Turkey Requires e-ATV for Indian Travelers to South America via Istanbul

The Turkish Embassy in New Delhi has issued a significant update concerning travel procedures for Indian and Nepalese passport holders transiting through Istanbul Airport to select destinations in South America. Effective April 15, 2024, Turkish authorities have mandated the possession of an Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV) for travelers bound for Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela.

In an official statement released by the Türkiye Embassy, it was emphasized that this requirement specifically applies to Indian and Nepalese nationals. To acquire the e-ATV, eligible individuals can access the website ‘evisa.gov.tr’ starting from the mentioned date. Notably, this service comes at no cost, aligning with existing visa protocols.

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The embassy stressed the importance of travelers carrying a physical copy of their e-ATVs throughout their journey. Departure airlines and service providers are obligated to verify these documents in adherence to international aviation regulations. Additionally, Turkish authorities stationed at visa checkpoints in Istanbul Airport's transit passenger arrival area will conduct further inspections.

The implementation of this measure aims to streamline transit processes and uphold international aviation standards. Affected passengers are urged to proactively obtain their e-ATVs through the designated portal and strictly adhere to outlined guidelines to ensure smooth transit experiences.

This development underscores Türkiye's commitment to regulating irregular migration. As a vital transit and destination point within global migration dynamics, the country is intensifying inspection measures to address the influx of irregular migrants utilizing air routes via Türkiye to reach North America from regions such as the Middle East and Latin America.

Turkish authorities have confirmed the successful completion of the electronic application process for airport transit visas by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travelers can now acquire these visas at no cost through the ministry's website. The e-Visa application process necessitates accurate provision of personal information, residential addresses, and ticket details.