Starting April 15, 2024, travelers passing through Istanbul Airport en route to Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela from India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Somalia, Cameroon, Mauritania, and Yemen must obtain an electronic airport transit visa.
This new request comes as Türkiye strengthens its efforts to regulate irregular migration. The country, positioned as a transit and destination country in global migration patterns, has been actively engaged in combating irregular migration, VisaGuide.World reports.
In response to the growing number of irregular migrants using air routes via Türkiye from various countries in the Middle East and Latin America to reach North America, intensified inspections are being implemented following international aviation standards.
Turkish Airlines’ Warning & New Requirements for Travelers to South America
Turkish Airlines (THY) had previously warned passengers bound for South American destinations of the possibility of additional checks beyond standard passport and visa protocols.
The same source has confirmed the implementation of new control requirements for passengers traveling to Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela.
As a result, travelers heading to Venezuela were mandated to utilize Caracas Simon Bolivar Airport for entry into the country. Those with connecting flights must first enter Venezuela before continuing their journey.
In addition, passengers entering Venezuela are required to possess several documents, including a visa confirmation indicating the purpose of travel, evidence of paid accommodation for the entire duration of their stay, a return ticket, and a notarized invitation letter.
Free Online Process Through Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website
According to Turkish authorities, the implementation of the electronic application for airport transit visas by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been finalized. Travelers can obtain these visas free of charge through the ministry’s website. To apply for an e-Visa, passengers must accurately enter their details, residential address details and ticket numbers.
The Turkish government defines Türkiye e-Visa or Türkiye Visa Online as an electronic travel authorization allowing visits to Türkiye for up to 90 days.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport International Transit Passenger Hall, passengers subject to e-transit visas will have their visas verified at designated visa points located on both sides of the hall. Once verified, passengers can proceed through security to the departure level. This streamlined process aims to enhance security measures by facilitating smooth transit for travelers.
Passengers affected by the e-transit visa requirement must also carry printed copies of their visas during transit at Istanbul Airport.
Diplomatic sources have also confirmed that the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has completed all the necessary preparations to introduce the electronic application for the airport transit visa (e-HTV).
Airport transit visas fall under Chapter 24 on Justice, Freedom and Security in the European Union accession negotiations and serve as one of the criteria within the framework of the Visa Liberalization Dialogue with the EU.
