Transiting Istanbul Question
 

I'm planning a *A award trip for 2009. The plan is to book an open jaw award, flying to IST and returning from ATH. One of the return options is to fly TK from ATH, transiting IST on the way to ORD. Does the visa bought at IST allow multiple entries for a US citizen?

This question comes up because one of my return options I'm looking at from ATH is with TK. Due to currently published schedules, I would need to travel ATH-IST the evening prior to the flight departing IST. I'd need to stay at the airport hotel and assume I need to officially enter Turkey to do so.

I'm aware that there are other options but I'm interested in experiencing TK's transatlantic service. If I find a TK seat on the outbound, this question is void since I'll go with another *A partner. I'm trying to experience the C products I'll likely never try outside of awards.



This leads me to two questions that go together: Does that visa allow multiple entries for a US citizen?

If it does not, it raises this issue. Due to currently published schedules, I would have to fly ATH-IST the evening prior to departing IST. Is the

Answered my own question. I should know better - research before posting. I see that 51 rooms at the Ataturk airport hotel are airside specifically for international travelers. Excellent! :)

But would still like to know if I could enter Turkey on that visa a second time to grab some non-airport food.

But would still like to know if I could enter Turkey on that visa a second time to grab some non-airport food.[/QUOTE]

Visas on arrival in Turkey are single entry. No double-dipping on a single visa, even if you are only leaving security for a couple of hours. Visa in Turkey = tourist tax.

You can always get another transit visa on your way back through.

Last I was there, the visa was only about $15. I'd spring for the second one and go off-site for some real food.

Turkish visas are single-entry, so as expatinglasgow notes, you'd need an additional one to leave the airport to get some food. However, the price of the visa is only 20 bucks these days, which is not all that daunting if you really have time for a good lunch. There are nice waterside restaurants not far from the airport, so you don't have to go all the way into town.

I flew TK in C from JFK-IST about six years ago and it was OK, but nothing special. No flat bed seats, which for me at this point is a deal breaker.

P.S. Just noticed that you posted this in the Middle East forum. Be aware that Turks are quite sensitive about having their country (mis)classified as the Middle East. They are quite adamant that it is not.

No, the visa stickers are multiple entry, valid for one to three months, depending on nationality of passport, from first entry stamp.

when I was passing thru in April I was told it was closer to $40 for the Visa, I simply went up to the transit area and waited the 3 hrs

The visas that you get on arrival are multiple-entry, good for three months (assuming you have a U.S. passport).

My mistake! I should clarify my statement:

No double-dipping if you are sleep-deprived, jet-lagged, and you encounter an immigration officer who is more than happy to charge you again...:D