Apr 19, 2019, 4:13 pm
Last edit by: DaveS
In Turkey, as in most of the world, clearing immigration is not required for an international to international connection. The passenger can remain airside, and does not need to enter Turkey.
HOWEVER, the transfer passenger may have to go through transfer security inspection.
Arrivals from EU, UK, USA or Canada continuing to other international destinations are not generally subject to transfer security.
All other international-international transfer passengers should clear transfer security.
Domestic to domestic transfer passengers are not subject to transfer security.
International to domestic transfer passengers are subject to security screening regardless of their arrival point.
Domestic to international transfer passengers are subject to security screening.
For international to international transfers, passengers who have less than 75 minutes for their next flight could benefit from the short connection points which are located at the end of concourses. This is only a fast-track for short connections which avoids passing from the duty free area. ( Similar to London Heathrow Terminal 5B and 5C transfer security ).
There is a fast track lane for international to international transfer passengers traveling on Business Class or holding M&S Elite or Elite Plus, or *G status. This service is only available at the main transfer security checkpoint area.
Link for Airport Map:
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-havalimani/ (Turkish)
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-airport/ (English)
https://turkishairlines.ssl.cdn.sdlm...92261056WE.pdf(Map for all TK facilities)
HOWEVER, the transfer passenger may have to go through transfer security inspection.
Arrivals from EU, UK, USA or Canada continuing to other international destinations are not generally subject to transfer security.
All other international-international transfer passengers should clear transfer security.
Domestic to domestic transfer passengers are not subject to transfer security.
International to domestic transfer passengers are subject to security screening regardless of their arrival point.
Domestic to international transfer passengers are subject to security screening.
For international to international transfers, passengers who have less than 75 minutes for their next flight could benefit from the short connection points which are located at the end of concourses. This is only a fast-track for short connections which avoids passing from the duty free area. ( Similar to London Heathrow Terminal 5B and 5C transfer security ).
There is a fast track lane for international to international transfer passengers traveling on Business Class or holding M&S Elite or Elite Plus, or *G status. This service is only available at the main transfer security checkpoint area.
Link for Airport Map:
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-havalimani/ (Turkish)
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-airport/ (English)
https://turkishairlines.ssl.cdn.sdlm...92261056WE.pdf(Map for all TK facilities)
Transferring/Transit at Istanbul (IST) airport
Oct 12, 2021, 4:59 pm
#511
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: UK/Mauritius
Programs: EK Skywards silver Miles and Smiles Hilton Honours Hyatt Priority Club Kestrel A
Posts: 683
Many thanks ISTFlyer!
I did message TK on facebook about this but they told me to contact the airport.
Good to know we can use Priority Lanes!
I did message TK on facebook about this but they told me to contact the airport.
Good to know we can use Priority Lanes!
Oct 14, 2021, 2:44 pm
#513
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, BT VIP, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,752
I am pretty sure that on my way back, I won't make it, as there will be security at IST. We'll see. But without security 60 minutes was doable.
16:07 flight from HEL landed
16:10 scheduled arrival time of the flight
16:24 I was in the terminal
16:38 I boarded the flight to GYD
17:10 scheduled departure time of the flight
Oct 20, 2021, 12:55 am
#514
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, BT VIP, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,752
I flew HEL-GYD today, with HEL-IST arriving at A7 and IST-GYD leaving from B1. I consider myself lucky as the distance between the gates was rather short. I was in row 5 on HEL-IST and managed a toilet stop and a quick Duty Free stop on my way to the next gate, where I boarded immediately.
I am pretty sure that on my way back, I won't make it, as there will be security at IST. We'll see. But without security 60 minutes was doable.
16:07 flight from HEL landed
16:10 scheduled arrival time of the flight
16:24 I was in the terminal
16:38 I boarded the flight to GYD
17:10 scheduled departure time of the flight
I am pretty sure that on my way back, I won't make it, as there will be security at IST. We'll see. But without security 60 minutes was doable.
16:07 flight from HEL landed
16:10 scheduled arrival time of the flight
16:24 I was in the terminal
16:38 I boarded the flight to GYD
17:10 scheduled departure time of the flight
13:40 flight from GYD landed
13:53 I was in the terminal
14:00 scheduled arrival time of the flight
14:00 I was at the empty fast track security line
14:05–14:10 quick visit to lounge
14:21 I boarded the bus to the HEL plane
15:00 scheduled departure time of the flight
Nov 1, 2021, 12:11 pm
#515
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: HHonors Diamond, KF Elite Gold, GHA Black
Posts: 17
If I'm flying TK J Award from SIN-IST-CDG and for the IST-CDG leg it will depart at 1315hrs; if there's availability on the earlier flight 0800hrs, is it impossible to get on to that flight since there's the unspoken rule of the within 4 hours? Thanks!
Nov 1, 2021, 12:18 pm
#516
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Although, be prepared for the worst case scenario which is a "no".
Nov 2, 2021, 10:59 am
#517
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: HHonors Diamond, KF Elite Gold, GHA Black
Posts: 17
Nov 5, 2021, 7:21 am
#518
Join Date: Nov 2021
Programs: LifeMiles
Posts: 16
Hey FlyerTalk!
I will be flying business class Germany to Colombia (through IST) and I was wondering how the transit hours are counted. I have several options departing from Germany into IST. They are all scheduled to arrive around 23:00 (+ 20min) and the flight to Bogota is the next day around 8:05 (+20min). So I'm right around the 9h cutoff for the sleeping rooms vs transit hotel. I was wondering if the hours are counted from the scheduled departure/arrival times or if they're updated "live"?
