed on Türkiye's Electronic Visa Application System to check if your country is eligible for visa-free entry. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste the following URL: https://evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/

E-visa prior to arrival

Nationals from these 40 countries can obtain an e-visa online for a small fee within three months of arrival. Follow the steps listed on Türkiye's Electronic Visa Application System to check if your country is eligible for an e-visa and apply. Please take note of any supporting documentation you may need to provide. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste the following URL: https://evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/

Conditional e-visa

Nationals from these 63 countries are eligible for an e-visa for tourism and business provided they also hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland or Schengen countries. These include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Follow the steps listed on Turkiye's Electronic Visa Application System to check if your country is eligible for a conditional e-visa and if there are any additional requirements. If the link doesn't work, copy and paste the following URL: https://evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/

Consular visa

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, an e-visa or a conditional e-visa, we can provide visa invitation letters when requested. Please email a photo/scan of your passport to gsdc@timeshighereducation.com once you have booked your ticket.

We cannot accept responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for their ticket will apply.

We recommend having travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Please contact your travel agent for further details.

Official visa information for foreigners from Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay.

Below you will find information about the official event hotels, as well as a map through which you can easily browse for hotels and private accommodations if you do not wish to stay at the official hotels. Hover over an accommodation to view travel times and distances to the venue.

Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Harbiye, Cumhuriyet Cd. 50, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye

This is our recommended hotel as it is the closest to the venue, just 300 meters away. This 5-star hotel's amenities include free wi-fi, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center and a business center.

We have secured the discounted price of 275€/night including breakfast, book your room here.

Konak Hotel Taksim Istanbul

İnönü, Cumhuriyet Cd. 75, 34373 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye

Located only 600 meters away from the venue, this 4-star quality hotel offers free wi-fi access and a business center.

We have secured the discounted price of 132€/night for a single room and 142€/night for a double room, book your room here with the code GSDC2025.

The Balo Pera Hotel

Hüseyinağa, Balo Sk. 5, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Rates start from 100€/night, book your room here.

Pera Rasso Hotel

Asmalı Mescit, Orhan Adlı Apaydın Sk. 13, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Rates start from 60€/night, book your room here.

Root Karaköy

Hacımimi, Necatibey Cd. 95, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Rates start from 100€/night, book your room here.