New Visa Rules for Turkey

[JBA]

Turkey is abandoning the selling of visas on arrival. From the 10th April 2014 you will need to obtain a visa before you depart.

However, all nationalities who could buy on arrival can now buy online. The visa is US$20, multiple visit, 6 months validity - but only 90 days maximum for a single visit.

https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/what-is-e-visa

[Heather on the Hill]

Thanks for the info. JBA. Do you know how one gets a Visa if not willing to use online and/or credit card? Presumably it means a visit to the Turkish Embassy??

[JBA]

Sorry - I just don't know.

I am no expert in this - I just came across some info on the UKGov website, pursued it and thought fellow Kibkomers would be interested in what I found.

Incidentally, while searching KibKom to make sure this wasn't already posted, I came across some advice on another thread which said you don't need a visa unless you leave the airport. That is not true. You don't need a visa if you have checked in for your onward flight at the start of your journey and your luggage will be transferred for you - then you can use the transit desk. But if you are changing airlines and you have to collect your luggage to check in for the next flight then you will need to go through passport control and you will need a visa. Previously this wasn't important because you could just buy one there and then - now you can't.

[kaiserphil]

You can still obtain a visa at the airport, but this facility will cease on 10 April 2014.

[ifonly]

Looking at the FAQ on http://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info it says :

" I could get “sticker type of visa” at the airport. I don’t want to apply for e-Visa. Can I still get “sticker type of visa” at the airport?"
Reply
"Yes. The practice of “sticker type of visa” has not changed (until further notice). (Please note that citizens of China, Afghanistan and Taiwan cannot obtain “sticker type of visa’’ on arrival)"

Maybe it is that there is now an option to purchase the evisa - which is the change.

[JBA]

Currently you can buy a "sticker" visa at the airport - the e-visa isn't mandatory until 10 April 2014 according to:-

http://www.traveldailymedia.com/201770/ ... n-arrival/

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advic ... quirements

....although the Turkish government website says the e-visa is mandatory from 13th April 2013

http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information- ... ers.en.mfa

[kaiserphil]

Well, we have to apply for ours online soon, we shall see what happens.

[Marions]

The one piece of info that seems to be missing is what one does if landing at the airport (particularly in transit as I have been in the past) and does not have a e visaq. Where oh where doesone get one. Can anyone answer that?

[kaiserphil]

The one piece of info that seems to be missing is what one does if landing at the airport (particularly in transit as I have been in the past) and does not have a e visaq. Where oh where doesone get one. Can anyone answer that?

There used to be a visa office at Sabiah Gökcen just before immigration. Of course, when I got there the office was closed. I asked immigration officers where the occupant was, with lots of shrugs. Eventually, a female officer took pity on me and phoned someone, who turned up about 15 minutes later.

Not sure what happens there now, as last time I changed flights there, there was a "Transit Yolu", although the absence of a policeman to let people through meant that we made our onward flight by the skin of our teeth.

I dont know what happens at Ataturk.

[cyprusishome]

You do not need a visa if staying in Transit area. The security is very strict if travelling to EU countries and particularly UK.

If you are passing through immigration then you must have a valid visa. I would guess that in early days of new system there will need to be a back up system, maybe that will appear on web site closer the time of implementation.

[kaiserphil]

As far as I am aware David, it is already implemented, but visas at the airport are still available until 9 April.

At least, that's how I read it. We shall see when I apply on line shortly.

[Kavenkoy]

As I see it is now 20 US dollars ,around £13 today ,,,,,,,was ten pounds wasn't it

Kav