An electronic airport transit visa requirement has been introduced, starting15 April 2024, for citizens of 10 countries who will transit to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela using Istanbul Airport.1
Turkey, which is both a transit country and a destination country in terms of global âirregularâ migration movements, is actively implementing measures to reinforce its fight against irregular migration.2
Passengers travelling from the afore-mentioned countries, from 15 April 2024, have new steps and procedures to complete in order to be in compliance.
Inspections within the framework of accepted international aviation rules have been increased due to the recent rise in the number of irregular immigrants heading to North America via various Central and Latin American countries, using transit airline opportunities via Turkey.
Turkish Airlines (THY) warned in March for passengers traveling to South American countries that “some additional checks may be applied in addition to the general rules such as passport and visa requirements for accepting passengers on flights.”3
According to information obtained from diplomatic sources, in this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has completed the necessary preparations to implement the electronic airport transit visa (e-HTV) application.4
Citizens of Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, India, Mauritania, Nepal, Somalia, and Yemen who will travel to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela, but transit through Istanbul Airport, as of 15 April 2024, must obtain an electronic airport transit visa.
Turkey is a popular destination for many travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich history and culture. But if your travels involve connecting through Turkey, an important question arises – do you need a transit visa? The answer depends on your specific itinerary and nationality. This article will explain Turkey’s transit visa requirements to help you determine if you need to obtain one.
What Is A Transit Visa?
A transit visa allows a traveler to pass through a country in order to reach their final destination, without intending to stay. It permits you to exit the airport and explore the country for a short period, such as during a layover. Without a transit visa, you normally have to remain in a designated transit area of the airport.
When Is A Transit Visa Required For Turkey?
Whether you need a Turkey transit visa really boils down to these key factors:
- Your nationality
- How long your layover is
- If you’ll pass through Turkish immigration/customs
Citizens of some countries don’t need visas at all due to agreements with Turkey. If you are from the EU, Schengen Zone, USA or several other nations, you can transit without a visa.
Additionally some nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days so a separate transit visa isn’t necessary.
However, if you need to pass through Turkish passport control during your layover, and don’t qualify for visa exemptions, you will need to get a transit visa This allows you to exit the airport
The main exception is if you stay within the international transit area without clearing immigration. Then you don’t need a visa.
Transit Visa Requirements For Different Layover Durations
The length of your layover also determines if you need a transit visa when passing through Turkey
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Less than 24 hours – No visa required if you remain in the international transit zone.
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24 – 48 hours – No visa required as long as you have a confirmed onward ticket. You can leave the airport.
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Over 48 hours – Transit visa required if you want to go beyond the airport, regardless of confirmed onward travel.
Apply For Your Turkey Transit E-Visa Online
If you’ve determined you need a Turkey transit visa, the good news is the entire application process can be done electronically. Turkey offers an easy e-Visa scheme on its official government website.
To apply for your Turkey transit e-Visa:
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Visit www.evisa.gov.tr and select ‘Transit’ as the visa type.
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Fill in the online form with your passport, trip details and other info.
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Pay the visa fee by credit card. Cost is around $30 USD.
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Receive your e-Visa via email usually within 24 hours.
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Print the e-Visa or have it mobile ready to show airport immigration.
The Turkey transit e-Visa is valid for 180 days and lets you stay up to 120 hours (5 days). Be sure to apply in advance of travel to allow processing time.
What To Know When Transiting Through Turkey
If your itinerary involves connecting through Istanbul or another Turkish airport, be sure to understand the country’s transit rules to make the process hassle-free:
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Check if your nationality requires a visa with your trip details using online tools.
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Apply for an easy online e-Visa if you need one, giving at least 24 hours for approval.
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Have your printed or mobile visa ready when you arrive to show border officials.
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With a transit visa, you can leave the airport and explore Turkey briefly until your next flight.
Planning a trip abroad that involves a stopover in Turkey? Determine if you qualify for visa-free transit or need to obtain a visa based on the guidelines provided. With an e-Visa secured in advance when required, you’ll be set for smooth travels through Turkey.
Can Be Obtained via Internet Free-of-Charge
The electronic transit visa can be obtained free-of-charge online from the “evisa.gov.tr” portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of 15 April 2024.5 Passengers must correctly enter their personal information, accommodation address information, and ticket numbers when obtaining an electronic visa.
Istanbul Airport transit passengers who are subject to an electronic transit visa are also expected to have print-outs of their transit visas with them.
Passengers subject to an electronic transit visa will be able to pass through security control and go to the departure floor after having their visas checked at one of the visa points located in both wings of the Istanbul Airport international transit passenger arrivals hall.
The changes to the rules for nationals of the 10 countries in question mean additional steps and procedures in order to complete their journeys. There may be some confusion and questions regarding who the rules apply to and the appropriate next steps. Concerned parties may wish to consult with their usual travel agents and immigration counsel. They may also reach out to a member of the KPMG Immigration team in Turkey for assistance (see the Contacts section).
1 As an example of the Turkish governmentâs announcement of this policy, see: Turkish Embassy in New Delhi, India, “IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT THE INDIAN/NEPALESE PASSANGERS TRAVELING TO MEXICO, PANAMA, COLOMBIA, VENEZUELA VIA Ä°STANBUL AIRPORT.”
2 The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) defines the term migrant in an irregular situation as follows: A person who moves or has moved across an international border and is not authorised to enter or to stay in a State pursuant to the law of that State and to international agreements to which that State is a party (Source: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-migration-network-emn/emn-asylum-and-migration-glossary/glossary/irregular-migrant_en).
3 See this webpage on the Turkish Airlines website: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/announcements/passenger-admission-rules-for-south-america/.
4 Passengers can obtain their e-ATV via the website: evisa.gov.tr.
Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Turkey.
Turkey Transit Istanbul Airport | Transit Time | E-Visa of Turkey | Chandra Shekher Visa
FAQ
Do I need a transit visa for Turkey for connecting flights?
Do I need a transit visa if I am not leaving the airport?
How much is a Turkish transit visa?
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Transit Visas
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Fee Amounts for 2024
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1.
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Single Transit
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5.476,80 TL
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2.
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Double Transit
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10.989,10 TL
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Do US green card holders need a transit visa for Turkey?
Do I need a Turkish transit visa?
You may need a Turkish Transit Visa to transit through the Istanbul Ataturk Airport on the European side of Turkey or the Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the Asian side.
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Turkish Transit Visa: Necessary if you are transiting through either Ataturk Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport and your travel plans require you to also have a visa for tourism or commercial purposes in Turkey. To clarify: The Istanbul Transit Visa is formally known as the Turkey Transit Visa.
How do I apply for a transit visa in Turkey?
Transit passengers from the affected countries must apply for a transit visa before travelling to Turkey. The application procedure includes providing the required documentation and fulfilling specific criteria outlined by Turkish authorities.
Do I need a permit to travel through Turkey?
When you have a non-connecting flight or long layover in any country with a Plan to Escape the airport to explore the city, you should have a permit to travel through Turkey country to reach your destination. Or in other means Turkey Transit Visa.