Transiting through airports can be a common occurrence for travelers, especially those with connecting flights. If you’re planning a trip that involves a layover in Istanbul, Turkey, you might be wondering whether you need a visa to transit through the city. In this post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about transit visas for Istanbul. (List of countries that enjoy free entry visa to Turkey available below (in alphabetical orders))
1. Direct Transit Without Leaving the Airport
If your layover in Istanbul involves staying within the international transit area of the airport and you do not plan to exit the airport or pass through Turkish immigration, you generally do not need a transit visa. This means you can stay in the airport while waiting for your connecting flight without obtaining a visa.
2. Check Visa Requirements
It’s essential to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality and travel circumstances before your trip to Istanbul. Visa requirements can vary depending on your country of citizenship, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your layover.
Here are the list of visa requirements and regulation to enter Turkey:
Afghanistan
Citizens holding Ordinary, Special, or Service passports are obliged to obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, holders of these passports possessing a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen member countries, the USA, UK, or Ireland can apply for a single-entry e-Visa, valid for one month, through the website www.evisa.gov.tr, subject to specific conditions. Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days.
Albania
- Diplomatic, consular, or international organization representatives appointed to Turkey are exempt from visa requirements for the duration of their assignments.
- Both official and ordinary passport holders can travel for tourism or transit purposes in Turkey for up to 90 days within a six-month period, starting from their first entry date, without needing a visa.
Algeria
- Holders of official passports can travel visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Algerian citizens holding ordinary passports and aged under 15 or over 65 are exempt from visa requirements for tourist visits lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Ordinary passport holders aged between 15 and 65 must obtain a visa.
- Algerian citizens holding ordinary passports aged between 15-18 and 35-65, with a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen member countries, the USA, UK, or Ireland, can apply for one-month single-entry e-Visas through the website www.evisa.gov.tr.
Andorra: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Angola: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, diplomatic and service passport holders from Angola are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Antigua-Barbuda: Visa requirements apply to both ordinary and official passport holders. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr or upon arrival at Turkish ports of entry. Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Argentina: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Armenia: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain one-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Australia: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Austria: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Azerbaijan: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Bahamas: Visa requirements apply to ordinary passport holders, who can obtain three-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Bahrain: Visa requirements apply to official passport holders. Bahraini citizens holding official passports can obtain visas for up to 15 days at border crossings. However, ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Bangladesh: Diplomatic and official/service passport holders from Bangladesh are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa. Those with a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen member countries, the USA, UK, or Ireland can apply for single-entry e-Visas valid for one month via www.evisa.gov.tr, subject to certain conditions.
Barbados: Visa requirements apply to ordinary passport holders, who can obtain three-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempt from visas for travel up to 90 days.
Belarus: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 30 days, with a total period of stay not exceeding 90 days within one year.
Belgium: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Belize: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Benin: Visa requirements apply to ordinary, special, and service passport holders. However, diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visas for travel up to 90 days.
Bhutan: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain 15-day visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.
Bolivia: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
Botswana: Visa requirements apply to both ordinary and official passport holders.
Brazil: Both official and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days.
Brunei: Diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visas for transit and stays of up to 30 days in Turkey.
Bulgaria: Identity card and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 30 days.
Burkina Faso: Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders must obtain visas to enter Turkey.
Burundi: Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Special, service, and ordinary passport holders must obtain visas to enter Turkey.
Cambodia: Official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders must obtain visas to enter Turkey.
Cameroon: Holders of official passports (Diplomatic, Service, and Special) and members of official delegations are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days in Turkey, starting from the first entry date. Official passport holders not part of official delegations must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders are required to obtain a visa.
Canada: Visa requirements apply to official passport holders, while ordinary passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Cape Verde: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, ordinary passport holders with a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen member countries, the USA, UK, or Ireland can apply for 30-day single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr, subject to certain conditions.
Central African Republic: Both ordinary and official passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Chad: Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Chile: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days.
