Istanbul Airport Transit Visa 2026
Türkiye offers e-Visa for most nationals. Airside transit is visa-free.
Airside transit zone at Istanbul Airport
IST has a large airside transit area with Turkish Airlines TouristIstanbul free tour available for long layovers.
Usually need a transit visa
- • To enter Türkiye from airport: any nationality not on visa-free list needs e-Visa or embassy visa
Usually exempt
- • Airside transit: all nationalities visa-free
- • e-Visa: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Indian passport holders with valid Schengen/US/UK/Ireland visa, most others
- • Visa-free entry (up to 90 days): most EU citizens, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina
Visa types + cost
Airside transit
Duration
Length of layover
Price
Free
Process
None
e-Visa
Duration
30 or 90 days (multiple entry usually)
Price
$60 for most (US/UK/Canada); some free
Process
Apply online at evisa.gov.tr — instant approval for eligible nationalities
Real scenarios
Scenario 1
US citizen 8-hour IST layover — free TouristIstanbul tour
Book at TK counter airside; no visa needed for tour + return
Scenario 2
Indian citizen airside IST transit 4 hours
No visa needed
Scenario 3
Indian citizen wants to leave IST for 24 hours
e-Visa required — apply at evisa.gov.tr, instant approval if holding valid Schengen/US visa
Official source
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.
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