Istanbul layover - visa for Egyptian to leave the airport?
I am Egyptian, and I have a German student visa (not a Schengen visa) which will be valid from the 28th of August. On my way to Germany I will have a 15-hour layover in Istanbul.
Is it possible for me to get into Istanbul during the layover hours? Do I need a Turkish visa to do so? And if some friends want to meet during the layover hours, can we meet within the airport borders if its not possible to get to Istanbul?
Best Answer
Here is the official info from the Turkish ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Egypt: Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr, provided that they have a valid Schengen or OECD visa or residence permit and that they travel to Turkey with Turkish Airlines or Egypt Air. Besides, those ordinary passport holders who are under 20 or over 45 years old may get their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr.
Since having a visa is required to enter the country, you most likely won't be able to meet your friends without one.
On the other hand, “Schengen or OECD visa or residence permit” sounds very broad (i.e. not limited to Schengen type C visa but could also cover a type D visa like yours, which is essentially a form of residence permit) so if you are travelling with Turkish Airlines or Egypt Air, you might be able to get an e-visa easily. I am not familiar with Turkish law and I am not sure if Turkish authorities do accept German student visas for this in practice but it seems worth a try.
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Do I need a visa if I have a layover in Istanbul?
Do I need to get transit visa? Answer: 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.Can I leave the airport during a layover in Istanbul?
If you leave the airport, you will need an e-Visa. It's a quick and easy online process, which involves filling out this online application, paying the $50 fee (for US citizens), and printing your confirmed e-visa, and Be sure to apply at least 48 hours before the departure time from your original destination.Does Turkish Airlines require transit visa?
All passengers who transit through Turkey are required to carry applicable visa/documentation for the destination country. However, ff passengers do not intend to leave the airport during their transit, they do not need a transit visa.Can Egyptians get visa on arrival in Turkey?
Do Egyptian passport holders need a visa to go to Turkey? YES, ever since 2013 all travelers entering Turkey are required to apply for an eVisa. This process is very, all you have to do is fill out our online application form.How to get a free hotel from Turkish Airlines in a layover in Istanbul
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