do i need visa for turkey transit

Do I Need a Visa for Turkey Transit? A Guide to Traveling Through Turkey

Transiting through Turkey is a convenient option for travelers journeying between Europe, Asia, and Africa. With Istanbul serving as a major international air hub, many find themselves catching connecting flights in Turkey en route to their final destination. This raises an important question – do you need a visa if you’re only passing through Turkey and not planning to leave the airport?

The short answer is it depends. Turkey has specific visa regulations for airport transits that determine whether you need to obtain a visa Read on for a full guide explaining transit visa requirements, types of visas, fees, and how to apply.

What is a Turkey Transit Visa?

A Turkey transit visa allows foreign nationals to pass through Turkey on their way to another country. It permits brief stays inside Turkey of up to 48 hours to explore between flights.

There are two main types of Turkey transit visas:

• Single entry: For transiting once through Turkey within 180 days of being issued
• Multiple entry: For unlimited transits through Turkey within 180 days

Both are valid for a maximum of 48 hours per entry. Transit visas do not allow overnight stays or travel beyond major airports.

Do You Need a Transit Visa for a Layover in Turkey?

Whether you need a Turkey transit visa depends on your nationality and airport transit plans. There are three main scenarios:

1. Not leaving the airport transit area

If you will stay within the international transit area of the airport, also known as the “airside” zone, you do not need a transit visa. This applies no matter how long your layover is.

However, keep in mind that Istanbul Airport offers limited amenities airside, so longer transits may be uncomfortable. You’ll also need an onward boarding pass ready to present to officials to remain in the transit area.

1. Leaving the airport for under 24 hours

If you want to leave the airport, known as entering the “landside” area, for under 24 hours, citizens of some countries are eligible for a free visa waiver.

This currently applies to passport holders from the EU, UK, USA, Australia, Canada and many other developed nations. After passport control, you can enter Istanbul or other cities briefly without a pre-arranged visa.

1. Leaving the airport for over 24 hours

If you wish to leave the airport transit area for over 24 hours, you will need to apply for a paid single or multiple entry Turkey transit visa before travel.

The only exceptions are citizens of countries Turkey has bilateral no-visa agreements with, such as Russia, Ukraine and Georgia. All other nationalities must obtain an e-visa or physical sticker visa prior to arrival.

Note that if you exit the airport, you will need to re-clear immigration controls, check-in and re-screen your luggage before your departing flight.

How to Apply for a Turkish Transit Visa

There are two ways to obtain a Turkey transit visa depending on your nationality:

Turkey Portal e-Visa

Citizens of over 100 countries including the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil and Japan can obtain an e-visa quickly online via the new Turkey Portal website.

After a simple online application and secure credit card payment of a $10-$60 USD fee, an e-visa is issued within 24 hours. It’s then emailed to you as an electronic PDF document.

When entering and exiting Turkey, you simply present the e-visa printout alongside your passport. Multiple entry e-visas allow unlimited airport transits within 180 days.

Physical Sticker Visa

If you are not eligible for the Turkey e-Visa system, you will need to apply for a physical visa sticker placed in your passport. This must be done at your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.

Appointments, application forms, documents, interviews and processing times vary by location. Costs are typically $20-$80 USD depending on the type of visa. Be sure to apply well in advance of any Turkey trip.

Visa Restrictions for Airport Transits

It’s important to note some restrictions on obtaining and using Turkey transit visas:

• They allow a maximum stay of 48 hours per entry.

• You cannot transit from one Turkish airport to another by air. Domestic flights require regular tourist or business visas.

• You cannot leave the major airports to travel into cities like Istanbul or Ankara.

• Visas can be denied at the discretion of Turkish immigration officials on arrival.

If transiting through Turkey en route to another destination, be sure to understand the visa requirements before booking flights. Applying in advance for an e-Visa will ensure your airport transfer goes smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Transiting in Turkey

Here are answers to some common questions travelers have about transiting through Turkey:

Do I need a transit visa to change terminals at Istanbul Airport?

No, you can freely change between the domestic and international terminals airside without entering Turkey officially. Your boarding pass is sufficient.

How long is the transit at Istanbul Airport?

Most transits between international flights are 60-90 minutes to allow sufficient connection time given the airport’s large size. Check your ticket or with your airline to confirm your scheduled transit window.

Can I leave Istanbul Airport on a transit visa?

You can temporarily leave the airport on a transit visa but cannot fly domestically or travel beyond the Istanbul region. Overnight hotel stays are also prohibited on simple transit visas.

Can I choose my own hotel on a Turkey transit visa?

No, transit visas prohibit overnight hotel stays outside the airport transit area. You must remain within or close to the airport for the duration of the transit.

Do I need travel insurance for a Turkey transit visa?

No, travel insurance is not required for airport transit visas as you cannot leave major airports or stay overnight.