Symposium on Solid and Physical Modeling (SPM) 2026

Visa Requirements

Participants coming to Türkiye may require a visa depending on their nationality. Türkiye offers an e-Visa application system for many countries, which is fast and easy to use. We recommend checking the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye for up-to-date visa requirements.

Visa-Free Entry
Max Stay: 30, 60 or 90 days

Nationals from ~90 jurisdictions enter with just their passport; no online application or fee.

Includes: USA, China, Canada, EU, UK, Israel, Japan, South Korea
National ID Card Entry
Max Stay: Up to 90 days

Citizens of certain European neighbours and EU/CoE states may enter using a chipped national ID instead of a passport.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
Max Stay: 15, 30 or 90 days

Single or multiple-entry visa obtained in 3 minutes at evisa.gov.tr before travel; available to dozens of countries (some conditionally).

Visa on Arrival / Airport Sticker Visa
Max Stay: Usually 30 days

Limited list of countries can still pay at border or at self-service kiosks for a sticker visa (often replaced by e-Visa).

Embassy / Consulate “Sticker” Visa
Max Stay: 30–90 days (as issued)

Traditional application for tourists, business, family visits, etc., when e-Visa or waiver is not available.


Explore Istanbul

Istanbul is a city where continents collide and centuries converse in every stone and street. Ancient Byzantine mosaics sit side by side with soaring Ottoman minarets, while sleek glass towers cast reflections on centuries-old waterways. As you wander through winding lanes, you’ll pass bustling bazaars brimming with spices and silks, hear the call to prayer echo off marble domes, and taste the savory sweetness of freshly baked simit from a corner vendor. Don’t miss a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus where Europe’s grand palaces face Asia’s tree-lined shores and be sure to lose yourself in vibrant neighborhoods like Karaköy or Üsküdar. Istanbul rewards every curiosity and transforms even a brief stroll into an unforgettable journey through time.

Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural wonder.

Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace

The former palace of Ottoman sultans.

Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque

Famous for its six minarets and stunning blue interior tiles.

Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar

One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Galata Tower
Galata Tower

A medieval stone tower offering panoramic views over Istanbul’s historic peninsula.

Bosphorus
Bosphorus

Take a ferry or boat tour to enjoy views of both Europe and Asia.

For more information about attractions, culture, and local tips, please visit the following official tourism websites:


Taksim & Local Info

The conference venue is located near Taksim Square, one of Istanbul’s most central and vibrant areas. Taksim offers numerous hotels, restaurants, cafés, and easy access to public transportation, making it the heart of the city's social and cultural life.

  • Popular Areas to Stay: Taksim, Cihangir, Galata, and Karaköy.
  • Transportation: Metro, tram, and bus lines run frequently and are very affordable.
  • Currency: Turkish Lira (₺). Credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere.
  • Language: Turkish is official. English is commonly understood in tourist and central areas.

Accommodation

As a major tourist hub, the Taksim area offers various accommodation options for every budget. Below are a few discount offers from SPM & SMI joint conference recommended hotels close to the venue:

ITU Maçka Hotel

20 min walk to venue | Official website
  • Discounted Standard Room From: $58

• Select ‘Accommodation for Active ITU Staff’ on the booking page to receive the discount.

• Discount applies only to the single room option.

• Bookings can only be made a maximum of 2 months in advance.

The Marmara Hotel, Taksim

8 min walk to venue | Official website
  • Deluxe City View Single: 160€   Double: 175€
  • Deluxe Sea View Single: 190€   Double: 205€
  • Sea View Suite Single or Double: 350€

• Inc. Wi-Fi & breakfast. Exc. 10% VAT & 2% city tax. Max 15 rooms.

• Book by June 10, 2026 via mtcorporatesales@themarmarahotels.com

Please include conference info in the mail.

• Details regarding the reservation procedure will be sent after your reservation email.

• Issues: gunpinar@itu.edu.tr


ITU Mechanical Engineering Department

Over its long history, the Mechanical Engineering Faculty at Istanbul Technical University has grown into one of Turkey’s premier engineering schools, blending centuries-old tradition with state-of-the-art research.

Historical Roots

Traces its roots back to the founding of the Mühendishane-i Bahr-i Hümayun in 1773, and was formally established as the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering in 1944.

Academic Programs

Today, the faculty offers BSc, MSc and PhD programs across core areas such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, dynamics & control, mechatronics, robotics, materials science and manufacturing processes.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

Its capabilities include cutting-edge laboratories (e.g. Fluid Dynamics Lab, Thermo-Fluid Systems Lab, Robotics & Mechatronics Lab, CAD/CAM Center) and high-performance computing facilities.

Global Research

The faculty ensures active participation in high-impact innovation through TÜBİTAK, EU Horizon and various industry-funded research projects.


How to reach ITU Mechanical Engineering?

The SPM 2026 conference will be held at Istanbul Technical University, Gümüşsuyu Campus, located close to Taksim Square. The venue is easily accessible by various means of transportation.

  • From Istanbul Airport (IST)
    By Metro (M11 + M2): Take the M11 Line to Gayrettepe. Transfer to the M2 Line (towards Yenikapı) and get off at Taksim.
    By Shuttle: Take the Havaist bus directly to Taksim (~50–90 min).
  • From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
    By Metro (M4 + Marmaray + M2): Take M4 to Ayrılık Çeşmesi. Transfer to Marmaray (B1) (towards Halkalı) to Yenikapı. Transfer to M2 (towards Hacıosman) and get off at Taksim.
    By Shuttle: Take the Havabus bus directly to Taksim (~60–90 min).
  • Payment & Istanbulkart
    Contactless IstanbulKart
    Shuttles: Both Havaist and Havabus accept direct credit card or cash payments upon boarding.
    Metro & Buses: While you can tap your regular contactless credit card at turnstiles, it charges a higher fare. We highly recommend purchasing a physical Istanbulkart from the yellow/blue vending machines at the airport or metro stations and topping it up. (Note: The mobile app requires a local ID, so physical cards are the best option for visitors.)
  • 🚶
    Walking from Taksim Square From the Metro/Shuttle drop-off point, walk down Inönü Avenue (towards Kabataş/Bosphorus) for about 600m (7-10 min). The faculty entrance will be on your left.
  • Taxi Note Show this address to the driver: "İTÜ Makina Fakültesi, Gümüşsuyu, Taksim."