Exploring European Side of Istanbul with Visitor Visa
Planning a trip to Istanbul? Yes, with a Turkey visitor visa, you can have a wonderful time exploring both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. With the visitor visa enjoy smooth access to the entire country.
The city of Istanbul has two sides, with one of them being the Asian side and the other being the European side. It is the European side of the city which is most famous among tourists, with the majority of city attractions located in this part.
The Bosphorus bridge, which sees the two different sides of Istanbul with a cultural mix, actually could be seen as a bridge connecting two different continents. Then as you step on this side of the Middle East, it could easily give you the taste of being in a European country by the shores of Mediterranean.
Before you immerse yourself in the city's rich history, vibrant bazaars, and stunning architecture, it’s essential to secure the right visa. This quick guide to a hassle-free Istanbul visitor visa will walk you through the application process, requirements, and tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Quick guide to a hassle-free Istanbul visitor visa
But before you immerse yourself in the city's rich history, lively bazaars, and dramatic architecture, it’s crucial to secure the right visa.
Turkey e-Visa or Turkey Visa Online is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Turkey for a period of upto 90 days. Government of Turkey recommends that international visitors must apply for a Turkey Electronic Visa at least three days before you visit Turkey. Foreign citizens can apply for an Turkey Visa Online Application in a matter of minutes. Turkey Visa application process is automated, simple, and completely online.
Here’s a quick guide to a hassle-free Istanbul visitor visa. Navigate the process with ease, learn about the application, review the required documents, and insider tips to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Determine Visa Requirement
- Some nationalities are eligible for eVisa like Australia, Armenia, China, South Africa, Hong Kong, etc.
- Indian, Bangladesh, Pakistan and a few other countries need a Conditional visa to enter Turkey.
- Individuals who do not qualify for an e-Visa, for them the alternative is to apply through the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy.
Types of Tourist Visa
- e-Visa (Single-entry, 30 days): Eligible countries can apply for e-Visa.
- Sticker Visa (via embassy): Those who are not eligible are required to apply.
Documents Required (Sticker Visa)
- Valid passport (with a 6+ months validity)
- Completed Turkey e-Visa application form
- Travel insurance
- Round-trip flight ticket
- Passport-size photo
- Hotel reservation
- Bank statement (last 3-6 months with adequate funds)
- Employment letter or NOC (in case required)
- Debit/ Credit Card for fee payment
- Visa fee payment receipt
Application Steps
- Visit the nearest Turkish consulate or visit our website for online application assistance.
- If you are applying for the Turkey e-Visa online, fill the form online
- Submit required documents and biometric data.
- Pay the e-Visa fees
- Track application status online.
- Receive e-Visa via mail within 24 working days. Depends on the speed you have chosen
Visa Tips
- If you are applying for the Turkey visa online, at least apply 4–6 weeks before your travel date.
- Ensure that the supporting documents you have are clear and genuine.
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Since you are all set with the visitor visa for a smooth access to the entire country. Now let's find out about the two sides of Istanbul.
Istanbul is a unique city that spans two continents, separated by the Bosphorus Strait, with one part located in Asia and the other in Europe.
A Journey through the European Half of Istanbul
Most visitors flock to the European side of Istanbul known for its concentration of landmarks. Wandering through the iconic streets, explore the fusion of old and new on Istanbul’s European side.
The Known Side of Istanbul
Some of the best known attractions from Istanbul are located in the European side of the city, with famous mosques and bazaars of the area. The Topkapi palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are major attractions of the region, located on the European side of the city.
The Asian side of Istanbul, located on the other side of Bosphorus bridge, is a more relaxed and open space with less touristy attractions.
The Basilica Cistern, the largest among the hundreds of cisterns which lie beneath the Turkish city, is located just minutes away from Hagia Sophia. An ancient underground water tank? Yes that is what it could be called! The Basilica provided a water filtration system for the palace of the region centuries ago and is even today filled with water from inside, although in a reduced amount for the public access to the place. The cistern is located on Sarayburnu, one of the UNESCO heritage sites of Istanbul, which is on a high level ground above water, separating the city of Istanbul from the Sea of Marmara.
READ MORE: You may also be interested in learning more about Istanbul exploring tourist attractions of Istanbul for an immersive experience.
The Less Known Side of Istanbul
The city of Istanbul, although populated on one side, is also home to wonderful open parks, which also in many cases act as museums and places of historic attractions. The parks are the lifeline of the city making it a pleasure to walk around its streets without getting bothered by heavy traffic and busy life. Gulhane Park, which in Persian translates as house of flowers, is one of the oldest and expansive historical parks in the city located on the European side of Istanbul, and is best known for its open green surroundings and historical depiction of architecture from the Ottoman times.
If you want to see all of Istanbul at once then Miniaturk, a miniature park of Istanbul, is the largest miniature park in the world, located on the shores of Golden Horn, a waterway dividing the city of Istanbul. Although Istanbul is filled with diversity and beauty, but from here it is possible to garner all at once! The park offers mini attractions from both the European and the Asian side of the city and many ancient structures from the times of the Ottomans and Greeks, including the famous Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana. Miniature figures both manmade and natural wonders from Turkey would want you to stick to the word wow as you stroll around the miniature park in amazement.
Life From Streets
Ortakoy has numerous art galleries and bars
The streets of Turkey are flooded with cafes and some are even considered as the most expensive places on earth. Ortakoy, which is famous for its restaurants near the ferry ports, is one of the most famous places on the European side mainly for its cafes and open surroundings.
If you want to witness the picture perfect little restaurants of Istanbul, Ortakoy is the place to be, which is most famous for art galleries and Sunday street markets. So what on earth would you as a traveller do on the streets of istanbul? Well, going without planning would be the best way to explore.
Much More Art
Pera museum is one of a kind museum in the city of Istanbul, with a display of ceramic and other artworks on display from the 19th century style of Orientalism depicting the beautiful history of Middle East , with a permanent collection ranging from Orientalist paintings, Kutahya tiles and ceramics to Anatolian weights.
Although majority museums and centers around the city display the art and architecture of the Ottoman times, the National Palaces Painting Museum in Istanbul is one such place which has collection of paintings from both Turkish and international artists., with more than 200 artworks on display from the Dolmabahce Palace painting collection. Although it might not sound like an extremely fun travel plan to visit a historic museum, but this place could be anything but boring, making this museum one of the modern ways of exploring history. The inside of the museum is very well designed in terms of lighting and interior which suddenly can spark an interest in knowing centuries old events.
READ MORE: Also learn about Lakes and Beyond – Wonders of Turkey.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Chinese citizens, Australian citizens and South African citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.