Can I Get a Visa at Istanbul Airport?
A visa (from the Latin charta visa, meaning “paper that has been seen”) is a conditional authorization granted by a polity to a foreigner that allows them to enter, remain within, or leave its territory.
A visa is generally a paper document that includes the details of the visit, such as the duration of the stay, areas to be visited and number of permitted visits. It also may include rules about the duration of entry and exit from a country and if the visitor is allowed to work in that country.
What is a visa?
A visa is a document that allows foreigners to enter and leave a country. It can be issued in various forms, including e-visas, visas on arrival, or a sticker visa. It is important to understand what types of visas are available, how they work, and the requirements for obtaining them.
A tourist visa is a document that allows foreigners who are visiting Turkey for tourism purposes to enter and exit the country. This type of visa is usually issued for a period of 90 days. If you plan on staying in the country for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a longer-term visa or a residency permit from Turkish authorities before your visit expires.
To get a tourist visa, you must be a citizen of an eligible country. This list is not comprehensive, but you can check with the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy to find out if your country is eligible for a visa.
Applicants must submit their visa requests through the Turkish Consulate accompanied with an official letter of admission. The letter must indicate their purpose of travel and the length of time that they intend to stay in Turkey.
You must have a valid passport to get a Turkish visa. Passports must have a minimum of six months remaining validity at the time of your arrival. You’ll also need a photo.
If you are traveling to Turkey with a group, you will need to apply for a Group visa. The application process is simple and takes only a few minutes.
The main advantage of applying for a group visa is that you will not need to provide a host in Turkey. This is especially useful if you will be travelling with a large group or traveling for extended periods.
You will also need a valid airline ticket for your flight from your home country to Turkey. You will need a proof of accommodation in Turkey as well, such as a hotel booking or an invitation from your host.
You will also need to provide a police clearance certificate, which will demonstrate that you have been free from criminal activity in recent years. It’s recommended that you bring these documents with you to the airport when you are applying for your visa.
How do I get a visa?
A tourist visa is required to enter the Republic of Turkey. The visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You can get a visa in advance online through the Turkish government’s e-visa system. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get a visa, though it’s worth noting that you’ll need to be in Turkey before you can purchase the e-visa.
Alternatively, you can also apply for a visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country. This requires a bit more effort, so it’s best to start the process one month before your trip.
Another option is to use the visa on arrival service at Istanbul Airport. This is a sticker visa that’s applied directly to your passport. It costs 30USD/25EUR/20GBP and can be paid in cash only.
The visa on arrival fee is based on your nationality, so you should check the price before you decide to buy. You should also be aware that the price will fluctuate and can sometimes double in price.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have all your documents ready before applying for a visa on arrival at the airport. You’ll need a valid passport, an onward flight ticket, proof of accommodation and a police clearance certificate.
If you don’t have these documents, you could be denied entry to the country or risk a fine or detention. To avoid this, always carry your passport and travel documents with you when visiting Turkey.
Before you leave for your trip, be sure to check the latest visa regulations and entry restrictions in Turkey. The Covid-19 virus outbreak has made it harder for citizens of certain countries to enter Turkiye, so be sure to check with the official authorities in your country before you plan your visit.
You should also be aware of the risks associated with traveling in Turkiye, which include random ID checks and roadblocks. These can be especially common in larger cities and on intercity roads, so it’s important to cooperate with officials during these procedures.
Do I need a visa to leave the country?
The answer to this question depends on your passport type, the country you are travelling from and the purpose of your trip. Most EU, CIS and South American visitors do not need a visa to leave the country.
You can get an e-visa, which is valid for 90 days, online or on arrival at the airport. You can also apply for a transit visa at the embassy in your home country.
In Turkey, most tourist visas are issued for a period of 30 or 90 days depending on the nationality of the holder. If you want to stay longer than this, you can apply for a visa extension in the embassy of your host country.
Many countries offer an eVisa service, which is free for foreigners travelling on business or for tourism. The eVisa website allows you to complete an application in minutes, and then the eVisa will be sent to your email. You can then print the eVisa and bring it with you to the Turkish port of entry.
The Istanbul airport is a major hub for airlines, so there are lots of different flight options to choose from. Several international flights arrive and depart from the airport every day.
If you are traveling with children or elderly relatives, there is a special assistance desk at the airport to meet your needs. There are also resting spots and meeting hubs throughout the terminal.
A wheelchair is available to rent, and Braille signage is in place to assist the visually impaired. The terminal is fully accessible to all passengers, and was awarded the ACI “Accessible Airport” title in 2021.
You can exchange your own currency for Turkish liras at the automated currency exchange (doviz burosu) kiosks located after passport control in the Arrivals and Departures area of the International terminal. However, the rates here are very poor: you should exchange only enough liras to cover your transport and tipping costs until you can find an exchange office that offers better rates.
You can also book a taxi from the cab rank on the Arrivals floor, or at the Chauffeur Desk in the Arrivals hall. Taxis are available in all vehicle types and cost less than half a euro per ride, though it is advisable to pre-book your taxi ahead of time.
Do I need a visa to enter the country?
Istanbul is a major international hub with frequent daily flights from a variety of airlines to cities in Turkey and beyond. There are two main airports: New Istanbul airport on the European side of the city and Sabiha Gokcen airport in Kurtkoy on the Asian side.
The new Istanbul airport opened to passengers in November 2018. It is slated to become among the world’s biggest and busiest airports when it’s finished in 2021.
You can get a visa at the airport, but it is much easier to get one online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ excellent e-visa website. This is the preferred method for most travelers because it’s faster and cheaper than waiting in a queue at the airport.
In addition, the e-visa website has a map of the country’s embassies so you can easily find one near your destination. If you are planning to visit multiple countries, make sure to check if you will need a visa before you leave for your trip.
As with any Turkish airport, you will have to pass through a security check in both the international and domestic terminals before entering the secure areas. Be sure to take your passport with you, as you’ll need it to exit the airport and re-enter.
If you need to change money, there are plenty of automated teller machines (ATMs) and currency exchange offices located throughout the international terminal. However, you should be aware that the exchange rates are very poor.
There are also a few taxis and minibuses available at the airport. The minibuses are a convenient way to transport large groups from the airport to your hotel, but they can be expensive. If you need a ride to the city, Uber cars are another option.
You can also take the metro from the airport to Gayrettepe, a neighborhood in the city center. The line is scheduled to finish in 2020, but it can get very busy during weekends.
Istanbul is a big, bustling city with a variety of entertainment options. From high-end restaurants to noisy meyhanes to hole-in-the-wall kebab joints, you’ll find something for everyone. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, try a local’s favorite – raki, a licorice-flavored drink made from the anise plant.