New Transit Visa Requirements at Istanbul Airport

Turkey has become one of the important hubs for taking transit flights, many countries now can enjoy taking connecting flights from Turkey's Istanbul Airport. Recently, there has been a change in the transit visa regulations for some countries. New visa regulations have been set for some countries and understanding the transit visa regulations is important for enjoying a hassle-free experience.

Those travelers who are planning to opt for a stopover in Turkey, this is a good opportunity for the eligible nations to explore the stunning wonders of Istanbul. So, if you have a long flight, this is a good way to get rid of travel sickness.

Travelers from eligible countries, if they want to take advantage of the transit visa, should simply apply for this option, which gives them the permission to enter the landmass for a short period of time. A simple initiative taken by the government for letting the travelers spend 24 to 48 hours in Turkey.

Significance of Istanbul Airport: How it has become a Global Transit point?

Istanbul Airport has become an important Global Transit point for travelers from around the world, especially for travelers who have to keep on traveling between Asia and Europe, providing one of the best connectivity options. The airport's state of art facilities provide a seamless transit experience for the international travelers.

However, due to recent geopolitical issues, the country has re-evaluated its visa policies, making some significant changes in the transit experience of the international travelers.

What is the Turkey Transit Visa?

As mentioned above, the Turkey transit visa is available for 24 to 48 hours in Turkey, which means travelers will be able to transit through Turkey or with the 48 hours transit visa, travelers will be able to explore mainland Turkey.

Travelers must know that you will need the Transit Visa if you want to pass the immigration. To apply for the Transit Visa, you simply need to visit the visa website and apply for the Online Turkey Transit Visa Application.

Unlike the traditional visa, you don’t have to visit the embassy or the consulate office for the visa stamp. Simply apply online.

Who will require the Turkey transit visa?

Travelers will be happy to know that this visa is not required by everyone who is transiting through Istanbul Airport. If the traveler is planning to stay inside the airport and wait for his next flight, he does not have to have a transit visa.

But if the traveler has plans to exit the Istanbul Airport, and visit some of the tourist places, he can do so with the Turkey Transit Visa available for a short duration of time, i.e. 24 hours to 48 hours. This visa is one of the best opportunities for travelers who have a long flight and wish to make a stopover in Turkey and explore the landmass, and return back to catch the flight to his next destination.

What were the Previous Transit Visa Policies?

Before the introduction of the new visa requirements, citizens of certain countries enjoyed Transit visa-free entry. However, due to recent geopolitical issues, the immigration authority of Turkey has re-evaluated the policies and introduced some new regulations.

What are the New Transit Visa Requirements?

According to the new visa requirements set by the immigration department of Turkey, there have been certain regulations introduced especially for 10 specific countries. These changes have impacted the travelers who enjoyed transit visa-free experience, previously.

Areas where Changes were made in the Transit Visa Policy

The new regulation has affected the following 10 countries to enjoy visa-free transit, which they were previously enjoying. List of the impacted/ affected countries include:

• Iraq
• Syria
• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• Cameroon
• Somalia
• Kenya
• Libya
• Nigeria
• Yemen

Impact on Travelers from Affected Countries: Challenges and Considerations

With the introduction of the new visa requirements, travelers from affected countries might face some issues while transiting through Turkey’s Istanbul Airport, as previously they enjoyed visa-free transit. Let's check what challenges one can face and what to do:

Adjusting to the change made:

This new visa requirement is a crucial challenge for travelers who only need to transit through the airport to catch a connecting flight. For stopping for a short time or if having continuous travel plans, this might be difficult for the affected countries to adjust.

Will have to plan in advance:

To avoid any hurdles in their travel plans while transiting through Turkey’s Istanbul airport, it is suggested that travelers make their plans in advance, as time is required for visa processing.

It is important to comply with the New Transit Visa requirements, understand the revised regulations, and plan accordingly, if travelers want to enjoy a smooth travel experience.

Steps to follow for Turkey Transit Visa Application Process

Checking the Turkey Transit Visa Application Process is important for travelers from countries who are planning to enter Turkey and explore the landmass.

Submission of Transit Visa Application Form:

To submit the Transit Visa Application Form, the travelers must fulfil the criterias, and understand the requirements, otherwise contact us for any queries. Travelers who requires to to apply are:

• Travelers from countries who do not have have the privilege of free transit visa need to apply for the Turkey Transit Visa
• Travelers from countries who want to exit the airport for a short duration and explore the sightseeing places of Turkey, must apply for the Turkey Transit Visa.

Requirements for Transit Visa Application:

Travelers who are applying for the Turkey Transit Visa, need to have the documents and must fulfil the criteria mentioned by the immigration authority of Turkey.

Duration and Validity of the Turkey Transit Visa:

The duration and validity of the Turkey Transit Visa is: 24-48 hours and travelers must stick to the rules to avoid any fines and penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How will I know that I need a Turkey Transit Visa?

Those who need the Transit visa are:

• Travelers from 10 countries who do not have have the privilege of free transit visa need to apply for the Turkey Transit Visa
• Travelers from countries who want to exit the airport for a short duration and explore the sightseeing places of Turkey, must apply for the Turkey Transit Visa.

Can travelers apply for the Turkey Transit Visa on Arrival?

Travelers need to apply for the Turkey Transit Visa 1-5 hours before boarding their flight. The best time to apply is 24 hours in advance.

What is the time-taken to process the transit visa for Turkey?

The time-taken to process the transit visa for Turkey varies from one application to another, so it is suggested that you apply in advance.

Is it possible to extend the transit visa for Turkey, once applied?

Once the Turkey Transit Visa is provided, it cannot be extended, you have to stick to the duration offered.

What are the exceptions of the new visa requirements?

With the new transit visa rule, the listed 10 countries should apply for the transit visa, for other exceptions related to the rules and regulations, you can visit the nearest embassy.

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Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Maldivian citizens, Australian citizens, Filipino citizens and Senegalese citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.