Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre - ICEC
Gümüş Cad. No: 434367
Harbiye / Istanbul / Türkiye
Istanbul, the city where continents meet, showcases amazing historical beauties, stunning architectural components and compelling museums. Istanbul knows how to inspire you.
Heir to civilisations, Istanbul is the perfect spot to discover the historical heritage of Türkiye. From all-time favourites that illustrate Ottoman grandeur to boutique museums that exhibit private collections, the city has a lot to offer. Istanbul awaits you for new discoveries and an incredible journey through history.
Istanbul is today the modern city that combines perfectly contemporary culture with traditions deeply rooted in its history. The city’s Historical Peninsula was once the social and political centre of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and has been inscribed on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List since 1985. The old quarter, still surrounded by the city walls at certain points, is the perfect address to discover the historical riches of the city as well as some of its stunning architectural details.
Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Türkiye. It is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of the city. The airport is serviced by Taxi, bus, metro, and private transportation services coordinated by most hotels.
The SIU is pleased to announce that Turkish Airlines is the official airline of the 43rd Congress of the SIU and special discounts are offered on certain booking classes. In order to proceed with the online booking tool for Turkish Conventions please visit Turkish Airlines promocode website and use the event code “001TKM23” under the Promotion code section.
The average temperature in Istanbul in October is 19° C (66.2°F), with an average of 11 rainy days.
The main form of currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY ŧ). For current exchange rates, click here. The value-added tax that is levied by the local government is 18%.
Rooms in various hotels in Istanbul are being held for SIU Congress participants at special rates. Make sure to book your hotel early in order to ensure accommodations according to your preferences. For housing options and to book your accommodation click here.
Turkish is the official language of Türkiye, English is widely spoken in Istanbul.
Letters of invitation can be generated by clicking here.
The sole purpose of an invitation letter is to facilitate delegates’ visa arrangements and does not imply financial or other support by the organizers. All expenses incurred in relation to the Congress are the sole responsibility of the delegate.
The SIU will not contact embassies or consulates on behalf of applicants.
It is the delegate’s responsibility to allow adequate time to make visa arrangements.
Taxis operate a 24-hour service with a typically short wait time and are legally required to use a taximeter. The standard is a yellow taxi or turquoise and black taxis which are more expensive. Traffic in Istanbul can be quite intense, plan for delays.
Tipping in Türkiye is common practice. At restaurants, servers are typically tipped 10% and hotel workers (bell hops, valet, housekeeping) can expect the tip in cash.
Given the variations in visa requirements across different countries, please review the visa requirements for your country at the nearest Turkish consulate, embassy, or your country’s Foreign Ministry website.
Please refer to the Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information on Electronic Visa eligibility.
Please allow enough time for visa applications. The SIU shall not be liable for any visa delays or denials of visa applications.
Refunds will not be given to participants who were unable to obtain the necessary documentation for entry.
