COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, takes place in Antalya, Türkiye (Turkey), from Monday 9 November to Friday 20 November 2026 at the Antalya EXPO Center in Aksu, on the eastern side of the city near Antalya Airport. The COP31 Presidency expects around 100,000 participants over the two weeks.
This guide is written for readers of the AntalyaEstate blog: people travelling to Antalya for the conference, friends and partners joining them, and residents and property owners who want to know what the two weeks will mean for the city. Every practical detail below links to the official source so you can check for updates, because the organisers are still publishing information as the date approaches.
COP31 at a glance
| Question |
Answer |
| What is it? |
The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change |
| When? |
9 to 20 November 2026 |
| Where? |
Antalya EXPO Center, Solak Alanya Yolu Serik Caddesi, Aksu, Antalya |
| Leaders Summit |
11 and 12 November 2026 |
| Who presides? |
Türkiye holds the COP31 Presidency; Australia's climate minister is President of Negotiations |
| Can the public attend? |
The Blue Zone is for accredited participants only; visitors can register for the Green Zone |
| Nearest airport |
Antalya Airport (AYT), about 20 to 30 minutes from the venue |
| Visa |
Free multiple-entry COP31 e-Visa for registered participants, valid 1 to 30 November 2026 |
| Weather |
Typically 18 to 22°C by day, cooler evenings, rain possible |
What is COP31, and why is it in Antalya?
COP31 is the annual decision-making meeting of the countries that signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Antalya hosts three meetings at once: COP31, the 21st meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 21) and the 8th meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 8).
The hosting arrangement is unusual. Türkiye and Australia both bid for 2026, and at COP30 in Brazil they agreed to share the role. Türkiye hosts the conference in Antalya, and its Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, serves as COP31 President. Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, serves as President of Negotiations, leading the formal talks in consultation with Türkiye.
As part of the same deal, the preparatory Pre-COP meeting moved to the Pacific. It runs in Nadi, Fiji, from 5 to 8 October 2026, with a leaders' segment in Tuvalu. This gives the Pacific island nations most exposed to sea-level rise a visible platform before the main event in Antalya.
COP31 dates and programme
COP31 runs for twelve days, from 9 to 20 November 2026, and each day carries a theme set by the Türkiye Presidency. The busiest days for the city are 11 and 12 November, when heads of state and government attend the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, so expect the heaviest security and traffic measures then. The detailed session schedule is still being added to the official COP31 programme overview, so treat the table below as the framework rather than the final timetable.
| Date |
Day |
Theme |
| Mon 9 Nov |
1 |
Food, Agriculture and Health |
| Tue 10 Nov |
2 |
Energy and Transport |
| Wed 11 Nov |
3 |
Zero Waste (Leaders Summit, day 1) |
| Thu 12 Nov |
4 |
Resilient Cities and Built Environment (Leaders Summit, day 2) |
| Fri 13 Nov |
5 |
Finance and Trade |
| Sat 14 Nov |
6 |
Children, Youth, Education and Skills |
| Sun 15 Nov |
7 |
A Breath in Antalya: social and cultural programmes (conference premises closed) |
| Mon 16 Nov |
8 |
Science, Industry and Technology |
| Tue 17 Nov |
9 |
Ocean, Seas, Nature and Land Use |
| Wed 18 Nov |
10 |
Human and Social Development, including tourism and cultural heritage |
| Thu 19 Nov |
11 |
Enhancing Implementation |
| Fri 20 Nov |
12 |
Final negotiations |
Travel tip: Final negotiations often run past the scheduled close at COP meetings. If you are booking a return flight on 20 or 21 November, choose a flexible fare.
Where is the COP31 venue?
COP31 is held at the Antalya EXPO Center on Solak Alanya Yolu Serik Caddesi in Aksu, the site built for EXPO 2016 Antalya. It sits east of the city centre and close to Antalya Airport, on the main road towards Belek and Side, which is why most arrivals reach it in under half an hour from the terminal.
Blue Zone and Green Zone: who can get in?
