Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

We are flying from Edinburgh to Ercan via Istanbul at the end of March.

Could someone that knows this route confirm we don't need a visa?

regards and thanks

frugal

Have travelled that route many times and confirm that there is no need for a visa at Istanbul.

My thoughts exactly BUT flying with TK LHR/IST/ECN in September any TK tel us we do need a visa as there is no transit lounge at IST. I cannot see why you would need one as long as you stay airside and do not land yourself.

Kath, short while ago I was coming through IST 4 times a month and frequently got that message. It is wrong and I just ignored it.

Thanks. Will do

I checked with a Turkish Airlines agent and he said the message is a blip on the new (well not so new now) website . One that they have not been able yet to rectify. No visa needed for transit passengers.

A moment please. Should there be delays from the departing airport, or in transit or on docking which means you miss your connecting flight, you will need to contact the TA desk for re-booking. You will then have to pass through immigration to get to the TA hotel booking desk within the ATK concourse. At immigration you DO require a visa, so if you do not have one, you'll be sent to the visa desk to purchase one. I flew from BHX last year. Flight delayed by one hour, further delay at ATK due to docking gate slot not now available equalled missed ECN connection at 2330. Used the TA system, but fortunately had a current visa for Turkey from a previous visit. Got to the hotel at 0400, and back on the bus at 0530 for a 0600 book in. My point - delays may involve the need for a visa in some circumstances.

A good point tomsteel, can Visas be purchased 'on the spot' if circumstances so dictate?

Is it possible to stay in the transit area if flight was missed instead of going to hotel for such a small period of time.

KC, yes. There is a specific desk. Mr C. I am unsure how you would get to your new gate. Suggest you ask TA for their opinion.

Honestly you don’t need one. I have been doing it from Edinburgh since it started sometime 5 times a year. If you get delayed and they put you up in a hotel then you go through passport control you will need to purchase a visa. It’s so straight foreward and simple. Have fun

thanks all

frugal