Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flying Turkish Airlines all the way.

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

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