What You Can Do with a Turkey Transit Visa
Many people do wonder if they would require a separate visa for spending a few hours in a foreign country while waiting to catch another connecting flight. Yes, they do. It is called a Transit Visa.
If you have a layover of a few hours in Turkey while going to some other country for a vacation, you will need a Turkey Transit Visa. This basically works as a permit that lets you pass through the country and reach your destination. You have to mandatorily apply for a Turkey Transit Visa if you are passing through immigration counters in Turkey or staying there for a day or two to get a connecting flight.
As of 15 April 2024, citizens of 10 countries en route to Panama, Mexico, Colombia, or Venezuela and with a layover at Istanbul Airport can apply for the Airport Transit Visa online. The Turkey Transit Visa can also be acquired as a sticker visa as well. Except for those coming from visa-waiver countries, everybody else has to apply for a Transit Visa when passing through Turkey.
First Question Everybody Thinks: Do I Need a Transit Visa?
You absolutely do! How else would you spend your time during the long layover? Every transit and transfer passenger who has a long layover in Turkey can make the most out of their time if they have a Transit Visa. This will give them a chance to explore the nearby areas and go around the airport.
The City Center of Turkey is at a less-than-an-hour distance from the Istanbul airport. So, instead of wasting your time getting bored at the airport, you can now visit the City Center and get a short glimpse of how beautiful Turkey is in these few hours!
With a Turkey Transit Visa, you can spend a few hours in:
Have no plans of utilizing the few hours? Even then you will have to apply for the Transit Visa. If you have a non-connecting flight and have to pass through immigration to get your luggage and also check-in for your next flight, you have to get the visa. But if there is no need to pass through immigration and you are getting connected to another flight right away, there is no need to apply for the Transit Visa.
Do I Apply for a Transit eVisa or a Transit Sticker Visa?
Do not be in a dilemma whether to apply for a Turkey Transit Visa or not; definitely apply for one, and take a short tour around Istanbul and start making your journey memorable even before reaching your destination! Any and every traveler (barring the citizens of visa-waiver countries) is eligible for a Transit Visa. The eligibility criteria are like that of any other type of Turkey visa. If you have both the options of eVisa and sticker visa, consider applying for the eVisa as it will be more convenient.
But before we move on to the two categories of Transit Visa, let us get a few basic details.
- The Transit Visa can be of single-entry or multiple-entry.
- With the single-entry Turkey Transit Visa, you will not be able to re-enter the country once you leave the country during the transit.
- Availing the multiple-entry Transit Visa will let you enter and exit the county multiple times within the validity period. This is suitable for those who have multiple layovers scheduled in the country.
- The Transit Visa is accepted across Turkey’s international airports. Usually, the Istanbul Airport is the busiest hub for passengers with a Transit Visa.
- The decision for visa issuance depends on your nationality and personal requirements.
- If your country does not make you eligible for an eVisa, visit the Embassy and apply for a sticker visa.
Now let's understand the differences between Transit eVisa and sticker visa.
Transit eVisa
Opting for the eVisa is going to be a quicker and easier route. The application procedure for the Turkey Transit Visa is also easy. Simply come to our online portal, fill out the application form along with your travel date, upload your photograph, and pay the visa application fee to get the approval mailed to you. Make sure that you hold a valid passport and have a credit or debit card to complete the international payment. The procedure is rather easy and gets done in just a few minutes. Have the soft copy printed out so as to present it at the Turkish entry gate.
For the eVisa, you only need a few things.
- Your travel date or details of the connecting flight
- A digital copy of your passport-sized photo
- A credit or debit card to make the payment
- A passport having validity for the next 6 months
Transit Sticker Visa
The application for the sticker visa is a tad bit time-consuming and requires you to visit the Embassy and submit the documents in person. You need a current passport and your next flight’s ticket and other booking details for the sticker visa. You may have to apply for a visa interview at the Embassy. Post that, the Embassy evaluates your application and determines whether you are a suitable candidate for a Turkey Transit Visa. Considering it is a lengthy procedure, remember to apply for the visa well in advance, at least a month before your scheduled travel date.
As you prepare to apply for the sticker visa, make sure you have the necessary documents.
- Two passport-sized photographs taken recently
- A passport with the validity of the next 6 months
- Details of your connecting flight
- Visa for your destination country
- Police clearance certificate that is proof of your clean character
Are There Any Factors to Consider when Applying for a Turkey Transit Visa?
The factors are just the same for applying for any other kind of visa. However, besides being careful while filling out the application form and submitting the documents, there are two things you need to be extra mindful about when applying for a Turkey Transit Visa.
Have your travel itinerary ready
Since you are only going to be in Turkey for a few hours, you may have to show your travel itinerary. Make sure to have flight details right in front to be shown to the immigration officer. You need to know when your next connecting flight is and for how long your layover is going to be.
Have time in hand when applying for a Transit Visa
The earlier, the better! Facing a delay in receiving the Transit Visa will stall your actual vacation. So, whether applying for an eVisa or a sticker visa, apply well in advance so that there remains no chance of facing hiccups. Have everything planned at least a month before the departure.
So, Ready for Your Layover in Turkey?
Whether your connecting flight is from the Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side or you have to spend a few hours at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport on the country’s European side, a Transit Visa is a must. Whether you are applying online through our portal or opting for the sticker visa by going to the Embassy, you have to get a Turkey Transit Visa to pass through the country. And considering you are choosing to have the visa, it would be a good idea to take a short tour of the surroundings during the layover. Taste a few local dishes, feel the vibe of this Middle-Eastern country, and consider taking a trip to Turkey the next time! Until then, enjoy your vacation!
For further queries regarding the Transit Visa to Turkey, contact us!
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.