The venue is split into two areas, and the difference matters if you are travelling with someone who is not accredited.
The Blue Zone is the UN-managed area. It hosts the official negotiations, the Leaders Summit, country pavilions and official side events. It is open only to participants accredited through the UNFCCC: government delegates, UN bodies, admitted observer organisations and registered media. Badges are free but must be arranged through the UNFCCC registration system, and the confirmation window closes on 8 November 2026. The UNFCCC information page for COP31 participants covers badge collection, registration desk hours (from 3 November) and conduct rules.
The Green Zone is run by the Türkiye Presidency and is the part most visitors can experience. It hosts climate innovation exhibitions, organisation pavilions, public talks, workshops, art made from recycled materials and evening events. Businesses, students, researchers and interested members of the public can register to visit the Green Zone through the official site. Access conditions can vary by event, so register early and check the confirmation details.
Do you need a visa for COP31?
Registered COP31 participants can apply for a free, multiple-entry COP31 Visa through Türkiye's e-Visa platform. It is valid from 1 to 30 November 2026, allows a stay of up to 30 days, and is normally issued within seven working days. You need the registration code from your UNFCCC acknowledgement letter, a passport valid for at least 90 days after arrival, and a passport-style photo. Participants whose nationality is already visa-exempt are still advised to apply for a COP31 Visa Exemption Certificate.
Two points catch people out. First, partners, family members and friends travelling with a delegate are not eligible for the COP31 Visa. They must use the standard Turkish visa route if their nationality requires one. Second, Turkish rules require all foreign visitors to hold valid travel medical insurance, and border officers may ask to see it. Full details and the application link are on the official COP31 visa and entry page.
Getting around Antalya during COP31
Most international participants will land at Antalya Airport (AYT), which is roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road from the EXPO Center. From the airport you can use the official COP31 shuttle, taxis from the designated ranks, ride-hailing apps or a pre-booked private transfer.
Complimentary COP31 shuttle buses will run between official hotels, the airport, the city centre and the venue throughout the conference. The important detail is that shuttle stops are placed only at hotels listed on the official COP31 accommodation platform. If you stay in a private apartment, a villa or a hotel booked elsewhere, you will need your own way to the venue or to the nearest stop. Check routes and stops on the interactive COP31 transport map before you book where to stay.
Good to know: Free COP31 shuttles stop only at hotels on the official accommodation platform. Staying in a private apartment or villa means arranging your own transport to the venue.
Inside the city, taxis are widely available and the AntRay tram links the city centre with key transport points. Public transport in Antalya is inexpensive; current card fares are listed by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. Leave extra time on 11 and 12 November, when Leaders Summit motorcades are likely to cause road closures on the airport and EXPO corridor.
Where to stay in Antalya for COP31
The best area depends on whether you value a short commute or an evening life in the city. Because the EXPO Center is on the eastern edge of Antalya, the closest bases are east of the centre, and the longest commutes are from the west.
| Area |
Distance from venue |
Best for |
| Lara and Kundu |
Closest major hotel strip, near the airport |
Delegates who want the shortest daily commute and large resort hotels |
| Aksu |
The venue's own district |
Being on the doorstep, with fewer restaurants and less nightlife |
| City centre, Muratpaşa and Kaleiçi |
Mid-distance |
Restaurants, the old town and evening meetings |
| Belek |
Further east along the coast |
Golf and resort hotels, often used for group stays |
| Konyaaltı |
Western side of the city, longest commute |
Visitors combining COP31 with a longer beach or mountain stay |
Whichever area you choose, confirm whether your hotel is on the official COP31 accommodation platform, since that decides whether the free shuttle stops at your door. Official accommodation details are on the COP31 accommodation page.
What COP31 means for residents and property owners
For residents, expect three practical effects:
- Heavier traffic on the D400 coastal road between the city and the EXPO Center.
- Security closures around the Leaders Summit.
- Full hotels from early to late November in Lara, Kundu and Belek.
Booking restaurants and transfers ahead is sensible for anyone with visiting family in that period.
