Turkey mandates e-ATV requirement for Indians travelling to South America via Istanbul

As per the latest development, the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi recently announced a significant update regarding travel procedures for Indian and Nepalese passport holders transiting through Istanbul Airport to Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. As per the reports, effective April 15, 2024, Turkish authorities have made it mandatory for all those travelling via Istanbul Airport to the said places to carry Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV).

As of April 15, 2024, Indian and Nepalese passport holders travelling to specific South American countries need an Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV) if they have a layover at Istanbul Airport.

The e-ATV requirement applies to those traveling to:

  • Mexico
  • Panama
  • Colombia
  • Venezuela

Read More About : Turkey mandates e-ATV requirement for Indians travelling to South America via Istanbul
In an official statement posted on X, the Türkiye Embassy conveyed the initiation of this requirement, emphasising its applicability to Indian and Nepalese nationals. To obtain the e-ATV, individuals falling under this category can check the website ‘evisa.gov.tr’ from the aforementioned date, with the service offered at no cost, aligning with existing protocols.

New Travel Requirement: Indian Travelers to South America via Istanbul Now Need e-ATV

Indian passport holders traveling to South America with a layover in Istanbul Airport will need to obtain an Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV) starting April 15, 2024. This new regulation applies to those traveling onwards to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela.

The announcement came from the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi. They clarified that this e-ATV is easily obtainable online through the Turkish government’s website, evisa.gov.tr, and is provided free of charge.

Why the New Requirement?

The reasons behind the implementation of the e-ATV are not explicitly stated in the announcement. However, it likely streamlines the transit process for both travelers and Turkish authorities. An e-ATV allows for pre-screening and ensures travelers meet basic entry requirements before arriving in Istanbul.

What to Do if You’re Affected

If you’re an Indian citizen flying to South America with a connecting flight through Istanbul Airport, be sure to apply for the e-ATV before your departure. The application process is expected to be straightforward on the official website.

Planning a Trip? Stay Informed

This new regulation is a reminder to always check visa requirements before any international travel. It’s a good idea to visit the embassy or consulate website of your destination country, as well as any transit countries, for the most current information.

Turkey mandates e-ATV requirement for Indians travelling to South America via Istanbul
Turkey mandates e-ATV requirement for Indians travelling to South America via Istanbul

Furthermore, the embassy stressed the necessity for affected passengers to carry a hard copy of their e-ATVs during their journey. Airlines and service providers at departure airports are mandated to verify these documents in accordance with international aviation regulations. Additionally, Turkish authorities stationed at the visa checkpoints in the transit passenger arrival area of Istanbul Airport will conduct further inspections.

This measure aims to streamline transit processes and uphold international aviation standards. Travellers subject to this requirement are urged to proactively secure their e-ATVs through the designated portal and adhere to the outlined guidelines by carrying the print-out throughout their travel. This proactive approach ensures compliance and facilitates smoother transit experiences for affected Indian and Nepalese passport holders.

If reports are to go by, Türkiye is ramping up its efforts to regulate irregular migration. This recent development reflects the country’s position as a crucial transit and destination point within global migration dynamics. In light of the increasing influx of irregular migrants utilising air routes via Türkiye from diverse regions such as the Middle East and Latin America to reach North America, enhanced inspection measures are being enforced in accordance with international aviation protocols.

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Turkish authorities have confirmed the completion of the electronic application process for airport transit visas by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travellers can now acquire these visas at no cost through the ministry’s website. To initiate the e-Visa application, passengers are required to provide precise personal information, residential addresses, and ticket numbers.

For further details please contact TourJunket (DMC for Bali, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand) at +91-9205024266 or mail us at info@tourjunket.com