What is the Turkey Transit Visa?






Overview of Turkey Transit Visa: Purpose, Application Process, and Requirements

The Turkey Transit Visa allows travelers to transit through Turkey while en route to a third destination. This visa is required for travelers who plan to leave the transit area of a Turkish airport during their layover or need to pass through Turkish border control. Whether you have a connecting flight with a long layover or want to explore Turkey during your stopover, the transit visa is essential.

What is a Turkey Transit Visa?

The Turkey Transit Visa is an official authorization required for travelers passing through Turkey on their way to another country. Eligible travelers from specific countries need this visa if they plan to leave the airport's international transit area during their stopover.

Benefits of the Turkey Transit Visa

  • Short Stay: Allows you to spend time in Turkey during a layover.
  • Convenient Application: Available through the eVisa portal for eligible travelers.
  • Valid for One or Two Entries: You can apply for single or double entry transit, depending on your itinerary.
Turkey eVisa Sample Format

Eligibility for the Turkey Transit Visa

Citizens from countries that require a visa to enter Turkey are also required to obtain a transit visa if they leave the airport during a layover. Some nationalities may be eligible for a Turkey eVisa, while others must apply through a Turkish consulate.

Nationals of the following countries can submit an online application to enter Turkey.

Afghanistan Algeria Antigua and Barbuda Armenia
Australia Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados
Bermuda Bhutan Cape Verde Cambodia
China Cyprus Dominican Republic Egypt
Equatorial Guinea Fiji Grenada Hong Kong
India Jamaica Maldives Mauritius
Mexico Nepal Pakistan Philippines
Senegal Solomon Islands Saint Lucia Saint Vincent
South Africa Sri Lanka Suriname Taiwan
Vanuatu Vietnam

Please note that the e-Visa application process is only available to nationals of the listed countries. All applicants must meet the required criteria and submit accurate documentation to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

Pursuant to the regulations of the Republic of Turkey, citizens of the following countries are eligible to submit online applications for mulitple entry electronic visa (e-Visa) to enter Turkey:

Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Australia
Bahamas Barbados Bermuda
Cambodia China Dominican Rep.
Fiji Grenada Hong Kong
Jamaica Mauritius Maldives
Saint Lucia Saint Vincent South Africa
Taiwan Dominica Haiti

Citizens of this country are required to travel on airlines that have signed agreements with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Approved airlines include Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, among others. Compliance with this protocol is mandatory for those applying for a Turkey e-Visa under this condition.

  • Cape Verde
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Senegal
  • Vietnam

Citizens of this country who meet the specified entry requirements may obtain a visa on arrival upon entering Turkey. This visa option allows eligible travelers to complete the visa process at the airport or point of entry, without prior application, provided that all conditions are satisfied for entry.

Eligible Countries with Visa on Arrival Facility
Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Australia
Bahamas Barbados Bermuda
Cyprus Dominican Republic Grenada
Hong Kong Jamaica Maldives
Mauritius Mexico Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent South Africa

Citizens of this country are required to provide a supporting document to apply for the Turkey e-Visa. This document must either be a valid residence permit or a visa from one of the following regions: the Schengen Area, United States, United Kingdom, or Ireland. These supporting documents are necessary to ensure eligibility for the e-Visa and must be presented during the application process. Travelers should ensure that their documents meet the validity requirements for a successful visa application to Turkey.

Countries Eligible for e-Visa

Afghanistan Algeria Bangladesh
Bhutan Cape Verde India
Nepal Pakistan Philippines
Solomon Islands Sri Lanka Vanuatu
Egypt Equatorial Guinea Senegal
Vietnam

Citizens traveling to Turkey from certain countries are required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. This mandatory health requirement aims to prevent the spread of the disease. Travelers must ensure they receive the vaccine at least 10 days prior to their arrival in Turkey to comply with entry regulations and safeguard public health.

Countries Requiring Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Angola Benin Botswana
Burkina Faso Burundi Central Afr. Rep.
Congo DR Cote d’Ivoire Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon
Gambia Ghana Guinea-Bissau
Guinea Liberia Mali
Mauritania Niger Nigeria
Rwanda Sao Tome Senegal
Sierra Leone Sudan Suriname
Swaziland Uganda Zambia
Zimbabwe
Steps for Applying Turkey Transit eVisa

Steps to Apply for Turkey Transit Visa

Step 1. Check Eligibility

First, confirm whether you need a transit visa by visiting the Eligible Countries list.

Step 2. Gather Required Documents

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
  • Flight Itinerary: Proof of onward travel, including your confirmed flight to your final destination.
  • Visa for Final Destination: If applicable, you will need to provide a visa for your final destination country.

Step 3. Fill Out the Online Application Form

Visit the Turkey eVisa Application System or apply through a Turkish consulate for your transit visa. Complete the form with your personal details and travel itinerary.

Step 4. Pay the Visa Fee

The Turkey Transit Visa fee varies depending on your nationality. You can pay the fee online during the application process.

Step 5. Receive Your Transit Visa

Once approved, your transit visa will be sent to you via email. Make sure to print a copy to present upon arrival in Turkey.

Requirements for the Turkey Transit Visa

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity.
  • Flight Itinerary: Confirmed travel details including your onward flight to a third country.
  • Visa for Final Destination: If required, a valid visa for your destination country.

Important Information About the Turkey Transit Visa

Travelers using the Turkey Transit Visa can stay in Turkey for the short duration of their layover. However, it is essential to note that leaving the airport without this visa can result in entry refusal. The transit visa does not allow long-term stays or any activities beyond transit purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey Transit Visa

1. Do I need a transit visa if I’m not leaving the airport?

No, travelers who remain within the airport's international transit area do not require a transit visa. However, if you leave the airport, a transit visa is necessary.

2. How long is the Turkey Transit Visa valid?

The Turkey Transit Visa is typically valid for the duration of your layover, and it allows single or double entries, depending on your itinerary.

3. How much does the Turkey Transit Visa cost?

The fee for the Turkey Transit Visa depends on your nationality. Check the visa fee list for exact amounts.

4. What if my transit visa is denied?

If your transit visa application is denied, you can reapply or contact the nearest Turkish consulate for further assistance.