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Are you planning a trip that routes through Istanbul’s massive aviation hub? A new regulation may drastically impact your travel plans. Beginning April 15th, 2024, Turkey will require airport transit visas for passengers making connections from 10 specific nations. 

The Turkish government says this move is meant to crack down on irregular migration through its territory. As an international transit hub Istanbul Airport is one of the world’s busiest. It has become a key transitway for migrants attempting to reach destinations like North America by unconventional routes.

Under the new rules, travellers passing through Istanbul’s terminals en route to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, or Venezuela will need electronic visas if their journey originated in India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Somalia, Cameroon, Mauritania, or Yemen. Failure to obtain the proper documentation could mean being denied boarding or entry.

“We’ve seen a disturbing rise in people exploiting air routes through Turkey to bypass normal immigration channels,” explains Serkan Aydin, a senior aviation official. “These transit visas allow us to properly inspect those engaging in irregular migration patterns.”  

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The visas are required solely for passengers transiting through Istanbul’s terminals, not those terminating their journeys in Turkey itself. However, the process introduces an additional layer of pre-travel authorization. This development could complicate vacation itineraries and business trips alike.

Transit visas must be requested a minimum of 3 business days prior to travel through the new e-Visa system. Tight transit connections may also be impacted by increased inspection procedures.

Travellers should review their routing and documentation carefully or risk being denied boarding at their point of origin. With millions traversing Istanbul’s concourses yearly, this security measure promises a tightening of migration flows through this vital global crossroads.