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4 ways to enter

Türkiye visas

Türkiye transit visa

Many travellers can change flights without a visa if they stay in the international transit area. Some passport and destination combinations still require an airport transit visa.

Ways to get a Türkiye transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who meet the one-airport, international-transit-area and time conditions, unless a special destination rule requires a visa.

    Stay
    Less than one day.

  2. Single or double transit visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a transit visa for their route.

    Entries
    Single or double transit.
    1. Choose the transit visa that matches your route.
    2. Obtain the appropriate visa before travel from a Turkish diplomatic mission.

  3. Double airport transit visa for Northern Cyprus

    Visa needed

    Citizens of the listed countries need a double airport transit visa when travelling through any Turkish airport to Northern Cyprus.

    Entries
    Double airport transit.
    1. Identify the Turkish diplomatic mission responsible for where you live.
    2. Obtain the double airport transit visa there before travel.

Who needs it

Travellers who need a visa to enter Turkey also need one to leave the international transit area. Some also need a visa while staying inside that area.

Who doesn't

In general, passengers changing flights at one airport can transit without a visa if they remain in the international transit area for less than one day and no special destination rule applies.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
All travellers who need a visa to enter Turkey must have a visa for transit that involves entering the country.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Stay for strictly less than 24 hours, use one airport, and transfer without leaving the international transit area. Special rules apply to listed nationalities travelling to Northern Cyprus, Mexico, Panama, Colombia or Venezuela.

Good to know

  • Your connecting flight and the airport layout must allow the transfer without leaving the international transit area.
  • The 24-hour figure is a strict upper boundary: the stay must be shorter than one day.
  • Permission to change flights inside the airport does not give permission to enter Turkey.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Türkiye?

Travellers who need a visa to enter Turkey also need one to leave the international transit area. Some also need a visa while staying inside that area. In general, passengers changing flights at one airport can transit without a visa if they remain in the international transit area for less than one day and no special destination rule applies.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Türkiye?

There are 4 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Single or double transit visa (a visa from an embassy); Double airport transit visa for Northern Cyprus (a visa from an embassy); Electronic airport transit visa for selected destinations (an online visa).

Can I apply online for Türkiye?

Yes: Electronic airport transit visa for selected destinations. Citizens of the listed countries need an airport transit visa when travelling through any Turkish airport to Mexico, Panama, Colombia or Venezuela.

How long can I stay on a Türkiye transit visa?

Less than one day for the general transit-without-visa permission.

How long can I stay in transit in Türkiye?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Stay for strictly less than 24 hours, use one airport, and transfer without leaving the international transit area. Special rules apply to listed nationalities travelling to Northern Cyprus, Mexico, Panama, Colombia or Venezuela.

Can I stay inside the airport in Türkiye without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: All travellers who need a visa to enter Turkey must have a visa for transit that involves entering the country.

What rules do I have to follow on a Türkiye transit visa?

Your connecting flight and the airport layout must allow the transfer without leaving the international transit area.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Türkiye?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Türkiye visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Türkiye be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Türkiye transit visa rules?

On Türkiye's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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