IST Turnaround
 

Lots has been written on these boards about the IST turnaround to maximise Miles but I can't find any threads giving peoples experiences of doing the same day turnaround. I am planning either a same day or overnight turnaround sometime in the next few weeks. Is it possible to stay airside and avoid customs and immigration and having to get a Visa? If not, how much is the Visa for UK Passpost holders and what currency does it have to be paid in?

If I do an overnight are there any reasonable hotels nearby or is it worth heading in to Central Istanbul?

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Gaza's oneworld & Star Alliance Round the World Information Pages - www.rtw-info.co.uk

The visa is £10 - payable in English notes (none of the Scottish funny money please http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ).

If you were doing a sameday turnaround and use the BA self service check in machines, you could get outbound and return BP's at the same time, cutting out one hassle. Given that THY use the airport as a hub, there are international to international transfer facilities avoiding immigration (not used them myself, a colleague has).

If you want to stay overnight, the Renaissance Polat is a hotel option - about 4kn away. It's not bad in a 4* airport hotel way.

Istanbul is a fab city - it would be such a waste to do a turn around.

Stephen

Managed to set up a trip for this Saturday and Sunday. Flying out on BA676 and back on BA675. This gives me around 24 hours to spend in Instanbul. Any suggestions as to good value hotels near the main attractions? How easy is it to get to/from the Airport?

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Gaza's oneworld & Star Alliance Round the World Information Pages - www.rtw-info.co.uk

The last time i was in IST on pleasure I stayed at the Empress Zoe. I really liked the place and it's very central - and no more than 30 mins from the airport.

www.emzoe.com.

If you there (or anywhere else) it's best to get them to pick you up. The taxi drivers can be sharks, and the number of zero's gives too much scope for them to rip you off.

There are also the major chain options i.e Hilton - worth a look for any specials.

I'll confess to a little bit of cross-posting, but I didn't know if it has been widely reported-- Visa for U.S. visitors to Turkey is now $20 reduced from $100, I'm going at the end of the month. ^^

Do they issues multiple entry visas on arrival at IST? I will be transiting through IST frequently over the next few months and it would be good to get in to town during my 17 hour transits.

http://www.turkishembassy.org/consul...ices/visas.htm
http://www.turkishembassy.org/consul...orms/index.htm
These threads also have some helpful info:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ht=turkey+visa
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ht=turkey+visa
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ht=turkey+visa