Turkey Transit Visa

There is no Turkey or Istanbul transit visa on arrival for Indians as of yet.

So, if you have a layover in Turkey before you get to your next destination, you will require an Istanbul transit visa for an Indian passport.

With a Turkey transit visa for Indians, travellers can transit through Turkey for a short duration before they move to their next destination. It is intended for travellers who have a layover in Turkey and plan to leave the airport for some sightseeing or to stay overnight at a hotel.

However, if you are pressed for time and don’t intend to leave the transit lounge at the airport you don’t require a transit visa for Turkey.

In other words, the transit visa is only obligatory for the following scenarios:

If you need to pass through immigration

If you plan on staying in Turkey overnight for your connecting flight

Generally, there are two kinds of transit visas, one that confines travellers to the airport transit lounge and the other that allows travellers to leave the airport.

However, if you are transiting through Turkey, you will not require a transit visa if you don’t plan on leaving the airport transit area.

A transit visa is only required if you will be stepping out of the airport for some sightseeing and if you will be staying in the country overnight.

Here are the details about the Turkey transit visa:

Having understood the details about the transit visa for Turkey let’s take a look at the application process so you can ensure a seamless trip and ready all the essential documents.

There are certain documents that Indian passport holders must possess prior to seeking Turkey transit visa online (e-visa):

A valid visa or residence permit from The United States, the United Kingdom, or Ireland

A valid Schengen visa

It is important to ensure that the aforementioned documents are valid even when departing from Turkey. Once the legitimacy of these documents is verified, you can rest assured that your Turkey visa application will go smoothly and successfully.

If you don’t meet the aforementioned criteria you will not be able to apply online for a Turkey visa. In this case, you will have to procure your visa from an embassy or consulate that is close to you. Here is a list of Turkey visa application centres:

Turkish Consulate Mumbai: If you are in Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Puducherry, Chennai, or Cochin then submit your visa application at the consulate in Mumbai.

Turkish Embassy New Delhi: If you are from New Delhi, Jalandhar, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kathmandu, and Kolkata your visa application to the Turkey embassy will have to be submitted in New Delhi.

Turkish Embassy Hyderabad: If you are in Hyderabad, you can submit your visa application at the Turkish Embassy in Hyderabad.

Here is the process for Turkey e-visa application online:

Step 1: Visit the official website and get the visa application form. Once you find the right form applicable to your visa type, fill it out and double-check to ensure all the information is accurate.

Step 2: Once you fill out and submit the form, you will receive an email in a few minutes asking you to confirm that you have initiated an application for Turkey e-visa. If you have not received the email, check your spam.

Step 3: As you confirm the application, you will be redirected to the same website to complete the payment of the e-visa fee

Step 4: After the payment has been cleared, the applicant will receive another email with the link where the applicant can download their e-visa

Step 5: Take a printout of the documents to submit them to the Turkish port of entry

As mentioned earlier, the process to get a Turkey transit visa online is straightforward and hassle-free. However, if you don’t qualify for the e-visa, you will have to apply at the Turkey embassy or consulate. Here are Turkey transit visa requirements for Indian citizens for an in-person application:

A scanned copy of your passport (page with biodata information)

Confirmed flight ticket for your round-trip

Proof of accommodation or hotel reservation

You will also need to submit proof of funds to show you can sustain in Turkey. This can be demonstrated via a monthly salary or a minimum amount of $50 per day.

Finally, you will require a travel insurance policy

Ensure all the aforementioned documents are ready before you visit the application centre for a seamless process. If any document is missing or any information is inaccurate, you may face a potential visa rejection. Here are the potential reasons for Turkey’s visa rejection:

• Incorrect or missing documents

• Overlooked requirements (it is important to carefully read all the necessities from the official website before applying at the visa application centre)

• Not an adequate proof of funds

• Unclear reasons for travel

• Errors in filling-out the application form

• Former visa issues

• Weak ties to home

• Delayed application

• Too many applicants

The Turkey transit visa cost for Indian passport holders is $43 which approximately comes up to ₹3,500. This cost includes the issuance and processing fee for the visa that allows travellers to transit safely through Turkey.

However, one must note that a transit visa is only applicable for a short duration. It is also important to note that this is a single entry visa which means it only allows travellers to enter Turkey one time for transit.

Indian passport holders can benefit from the quick processing time for Turkey’s e-visa application. The processing time for procuring Turkey e-visa is up to 24 hours. Once your application has been submitted, you can expect approval within 24 hours.

However, it is essential to note that for a successful visa procurement, the necessary documents must be accurate.

Once you land in Turkey and have your transit visa, here are the things you need to do for a smooth journey experience:

Head to passport control: After disembarking from your flight, head straight to the immigration counter or passport control. Submit your passport, transit visa, and the essential documents as asked for by the immigration officer. The respective authorities will authenticate your transit details and stamp your passport.

Collect your baggage (if applicable): If your baggage has been checked, you can head to the baggage claim section to retrieve your luggage. The signs and screens at the Turkey airport will guide you to the baggage claim section.

Complete the customs check (if applicable): Once your baggage has been collected, you may have to undergo a customs check. Here, you will have to declare all items that may be subject to customs restrictions. This includes goods for sale or prohibited items.

Connecting flight: If you have a connecting flight soon, you can follow the signs for “Connecting Flight” or “Transit.” Several major airports have clear signs and personnel to properly guide transit passengers. Ensure that all your essential documents are handy when you head for your connecting flight such as your flight tickets and boarding pass.

Security check (if applicable): Prior to heading for departure for your connecting flight, you may need to undergo a security check. This process involves passing through a security scanner, screening your belongings by placing them on a conveyor belt, and walking through a metal detector.

Planning for an overseas trip requires meticulous planning and ensuring all documents are well in place for a seamless experience. One of the most important documents needed for a visa is a valid travel insurance policy. However, in addition to being an important travel essential, international travel insurance offers a host of benefits to ensure a safe and happy trip.

Here are some key features of your travel insurance for Turkey:

Medical expenses for sickness or accidents: Your travel insurance will stay by your side whether it is the uncertainty of COVID-19 interrupting your trip or the possibility of any other medical emergency that can be distressing when you are away from home.

Baggage coverage: If your baggage is delayed or misplaced, it can put a damper on your vacation. However, with a travel insurance policy, you will be reimbursed for lost items and even for the cost of items you will need to purchase in the absence of your luggage.

Journey coverage: This aspect provides coverage against a host of possibilities right from loss of passport to delayed flights and trip curtailments and other personal liabilities.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, Tata AIG has made it extremely easy to buy travel insurance online with only a few clicks.

• Turkey transit visa cost for Indian passport holders is approximately $43. This is only for a single-entry transit visa.

• The transit visa for Turkey is valid for 180 days, however, travellers must note that the validity period is different from the duration of stay permitted.

• Indian citizens who do not qualify for a Turkey e-visa can apply for the sticker visa for Turkey that enables travellers to visit for tourism-related purposes

Information last updated Jan 24. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.