People’s Republic of China: Official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa, which can be obtained as a 30-day single-entry e-Visa via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Colombia: Colombian nationals holding diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days.
Comoros: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Costa Rica: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 30 days.
Cote d’Ivoire: Official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days, while ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Croatia: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Cuba: Visa requirements apply to ordinary passport holders, while official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days.
Czech Republic: Both official and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Ordinary and service passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Denmark: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Djibouti: Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 6 months from the first entry date. Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Dominica: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Dominican Republic: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr or upon arrival at Turkish ports of entry.
East Timor: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. East Timor citizens can obtain 30-day single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Ecuador: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Egypt: Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa, which can be obtained as a 30-day single-entry e-Visa via www.evisa.gov.tr. Certain age groups may also apply for e-Visas through the website.
El Salvador: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Equatorial Guinea: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, those with a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen member countries, the USA, UK, or Ireland can apply for 30-day single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Diplomatic, official, and service passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Eritrea: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Estonia: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 6 months from the first entry date.
Eswatini: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Ethiopia: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa.
Fiji: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. They can obtain one-month single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr or 90-day multiple-entry visas from Turkish missions. Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Finland: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days from the first entry date.
France: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Gabon: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey, while diplomatic, service, and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Gambia: Ordinary, special, and service passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Georgia: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Germany: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Ghana: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Greece: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Grenada: Visa requirements apply to ordinary passport holders, who can obtain three-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempt from visas for travels of up to 90 days.
Guatemala: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Guinea: Diplomatic passport holders from Guinea are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days, while official/service and ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Guinea-Bissau: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, diplomatic and official passport holders from Guinea-Bissau are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Guyana: Official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa, which can be obtained from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.
Greek Cypriot Administration: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. They can apply for 30-day single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Haiti: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Honduras: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC: Ordinary and official passport holders from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, holders of “British National Overseas Passport” require a visa and can obtain three-month multiple-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Holders of “Document of Identity for Visa Purposes-Hong Kong (D.I)” must obtain visas from Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad.
Hungary: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days from the date of first entry.
Iceland: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
India: Diplomatic passport holders from India are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, ordinary, special, and service passport holders must obtain a visa. Those with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit can apply for single-entry e-Visas valid for one month via www.evisa.gov.tr, subject to certain conditions.
Indonesia: Ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 30 days per entry, not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period. Diplomatic and official/service passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 30 days.
Iran: Both ordinary and official passport holders from Iran are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Iraq: Official passport holders from Iraq are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa. Those with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit can apply for single-entry e-Visas valid for one month via www.evisa.gov.tr, subject to certain conditions.
Ireland: Visa requirements do not apply to ordinary passport holders for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Israel: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Italy: Visa requirements do not apply to both ordinary and official passport holders for stays of up to 90 days.
Jamaica: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. They can apply for three-month multiple entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days.
Japan: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visas for stays of up to 90 days.
Jordan: Diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism and transit purposes for stays of up to 90 days within six months. Diplomatic and official passport holders appointed to diplomatic missions or international organizations accredited in Turkey are visa-exempt for the duration of their assignments. Certain categories of travelers, such as truck and bus drivers, crew members of civil transportation, are also exempt for up to 90 days within six months.
Kazakhstan: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Kenya: Diplomatic, official, service, and special passport holders from Kenya are visa-exempt for stays and transit of up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa.
Kiribati: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Kosovo: Diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders from Kosovo are visa-exempt for tourism and transit for up to 90 days within six months.
Kuwait: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within the last 180 days.
Kyrgyzstan: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Laos: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Ordinary and other official passport holders must obtain a visa.
Latvia: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
Lebanon: Official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism and transit for up to 90 days within six months. Certain categories, such as diplomatic and official passport holders, are exempt for the duration of their assignments.
Lesotho: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Liberia: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. Ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa.
Libya: Diplomatic and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any six months. Certain age groups of ordinary passport holders are exempt for tourism visits, while others require a visa.
