Turkish visa requirement?

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Tue 25 Aug 2015 5:08 pm

If flying from Ercan to the UK, changing planes at Istanbul (2Hr40m connection), with both flights being Turkish Airlines, is a Turkish visa required? Additionally, would my luggage be transferred by the airline, or would I collect and then hand it back?
Thanks in advance for any info.

Hippocampus · Post by **Hippocampus** » Tue 25 Aug 2015 5:22 pm

No visa required, as you will be "in transit". If both flights were made under the same booking, ie as connecting flights, your bags will be transferred automatically.

Even if the flights were made under separate bookings but with the same airline, they will book your bags straight through for you, and issue both boarding passes at Ercan so you will not need to get a visa, although I don't think they are obliged to do this.

Southern belle · Post by **Southern belle** » Tue 25 Aug 2015 5:25 pm

No, you don't need a visa as you are not leaving the airport. When you land, just follow the sign for International Transfers, be careful if you buy duty free liquids at Ercan airport, make sure it's in a sealed bag. Your luggage will automatically transfer to the second plane, so no need to collect. We have done this route several times flying to Manchester and Edinburgh with only an hour transfer time. Have a great flight!!

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Tue 25 Aug 2015 8:33 pm

Thanks to all; I thought I'd read similar to this when others may have asked, but I wanted to make sure - in the past I've always travelled both ways via Larnaca, but this time one direction is better via Ercan, and I didn't want to get caught out!