US /Turkey suspend visa issuance [now lifted]
#301
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I just got a confirmed appointment for mid-January in Boston. The online pre-application was a bit wonky to say the least (at least with Internet Explorer... with Firefox it was a complete disaster). Hopefully they will be forgiving if some of my information didn't go through correctly.
Incidentally, no issues with my passport today, it was picked up by a friend of mine and is being mailed to me now with the Visa in it.
#302
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: TK M&S, LH MM, Global Entry, Hertz Gold, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,087
It's wonky indeed. I'm self employed so I had no idea what to put under proof of income (I screenshotted my checking account balance) and you can only put one document in for your ticket so I just did my outbound one. They had no trouble with this at the interview and I just handed over all the hard copies there.
Incidentally, no issues with my passport today, it was picked up by a friend of mine and is being mailed to me now with the Visa in it.
Incidentally, no issues with my passport today, it was picked up by a friend of mine and is being mailed to me now with the Visa in it.
incindentally:
Is the date they require you to submit as your entry to Turkey on the visa itself? I’d like to get the visa for my wife sorted out for early summer, but I’m not completely certain about the exact dates yet.
Had planned to book (without paying) a flight just so there’s something I can submit to the consulate for now, but I’m worried that the dates must be the same.
#303
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
incindentally:
Is the date they require you to submit as your entry to Turkey on the visa itself? I’d like to get the visa for my wife sorted out for early summer, but I’m not completely certain about the exact dates yet.
Had planned to book (without paying) a flight just so there’s something I can submit to the consulate for now, but I’m worried that the dates must be the same.
#304
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: san francisco
Posts: 236
If I am connecting through IST, is there a transit area that does not require a Visa? As long as I do not wish to leave the airport? (American citizen here)
#305
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: New York City
Programs: TK E/*G, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 151
Yes. if you're bused to the terminal you will stay towards the left with the blob of people once you get off the bus. I'd recommend having your transit ticket pre-printed as it will make the process smoother. If you somehow luck into a gate, there will be transit signs. You'll have access to departure lounges (if you're supposed to have access) as well as any gate side restaurants.
#306
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
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My mind is boggled reading all of this.
im thinking of booking UA award travel on TK, SFO-IST-ATH next August. Business class. Only transiting IST, on the ground less than 3 hours.
1. Would you fly TK ... thru IST? (Reason, saver awards for 70K miles versus 155K miles)
2. Visa is not required for this transit scenario, correct?
im thinking of booking UA award travel on TK, SFO-IST-ATH next August. Business class. Only transiting IST, on the ground less than 3 hours.
1. Would you fly TK ... thru IST? (Reason, saver awards for 70K miles versus 155K miles)
2. Visa is not required for this transit scenario, correct?
Last edited by kevinsac; Dec 27, 2017 at 10:03 pm
#307
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: TK M&S, LH MM, Global Entry, Hertz Gold, Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,087
My mind is boggled reading all of this.
im thinking of booking UA award travel on TK, SFO-IST-ATH next August. Business class. Only transiting IST, on the ground less than 3 hours.
1. Would you fly TK ... thru IST? (Reason, saver awards for 70K miles versus 155K miles)
2. Visa is not required for this transit scenario, correct?
im thinking of booking UA award travel on TK, SFO-IST-ATH next August. Business class. Only transiting IST, on the ground less than 3 hours.
1. Would you fly TK ... thru IST? (Reason, saver awards for 70K miles versus 155K miles)
2. Visa is not required for this transit scenario, correct?
2. Correct. No visa needed for an airside transit.
#308
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
My mind is boggled reading all of this.
im thinking of booking UA award travel on TK, SFO-IST-ATH next August. Business class. Only transiting IST, on the ground less than 3 hours.
1. Would you fly TK ... thru IST? (Reason, saver awards for 70K miles versus 155K miles)
2. Visa is not required for this transit scenario, correct?
im thinking of booking UA award travel on TK, SFO-IST-ATH next August. Business class. Only transiting IST, on the ground less than 3 hours.
1. Would you fly TK ... thru IST? (Reason, saver awards for 70K miles versus 155K miles)
2. Visa is not required for this transit scenario, correct?
2. No visa for transit required.
#309
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,156
#310
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
The US has resumed issuing visas: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-...r-turks-124900
Probably only a matter of time for Turkey to do the same.
Probably only a matter of time for Turkey to do the same.
#311
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
#312
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: New York City
Programs: TK E/*G, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 151
Went to check the e-visa website and it can be used by American citizens again. That was surprisingly quick.
#313
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I'm glad everything is better though I'm still bitter I had to spend $160 on the in person visa plus $460 on a last minute plane ticket from RDU to NYC to go get it.
Saying the spat ended right after I got to Turkey, I'm choosing to take it personally.
Saying the spat ended right after I got to Turkey, I'm choosing to take it personally.
#314
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,648
Good news for flyers going to Turkey. This came too late for cruisers visiting Turkey. All of the cruise lines have their 2018 sailings set and not a one goes to Istanbul or Kusadasi. Maybe the cruises will return to Turkey in 2019 if the political situation cools off.
I will be connecting in IST on TK award tickets on my way to a safari vacation in Tanzania next August. I was getting a bit concerned about changing to another airline to JRO to be sure that Turkey didn't change the rules and require visas of Americans who are just connecting at IST. I feel better, for now.
I will be connecting in IST on TK award tickets on my way to a safari vacation in Tanzania next August. I was getting a bit concerned about changing to another airline to JRO to be sure that Turkey didn't change the rules and require visas of Americans who are just connecting at IST. I feel better, for now.
#315
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,345
Many of the cruise lines had left Istanbul and Kusadasi of their destinations far before this, as a matter of fact this was one of the reasons that Delta suspended services 25 years ago and had little to do with the situation since October.