Categories: Travel

Indians travelling to South America transiting via Istanbul airport will now require “Electronic Airport Transit Visa”, ET TravelWorld

Indians travelling to South America transiting via Istanbul airport will now require “Electronic Airport Transit Visa”

The Turkish Embassy in New Delhi announced that Turkish authorities will now require the “Electronic Airport Transit Visa” (e-ATV) for Indian and Nepalese passport holders travelling to Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela, transiting via the Istanbul Airport.

“Important announcement regarding Indian and Nepalese passengers traveling to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela via Istanbul Airport, starting from 15 April 2024,” The Turkiye embassy in New Delhi posted on X.

https://x.com/TC_YeniDelhiBE/status/1780216480975483183

“The Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye announces that Turkish authorities has commenced requiring the “Electronic Airport Transit Visa” (e-ATV) for Indian & Nepalese passport holders traveling to Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela, transiting via the Istanbul Airport,” it stated.

Moreover, the statement further read that Indian and Nepalese passport holders, subjected to the requirement of e-ATV, can get their e-ATV via the website “evisa.gov.tr” starting from April 15, free of charge as per the current practice.

The Indian and Nepalese passport holders, travelling to the mentioned countries should carry the print-out of their e-ATVs while travelling as it would be checked by the relative airlines and service providers.

The decision to launch these aerial darshans stems from a remarkable surge of 100 per year-on-year in spiritual tourism, as indicated by Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data. While pilgrimages to Adi Kailash/Vyas Valley have long captivated Indian travellers, challenges like limited seasonality and rugged terrain have hindered accessibility. The introduction of aerial darshans via helicopter aims to address these challenges, providing a unique perspective and enhancing accessibility to these sacred sites.

“Above-mentioned Indian & Nepalese passengers should carry the print-out of their e-ATVs along during their travel since it should be checked by the relative airlines/service providers at the departure airports in accordance with international aviation rules and by Turkish authorities at the visa points of transit passenger arrival area at the Istanbul Airport,” the statement added.