Turkey Transit Visa
The transit visa for Turkey can be applied for online by citizens of most countries. The Turkey visa online application form can be completed and submitted in just a few minutes. The traveller does not need to apply for a transit visa if they will remain at the airport while connecting to another flight.
The area surrounding the airport is a great place for transfer and transit passengers with long layovers in Turkey.
The distance between Istanbul Airport (IST) and the city center is less than an hour. It is possible to spend a few hours in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, provided you have a long wait between connecting flights.
What is the Turkey Transit eVisa?
Unless travellers are from a visa-free country, foreigners must apply for a Turkish transit 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 Visa Online at least three days before you visit Turkey. Foreign citizens can apply for an Turkey Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Turkey Visa application process is automated, simple, and completely online.
Do You Need a Turkey Transit Visa?
Yes, you will need the Turkey Transit eVisa if you come under the category of one of the following scenarios:
Airside Transit (Staying in the Airport)
If you stay within the international transit area, there is no requirement for obtaining the Turkey Transit eVisa. You must have a confirmed onward flight, layover is not more than 24 hours and if you do not have to pass through Turkish immigration.
Landside Transit (Leaving the Airport)
You will require the Turkey Transit eVisa required if you have to:
- Leave the airport during the layover.
- Collect and recheck the luggage.
- Catch the connecting flights departing from a different airport.
Special Cases
Airport Transit Visa (ATV): For some citizens belonging to certain countries (for example India, Yemen) they will require the airport transit visa when transiting through the airport.
Long Layovers: If you have to wait for your next connecting flight for more than 24 hours, then you will need to have a regular transit visa, even if you remain in the transit area.
Who can apply for a Turkey Airport Transit Visa?
Who can apply for a Turkey Transit Visa?
Those citizens who can apply for the Turkey Transit eVisa will have to meet the following conditions:
You are from a country that requires a visa to enter Turkey:
- If you do not belong to a transit visa-exempt country, then you will have to apply for the Turkey Transit eVisa for catching your connecting flight to another country from Turkey’s airport.
You are transiting through Turkey and will exit the airport:
If you wish to transit through the airport and will exit the airport as well, then you will have to apply for the Turkey Transit eVisa. With this eVisa you can:
- Collect and re-check baggage
- Leave the airport for sightseeing or a hotel stay
- Change airports (in case your flight is from another airport in Turkey)
- Sometimes depending on your nationality it is necessary to apply for a regular transit visa or e-Visa.
You are from a country required to hold an Airport Transit Visa (ATV):
- Citizens from certain countries will have to apply for the airport transit visa, even if they are passing through the airport. They are not allowed to leave the airport with the Transit eVisa.
- Certain countries who need to have the airport transit visa are Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ghana, Somalia, Syria, and so on.
You do not qualify for an e-Visa:
- Travelers from those countries which are not in the Transit eVisa list will have to visit the Turkish consulate to apply for a transit visa in person.
How to Apply for a Turkey Transit Visa?
Remember, you are eligible to apply for Turkey Transit eVisa only if your country is in the list of Turkey Transit eVisa list, and also depends on the duration of your layover, and whether you plan to leave the airport. Keeping in mind the mentioned factors you can apply for the Turkey Transit eVisa, which comprises of the following steps:
Check Eligibility:
- On our Turkish e-Visa site, check if your country is eligible and travel circumstances
- If your nationality is in the list you qualify to apply for the Transit eVisa.
Prepare Required Documents:
- Valid passport (more than 6 months validity period).
- Visa or residence permit for the final destination you are traveling to.
- Confirmed onward flight tickets
- In case you are leaving the airport, you must have hotel reservations.
- Proof of sufficient funds in your account.
Complete the Application:
- Fill out the Turkey Transit online application form.
- Upload the essential mentioned documents.
- Pay the Turkey Transit e-Visa fee.
Receive Your Visa:
- If your application meets all the requirements, you will receive the approved Turkey Transit e-Visa typically via email within the next few hours.
- To show at the checkpost upon arrival take a printout copy.
Transit in Turkey during Covid-19
Transiting through Turkey is now possible as usual. Restrictions on COVID-19 travel were abolished in June 2022.
No negative test result or vaccination certificate is required for transit travellers to Turkey.
Fill out the Form for Entry to Turkey if you are a traveller who will be leaving the airport in Turkey before your connecting flight. For foreign tourists, the document is now optional.
Before boarding a trip to Turkey during the current COVID-19 limitations, all passengers are required to confirm the most recent entry criteria.
How long does a Turkey Transit Visa take?
The processing of Turkey visas online is quick. The successful applicants receive their approved visas in less than 24 hours. However, it is advised that visitors submit their applications at least 72 hours before their planned trip to Turkey.
For those who want a transit visa immediately, the priority service allows them to apply and obtain their visa in just one hour.
The candidates get an email with their transit visa approval. When travelling, a printed copy should be brought.
How long does a Turkey Transit Visa take?
The processing of Turkey visas online is quick. The successful applicants receive their approved visas in less than 24 hours. However, it is advised that visitors submit their applications at least 72 hours before their planned trip to Turkey.
For those who want a transit visa immediately, the priority service allows them to apply and obtain their visa in just one hour.
The candidates get an email with their transit visa approval. When travelling, a printed copy should be brought.
READ MORE:
Turkey e-Visa is an official document issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey that acts as a Visa waiver, find out more at Turkey Visa Online Requirements
Information about the Turkey Visa for Transit
- Transiting through a Turkish airport and visiting the country are both possible with the Turkey visas online. Depending on the nationality of the holder, the maximum stay is between 30 and 90 days.
- Depending on the country of citizenship, single-entry and multiple-entry visas can also be issued.
- All international airports accept Turkey visas online for transit. In transit, many passengers pass through Istanbul Airport, Turkey's largest airport.
- Upon passing through immigration, travellers who wish to leave the airport between flights must show their approved visa.
- Transit passengers who are not eligible for the Turkey visa online must apply for a visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate.
READ MORE:
Thousands of tourists enter Turkey through its land borders, even though the bulk of visitors that arrive by plane. Because the nation is surrounded by 8 other countries, there are various overland access possibilities for travellers. learn about them at Guide to Entering Turkey Through Its Land Borders
Check your eligibility for Turkey e-Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 3 days in advance of your flight. Chinese citizens, Mauritius citizens and Cambodian citizens can apply for Turkey e-Visa.