Is Turkish visa needed to visit North Cyprus

[waarigeo]

I am flying to Ercan from Manchester by Turkish Airlines which involves a stop over in Istanbul. Do I need to have a Turkish visa? I lived in TRNC for 4 years with four residency stamps in my passport....last one 2011.

Also when returning to UK from Ercan will I be allowed to take duty free spirits bought at Ercan through security at Istanbul when changing flights?

Thanks.

[come_on_aylin]

In answer to your first question - if you are leaving the airport in Istanbul you will need a visa, if you are just changing planes then you can go through transit and don't need a visa. You can now buy a visa online by using the following link http://www.evisa.gov.tr - it's fairly straightforward and saves queuing for a visa at the airport.

Will leave it to someone else to answer your second question because people seem to have had different experiences.

[waarigeo]

Thanks come_on_aylin. That's one question answered as I shall not be leaving the airport.

[Grockle]

I've bought water in the TRNC, knowing I was going through transit at Istanbul.
Upon arrival, the transit security guard told me to put the bottle in the bin.
When I complained and pointed out that I was going through transit she allowed it, but made me drink a sip.

So, short answer, no, I wouldn't risk it.

[journey1]

I always just ask at Ercan for them to put my duty free in a sealed 'in transit' bag with the receipt inside and I have not had a problem with it going through Istanbul at the security for my next flight as a transit passenger.

[woodspeckie]

Liquids must be no more than 1 litre, sealed at the point of purchase in a transparent bag and receipt and carried as cabin luggage. This applies to duty free bought outside European and USA countries according to Turkish Airlines information on cabin luggage.

[Hippocampus]

You only need a visa if you are changing airlines. The transit service is poor depending on which airline you are transferring to. AtlasJet will not collect your bags, you have to buy a visa, fetch them yourself and then check them in. It's a different matter if you are Business Class with national airlines for the onward flight, they will do it for you.

[waarigeo]

Flying Turkish Airlines all the way.

[Hippocampus]

Then absolutely no problem and no visa required. Have a good trip.

[waarigeo]

Thanks Hippocampus and all others who have replied. Much appreciated.