I think it would be more convenient to stay in the sleeping rooms rather than leaving the airport and having to go through security again in the morning so if the hours are counted depending on the schedule, I would try to book one that's under the 9h cutoff. And in case I'm over the 9h and cannot get a sleeping room, what's the lounge like in the evening? Any hot food available?
I will be flying business class Germany to Colombia (through IST) and I was wondering how the transit hours are counted. I have several options departing from Germany into IST. They are all scheduled to arrive around 23:00 (+ 20min) and the flight to Bogota is the next day around 8:05 (+20min). So I'm right around the 9h cutoff for the sleeping rooms vs transit hotel. I was wondering if the hours are counted from the scheduled departure/arrival times or if they're updated "live"?
I think it would be more convenient to stay in the sleeping rooms rather than leaving the airport and having to go through security again in the morning so if the hours are counted depending on the schedule, I would try to book one that's under the 9h cutoff. And in case I'm over the 9h and cannot get a sleeping room, what's the lounge like in the evening? Any hot food available?
Nov 5, 2021, 7:26 am
#519
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Hey FlyerTalk!
I will be flying business class Germany to Colombia (through IST) and I was wondering how the transit hours are counted. I have several options departing from Germany into IST. They are all scheduled to arrive around 23:00 (+ 20min) and the flight to Bogota is the next day around 8:05 (+20min). So I'm right around the 9h cutoff for the sleeping rooms vs transit hotel. I was wondering if the hours are counted from the scheduled departure/arrival times or if they're updated "live"?
I think it would be more convenient to stay in the sleeping rooms rather than leaving the airport and having to go through security again in the morning so if the hours are counted depending on the schedule, I would try to book one that's under the 9h cutoff. And in case I'm over the 9h and cannot get a sleeping room, what's the lounge like in the evening? Any hot food available?
I will be flying business class Germany to Colombia (through IST) and I was wondering how the transit hours are counted. I have several options departing from Germany into IST. They are all scheduled to arrive around 23:00 (+ 20min) and the flight to Bogota is the next day around 8:05 (+20min). So I'm right around the 9h cutoff for the sleeping rooms vs transit hotel. I was wondering if the hours are counted from the scheduled departure/arrival times or if they're updated "live"?
I think it would be more convenient to stay in the sleeping rooms rather than leaving the airport and having to go through security again in the morning so if the hours are counted depending on the schedule, I would try to book one that's under the 9h cutoff. And in case I'm over the 9h and cannot get a sleeping room, what's the lounge like in the evening? Any hot food available?
The 9h cutoff for sleeping rooms are counted according to the scheduled arrival and departure times thus you would not be able to benefit from them with a 9h5min transfer. If that's the shortest possible connection, you could benefit from the hotel option.
I haven't been to the Miles&Smiles Lounge in late night since COVID so I can't comment about the food spread, although, I know that breakfast offerings are being placed to buffets at 04:00 in the morning.
Nov 16, 2021, 2:43 am
#520
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Hi,
I have a long overnight layover for both legs of my flight. If I don’t leave the airport, I don’t need a transit VISA right? I’m 99% sure I don’t need it but just wanted to triple check. I know I’m fine for departing but I’m not certain about returning flight.
Departing:
LAX -> IST -> LIS
Returning:
LIS -> IST -> LAX
I have a long overnight layover for both legs of my flight. If I don’t leave the airport, I don’t need a transit VISA right? I’m 99% sure I don’t need it but just wanted to triple check. I know I’m fine for departing but I’m not certain about returning flight.
Departing:
LAX -> IST -> LIS
Returning:
LIS -> IST -> LAX
Nov 16, 2021, 2:48 am
#521
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Hi,
I have a long overnight layover for both legs of my flight. If I don’t leave the airport, I don’t need a transit VISA right? I’m 99% sure I don’t need it but just wanted to triple check. I know I’m fine for departing but I’m not certain about returning flight.
Departing:
LAX -> IST -> LIS
Returning:
LIS -> IST -> LAX
I have a long overnight layover for both legs of my flight. If I don’t leave the airport, I don’t need a transit VISA right? I’m 99% sure I don’t need it but just wanted to triple check. I know I’m fine for departing but I’m not certain about returning flight.
Departing:
LAX -> IST -> LIS
Returning:
LIS -> IST -> LAX
You would not need any kind of visa if you would remain in the international transfer zone during your entire transfer at Istanbul Airport.
If you have a long layover and would like to benefit from the hotel service, or go landside for any reason then you would need to comply with entry requirements of Turkey.
Nov 16, 2021, 2:53 am
#522
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 4
Hi Wuwu and welcome to FlyerTalk!
You would not need any kind of visa if you would remain in the international transfer zone during your entire transfer at Istanbul Airport.
If you have a long layover and would like to benefit from the hotel service, or go landside for any reason then you would need to comply with entry requirements of Turkey.
You would not need any kind of visa if you would remain in the international transfer zone during your entire transfer at Istanbul Airport.
If you have a long layover and would like to benefit from the hotel service, or go landside for any reason then you would need to comply with entry requirements of Turkey.
Nov 16, 2021, 8:01 pm
#524
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Passengers like you who would remain in the international transfer zone are not required to fill out that form.
Nov 16, 2021, 9:01 pm
#525
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,654
I don't know if this has been mentioned here, but another return to normality. I transited IST on Sunday from London. We were directed straight to departures level from the aircraft (no security).