Short-term tourist rentals in Türkiye require a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under rules introduced in 2024, and renting without one can lead to fines. Owners thinking of renting out a home to conference visitors should check this first. If you are considering buying property in Antalya and want to see the city while it hosts a global event, the AntalyaEstate team can arrange viewings around your conference schedule.
In Antalya for COP31 and thinking about property?
Our team can arrange apartment and villa viewings in Lara, Konyaaltı and the city centre around your conference schedule.
Message us on WhatsApp
Hosting a private event during COP31
Much of the real networking at a COP happens outside the venue, at delegation dinners, partner receptions and informal evenings after the sessions close. Venues that suit these events in Antalya, from private dining rooms to terraces and waterfront spaces, will be in high demand across the two weeks, so organisations planning one should start now.
Ramarossi, an Antalya-based event planning company founded in 2011, offers COP31 Antalya event planning for international groups. Its services cover venue selection, catering with dietary requirements such as halal and vegan menus, audiovisual setup, branding and guest transport, for groups of around 30 to more than 100 guests. Ramarossi is independent from the UNFCCC and the official COP31 organising bodies. Its events sit outside the Blue and Green Zones and are open to anyone your organisation chooses to invite.
Before contacting any planner, have four things ready:
- Your preferred date.
- An approximate guest count.
- The purpose of the evening: dinner, reception or lounge-style networking.
- Where your guests are staying.
Avoid 11 and 12 November if senior delegates are involved, as their Leaders Summit commitments are hard to predict.
Planning a delegation dinner or reception?
Send your preferred date, guest count and event type to Ramarossi's COP31 team.
See COP31 event planning
Weather in Antalya in November and what to pack
Antalya in November is mild: daytime temperatures typically sit between 18 and 22°C, evenings are noticeably cooler, and rain showers are possible. Pack layers, a light jacket and a compact umbrella or rain shell, plus comfortable shoes for long days on the EXPO site. The sea is usually still warm enough for a swim on sunny afternoons. For live conditions during the conference, the Turkish State Meteorological Service runs a dedicated COP31 Antalya weather page.
COP31 Antalya: frequently asked questions
When is COP31 in Antalya?
COP31 takes place from 9 to 20 November 2026 at the Antalya EXPO Center in Aksu, Antalya, Türkiye. The World Leaders Climate Action Summit is on 11 and 12 November.
Can the public attend COP31?
The Blue Zone, where negotiations take place, is open only to UNFCCC-accredited participants. Members of the public can register online to visit the Green Zone, which hosts exhibitions, talks and cultural events.
How far is the COP31 venue from Antalya Airport?
The Antalya EXPO Center is about 20 to 30 minutes by road from Antalya Airport (AYT). Official COP31 shuttles run between the airport and the venue.
Is the COP31 visa free?
Yes, for registered participants. The COP31 Visa is free, multiple-entry and valid from 1 to 30 November 2026. Accompanying family and friends who are not registered must use the standard Turkish visa process.
Do COP31 shuttles stop at private apartments?
No. Shuttle stops are only at hotels listed on the official COP31 accommodation platform. Guests in private rentals need to reach the nearest stop or use a taxi or transfer.
Which part of Antalya is closest to the COP31 venue?
Lara, Kundu and Aksu are the closest areas to the EXPO Center. The city centre and Kaleiçi are mid-distance, and Konyaaltı on the western side has the longest commute.
Can organisations host private dinners or receptions during COP31?
Yes. Independent planners such as Ramarossi organise private dinners, delegation receptions and networking evenings in Antalya during COP31, outside the official conference zones.
Planning your COP31 stay in Antalya
COP31 brings the world's climate negotiations to Antalya for two weeks in November 2026. Three decisions shape your trip:
- Accreditation: Blue Zone or Green Zone.
- Accommodation: on or off the official shuttle network.
- Timing around the 11 and 12 November Leaders Summit.
Settle those early, keep checking the official pages below as details are confirmed, and leave a day either side to enjoy a city most delegates will only see from a shuttle window.
Official sources and useful links