Liechtenstein: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Lithuania: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
Luxembourg: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Macao Special Administration: Both ordinary and official passport holders from the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China are visa-exempt for trips lasting up to 30 days.
Madagascar: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Malawi: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Malaysia: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Maldives: Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 30 days, while ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa. They can apply for three-month multiple entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Mali: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, official/service and ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa.
Malta: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Marshall Islands: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Mauritania: Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa.
Mauritius: Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa. They can apply for one-month multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr or obtain three-month multiple-entry visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.
Mexico: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, ordinary and service/official passport holders must obtain a visa. They can obtain 90-day multiple-entry visas from Turkish missions abroad or apply for 30-day single-entry e-visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Micronesia: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Moldova: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days from the date of first entry.
Monaco: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Mongolia: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for tourism visits of up to 30 days to Turkey.
Montenegro: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within six months from the date of first entry.
Morocco: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Mozambique: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, diplomatic and service passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days from the date of first entry, provided their passport is valid for at least six months.
Myanmar (Burma): Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Namibia: Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa.
Nauru: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders can apply for 15-day visas at Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.
Nepal: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. Official passport holders can apply for one-month visas, while ordinary passport holders can apply for 15-day visas at Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad. Nepalese passport holders with valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visas or residence permits may apply for one-month single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr, subject to certain conditions.
Netherlands: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
New Zealand: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days.
Nicaragua: Both ordinary and official passport holders enjoy visa exemption for trips up to 90 days.
Niger: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey, while diplomatic and service passport holders from Niger are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Nigeria: Diplomatic passport holders from Nigeria are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days, but ordinary and official/service passport holders require visas for entry.
North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
North Macedonia: Diplomatic, service, and ordinary passport holders from North Macedonia are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days.
Northern Mariana Islands: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Norway: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Norwegian citizens can use their national identity cards with chips instead of passports for tourist trips to Turkey until December 31, 2022.
Oman: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Pakistan: Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days, while ordinary passport holders require visas for entry. However, ordinary passport holders with valid Schengen, USA, UK, Ireland visas, or residence permits can apply for one-month single entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Palau Republic: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Palestine: Ordinary passport holders from Palestine must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. However, those with valid Schengen, USA, UK, Ireland visas, or residence permits can apply for 30-day single-entry e-visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while holders of other official passports require visas for entry.
Panama: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within 180 days from the first entry date.
Papua New Guinea: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Paraguay: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within six months from the first entry date.
Peru: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within 180 days.
Philippines: Diplomatic and official/service passport holders from the Philippines are visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days, but ordinary passport holders require visas for entry. However, ordinary passport holders with valid Schengen, USA, UK, Ireland visas, or residence permits can apply for 30-day single-entry e-visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Poland: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Portugal: Both ordinary and official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Qatar: Diplomatic, service, special, and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for tourist trips and transit to/from Turkey for up to 90 days within six months from the first entry date.
Republic of Congo: Diplomatic passport holders from the Republic of Congo are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days, but official/service and ordinary passport holders require visas for entry.
Romania: Both official and ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for tourist trips up to 90 days within 180 days from the first entry date.
Russian Federation: Ordinary passport holders from the Russian Federation are visa-exempt for tourist and business trips up to 60 days. Service passport holders are visa-exempt for up to 30 days, not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. Diplomatic passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days.
Rwanda: Ordinary passport holders from Rwanda must obtain a visa to enter Turkey, while diplomatic and service passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
St. Christopher (St. Kitts) & Nevis: Diplomatic, official/service, and ordinary passport holders from St. Christopher (St. Kitts) & Nevis are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days.
St Lucia: Official passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days, while ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa for entry. They can apply for three-month multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr.
St Vincent and the Grenadines: Official passport holders can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days without a visa. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa, which they can acquire through the website www.evisa.gov.tr for a three-month multiple-entry e-Visa. Alternatively, they can obtain their visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad or upon arrival at Türkiye’s ports of entry.
San Marino: Both ordinary and official passport holders can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days without a visa.
