I wasn't allowed to check in for my flight because I didn't have a Turkish transit visa
I was going to Dubai, with a transit in Istanbul. I was to land in Atatürk International Airport and, on the same day, fly from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Both flights were on Turkish Airlines.
When I got to Murtala International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, they refused to check me in, saying that I didn't have a Turkish transit visa.
Right now, I'm at home, and confused; I don't know what to do. I'm a Nigerian and bought my ticket through an agent.
Is there anything I can do now? And how to avoid such situation in the future?
Best Answer
You do need a Turkish visa because you are changing airports and will not remain airside. Check-in staff was right.
If your ticket had your transit on one single airport you wouldn't need one but with the current itinerary you do need it.
I don't know what to do
Solution: Get your agent to change the ticket so your connection is on a single airport, for example Ataturk International. It will cost more but it will be easier than getting a transit visa quickly.
Transit - Turkey (TR)
Visa
Visa required.
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport and have documents required for the next destination.
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Does Turkish Airlines require transit visa?
If you are planning to use Turkey as a transit to reach your destination country, and you have to pass through the immigration or stay in Turkey overnight, then you may need a visa. All those who need a visa to enter Turkey for tourism and the other purposes of entry need a visa for transit purposes as well.Can I travel to Turkey with ID card?
Travel to Turkey with your identity card (ID card) Then you can also travel with your ID card and you don't need to possess a valid passport. You are, however, required to adhere to the remaining Turkey visa requirements.Is transit allowed in Istanbul?
Indian nationals may please note that a valid visa for Turkey is required for transfer between Ataturk Airport, Istanbul and Sabiha G\xf6k\xe7en Airport, Istanbul during transit at Istanbul. Without a valid Turkish visa, travel from one airport to the other airport within Istanbul is not permitted.Does Turkish airline require OK to board?
The government of Turkey and TRNC have introduced an \u201cOk To Board\u201d or e-visa system which is an alternative to the conventional student visa for Turkey and transit visas for TRNC.It Wasn't Me
More answers regarding i wasn't allowed to check in for my flight because I didn't have a Turkish transit visa
Answer 2
The question of responsibility for visas crops up from time to time here, and I don't think we can be clearer than Greg Hewgill is in the accepted answer:
In general, it is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that they obtain any required visa(s) before commencing travel.
We have a question here about the need for a Turkish transit visa, and it is clear that you do. As the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website says:
If you will not leave the transit lounge at the airport you are not required to have transit visa. Otherwise, you have to make visa application to the nearest Turkish Representation.
Given that you're changing airports in Istanbul, it's clear that you needed a visa, and it's clear that it was your responsibility to know this. You might want to go and grumble at your agent for not keeping you informed, but I'm afraid that the airline were quite right not to allow you to check in.
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