IST Turnaround
#1
Original Poster


Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: Lowly BA Blue. One of the original easyJet Flight Club members and still am.
Posts: 4,319
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
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
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London & White River, South Africa
Posts: 24,625
The visa is 10 - payable in English notes (none of the Scottish funny money please
).
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.
). 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.
#4
Original Poster


Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: Lowly BA Blue. One of the original easyJet Flight Club members and still am.
Posts: 4,319
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?
------------------
Gaza's oneworld & Star Alliance Round the World Information Pages - www.rtw-info.co.uk
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Gaza's oneworld & Star Alliance Round the World Information Pages - www.rtw-info.co.uk
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London & White River, South Africa
Posts: 24,625
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.
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.
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,729
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. ^^
#7

Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Cairo
Programs: Hyatt: Diamond; SPG: Gold; UA Platinum; BA Silver; EK Silver
Posts: 244
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.
#8
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Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 16,676
Originally Posted by BoSoxinBkk
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...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

