What is required to transit through Istanbul when I need to collect my luggage? [closed]

I am a Nigerian citizen and I traveled to Sofia through Istanbul for a business trip (Turkish Airlines). I have another booking from Istanbul to London.

How can I claim my luggage to check in for my flight to London? What will be required of me by Turkish authorities?

^{I will return from London back to istanbul on British Airways to continue my flight back to Nigeria with Turkish Airlines.}

Best Answer

Since you talk about "collecting luggage", I'm assuming you have separate bookings for Sofia to Istanbul and Istanbul to London. (If you had a single booking, you wouldn't need to collect luggage, it would be automatically forwarded in Istanbul and you could stay in the transit lounge.)

According to Turkish authorities:

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.

It sounds like you will have to leave the transit lounge in order to collect your luggage and check in to the new flight.

Nigerian citizens do need visas for Turkey. The source doesn't mention any exceptions for UK visa holders.

I have not found any information on where transit visas can be applied for for Turkey. All sites I have seen offer information only on tourist, business and e-visas.

The most convenient visa to get would perhaps be an e-visa.

There is a website to apply for e-visas for Turkey.

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Do I need to collect my luggage during transit?

If the same airline is giving you a connection, then you do not require to take your check- in baggage. It is called through check-in. The airline will transfer your baggage on its own. In case your connecting flight is on different airline, then yes you will have to collect your baggage and check in again on your own.

Do I have to go through security again for connecting flight in Istanbul?

In Turkey, as in most of the world, clearing immigration is not required for an international to international connection. The passenger can remain airside, and does not need to enter Turkey. HOWEVER, the transfer passenger may have to go through transfer security inspection.

Do you need a PCR test to transit through Istanbul?

Transit passengers are not required to submit a PCR test in Turkey however they are advised to review the flight restrictions applied by the destination country regarding the PCR test requirements, age limits and the duration.

Is transit visa required for connecting flights in Turkey?

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.

NEW ISTANBUL AIRPORT Terminal tour, how to transfer and complete transit guide

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