Hastaneler — Istanbul

Turkey runs an e-visa system for ~100 nationalities (180-day validity, 90 days max stay) and visa-on-arrival for many GCC and Schengen passports. For longer stays, a residence permit can be applied for from inside Turkey. Hospitals issue an invitation letter within 24 hours of confirmation, but most patients don't need it for short-stay e-visa categories.

Istanbul (IST and SAW airports) is one of Europe's largest hubs — Turkish Airlines flies to 350+ destinations. Direct connectivity from London, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Cairo, Moscow, Kyiv, Tbilisi, Almaty, Lagos, Algiers, and most US East Coast cities. Antalya and Izmir have direct charter networks from European holiday markets — useful for combined recovery + sightseeing trips.

Istanbul's medical district (Atasehir, Levent, Ulus) has a deep network of medical-grade hotels and serviced apartments adjacent to Acibadem, Memorial, Liv, Medicana, and Anadolu Medical Center. Plan 7-14 days in-country between discharge and flight home — long-haul flying is restricted post-surgery for thrombosis risk.

Istanbul is cool-temperate — winters chilly (4-10°C), summers warm (25-30°C). Antalya and the Mediterranean coast are warmer year-round and the preferred recovery climate for orthopedic and cardiac patients. Avoid mid-summer if you're prone to dehydration post-surgery.