Sao Tome and Principe: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Saudi Arabia: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Senegal: Senegalese nationals holding diplomatic passports can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days without a visa. However, official/service and ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa. Senegalese passport holders with valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visas or residence permits can apply for one-month single-entry e-visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Serbia: Diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders, as well as holders of travel documents, can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within six months from their first entry without a visa. Additionally, certain categories of travelers, such as those appointed to diplomatic or consular missions, are exempt from visa requirements for the duration of their assignments. Drivers and crew members engaged in international transport are also exempt for up to 90 days within six months from their first entry.
Seychelles: Seychellois nationals holding diplomatic, official, or ordinary passports can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days without a visa within any 180-day period.
Sierra Leone: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. However, diplomatic and service passport holders from Sierra Leone can stay for up to 90 days without a visa within any 180-day period.
Singapore: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Slovakia: Ordinary passport holders can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within 180 days from their first entry for tourism purposes without a visa. Official passport holders have the same privilege for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days from their first entry.
Slovenia: Ordinary passport holders can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within 180 days from their first entry for tourism purposes without a visa. Official passport holders can stay for up to 90 days within six months without a visa.
Solomon Islands: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain 15-day visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.
Somalia: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
South Africa: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three-month multiple-entry visas from Turkish representations abroad or one-month single-entry visas via www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Republic of Korea (South Korea): Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
South Sudan: Diplomatic passport holders can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. However, ordinary, service, and special passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Spain: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Sri Lanka: Both official and ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. Sri Lankan nationals with valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visas or residence permits can obtain one-month single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Sudan: Diplomatic passport holders can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. However, ordinary, service, and special passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Surinam: Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. Surinamese ordinary passport holders can obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Sweden: Both official and ordinary passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days from their first entry.
Switzerland: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Syria: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Taiwan: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain one-month single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr, subject to certain conditions.
Tajikistan: Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Service passport holders are exempt for up to 60 days within any 180-day period. Service passport holders appointed to diplomatic or consular missions and their family members are exempt for the duration of their assignments.
Tanzania: Tanzanian nationals holding diplomatic and service passports can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days without a visa. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa.
Thailand: Ordinary passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Togo: Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, ordinary and other types of official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Tonga: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Trinidad and Tobago: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Tunisia: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa.
Turkmenistan: Official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Türkiye. However, ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Tuvalu: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Uganda: Diplomatic passport holders can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days without a visa. However, ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Ukraine: Ukrainian nationals holding diplomatic and official/service passports are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are also exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Ukrainian nationals can use their valid biometric identity cards for direct travel from Ukraine to Türkiye.
United Arab Emirates: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
United Kingdom: Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders (British citizens) are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, service and special passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. UK passport holders with “British National Overseas”, “British Subject”, and “British Protected Person” nationality require a visa, which they can only obtain from Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad.
United States of America: Official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Uruguay: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Uzbekistan: Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, other types of official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Vanuatu: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain a 15-day visa from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.
Vatican: Both ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Venezuela: Ordinary passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within each six-month period. Official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Vietnam: Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. However, those with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit can obtain a one-month single-entry e-Visa via www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Western Samoa: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Yemen: Official passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye. However, those with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit can obtain a one-month single-entry e-Visa via www.evisa.gov.tr.
Zambia: Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
Zimbabwe: Both ordinary and official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Türkiye.
3. Applying for a Transit Visa
If you determine that you need a transit visa for Istanbul, you can typically apply for it through the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at Turkish embassies or consulates in your home country. Be sure to apply for the appropriate type of visa based on your travel plans and needs.
4. Plan Ahead
To avoid any issues or delays during your transit through Istanbul, it’s advisable to plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the visa requirements well in advance of your trip. This way, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free transit experience.
In conclusion, whether or not you need a visa to transit through Istanbul depends on your nationality, the length of your layover, and whether you plan to leave the airport during your transit. By understanding the visa requirements and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your layover in Istanbul and enjoy your travel experience to the fullest.
