Turkish single-entry visa stamped in transit by mistake. Can I still use it to enter Turkey?
I was intending to transit in Istanbul, going to Tbilisi for a week and then another week in Istanbul. I have visas for both countries. While I was in transit in Istanbul, I was directed to a wrong gate and the officer stamped my Turkish visa with an entrance stamp. When I realized that, and told him that I was transiting, he stamped my visa with an exit stamp. My Turkish visa is single entry only and I am now in Tbilisi.
Will I be able to enter Turkey as planned, or am I unable since I have both entrance and exit stamps on my visa?
Best Answer
Will I be able to enter Turkey as planned
No, definitely not as planned. You might be allowed to enter (I doubt it) but can expect at the very least to have to provide quite a lot of clarification. To be directed to the wrong gate is already very unusual, for you then to accept that misdirection makes the chance of being in a situation that happens quite often (for which there may be special procedures in place) extremely slight. Signs in IST are visible, of a high standard, and bilingual:
Image courtesy Mike at upgrd
or am I unable since I have both entrance and exit stamps on my visa?
Technically, you entered Turkey once the ink from the entry stamp hit your passport. That is your single entry used up, with or without an exit stamp. With an exit stamp on the same day showing the same location and stamp number may however help with any 'negotiation' required with a consulate.
Given the significance for you, I suggest you contact the Turkish Embassy in Tbilisi as soon as possible:
Telephone: 00 995 32 225 20 72 -73-74-75-76
I would appreciate it you would revert here in due course with the (hopefully happy!) outcome.
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Do I need a visa for Turkey if I am in transit?
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.Is transit visa stamped on passport?
Some transit visas must be issued in advance from the traveler's home country by the applicable consulate of that country. Other countries do not require a visa. For example, no transit visa is required if you have a valid US visa stamped in passport.Can you go to Turkey with a travel document?
You need to have a travel document (passport) valid for at least 6 (six) months from the date you intend to enter Turkey. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements. The fee depends on your nationality. You can apply here.Can you use a Turkish visa more than once?
Visa must be used for entry to Turkey within 6 months of approval or else will be considered expired. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry to Turkey. Visa can only be used for a single entry to Turkey. Applicant must have a valid hotel booking in Sultanate of Turkey.UPDATED Entry Requirements to Turkey as of MARCH 2022
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Images: Samson Katt, Samson Katt, Ono Kosuki, Tim Douglas