Turkish Transit Visa

Travellers who intend to leave the airport, even for a short period, are required to obtain a transit visa for Turkey. However, if passengers plan to stay within the transit area of the airport, they are exempt from obtaining a visa.

This article provides detailed instructions on how to apply for a Turkish e-Visa online specifically designed for transit and transfer passengers.

Do you need a Turkey transit visa?

If travellers have long layovers in Turkey and wish to explore the area surrounding the airport, they may wonder if a transit visa for Turkey is necessary.

Istanbul Airport (IST) is conveniently located less than an hour away from the city centre, allowing passengers with extended wait times between connecting flights to make a short visit to Istanbul, Turkey's largest city.

To do so, foreign nationals are generally required to obtain a Turkish transit visa, unless they are citizens of visa-exempt countries.

Fortunately, citizens of most countries have the option to apply for a Turkey transit visa online. The application process for a Turkey e-Visa is quick and straightforward, requiring only a few minutes to complete the Turkey visa application form and submit the request.

It's important to note that travellers who are connecting to another flight and will stay within the airport premises are not obligated to apply for a transit visa.

How to apply for a Turkey transit visa

Applying for a Turkey transit visa is a simple process that can be completed online.

To apply, you will need to provide some essential biographical details, such as your full name, date and place of birth, and contact information. You will also need to enter your passport number and the issue and expiry dates.

It is important to review your details carefully before submitting your application, as mistakes can cause processing delays.The Turkey visa fees can be paid securely online using a debit or credit card.

Here are the steps on how to apply for a Turkey transit visa:

1. Go to the Turkish e-Visa website.
2. Select "Transit and Transfer" as your purpose of travel.
3. Enter your personal information, including your passport number, name, and date of birth.
4. Enter your contact information, including your email address and phone number.
5. Pay the visa application fee.
6. Upload a recent passport-style photo.
7. Review your application and submit it.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with your e-Visa. You can print out your e-Visa and present it to the immigration authorities when you arrive in Turkey.

Here are some additional requirements for applying for a Turkish e-Visa for transit and transfer passengers:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of arrival in Turkey.
• You must have a confirmed onward travel ticket.
• You must have a valid visa for your destination country.

Transit in Turkey during COVID-19

Transit in Turkey has resumed without any COVID-19-related restrictions. As of June 2022, travel restrictions have been lifted, allowing passengers to transit through Turkey as they would normally.

It is important to note that transit passengers are not required to present a negative test result or vaccine certificate upon entry into Turkey.

However, it is strongly advised that all passengers carefully review and comply with the latest Turkey entry requirements and regulations before embarking on their journey to Turkey, considering the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions.

The current entry requirements for Turkey are as follows:

• All passengers must have a valid passport.
• Transit passengers must have a confirmed onward travel ticket.
• Passengers from certain countries may need to obtain a visa before travel.

Please note that these are just the general entry requirements. There may be additional requirements for specific countries or situations. It is always best to check the latest entry requirements before travel.

The time it takes to get a Turkey transit visa

The processing time for a Turkey transit visa is quick, with approved applicants typically receiving their visa within 24 hours. However, it is advisable for travellers to apply at least 72 hours before their scheduled trip to Turkey to allow for any unforeseen delays.

For those who require an urgent transit visa, a priority service is available. By opting for this service, applicants can receive their visa within 1 hour.

Upon approval, the transit visa will be sent to the applicants via email. It is important to carry a printed copy of the visa when travelling.

Information about the Turkey e-Visa for transit

The Turkey e-Visa serves multiple purposes as it allows both transit through Turkish airports and entry into the country for visits. The duration of stay granted depends on the nationality of the visa holder, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days.

Based on the traveller's citizenship, single or multiple-entry visas may be issued, providing flexibility for future visits.A single-entry transit visa allows the traveller to enter Turkey once within the specified validity period. This means that if the traveller leaves Turkey during their transit, they would not be able to re-enter the country using the same visa.

On the other hand, a multiple-entry transit visa permits the traveller to enter and exit Turkey multiple times within the designated validity period. This type of visa is suitable for those who may have multiple layovers or need to leave and re-enter Turkey during their transit.

The decision on whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry transit visa depends on factors such as the traveller's nationality and the purpose of their visit.

It is important for travellers to carefully check the visa type and its conditions to ensure it aligns with their transit plans in Turkey.

The Turkish e-Visa for transit is accepted at all international airports in Turkey, with Istanbul Airport being the largest and busiest hub for transit passengers.

Passengers who intend to leave the airport during their layover must present their approved e-Visa when going through immigration.

For individuals who are ineligible for the Turkish e-Visa, the alternative is to apply for a visa through the Turkish embassy or consulate in their home country.

In conclusion, if you are planning to transit through Turkey and leave the airport during your layover, you may need to obtain a Turkish transit visa. However, if you are remaining within the transit area of the airport, a transit visa is not required.