Documents & visa in Turkey: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Documents & visa» in Turkey — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Ajet online check-in frequently fails for international flights as the airline requires manual document/visa verification at the airport check-in desk. Airport check-in is free of charge.
When flying from Istanbul to Brazil with a layover in Amsterdam, a visa is generally not required if the passenger remains within the international transit zone of the airport. However, if baggage needs to be collected and re-checked due to ticket conditions, this may necessitate passing through immigration and thus require a visa, depending on the traveler's nationality and transit country regulations.
For layovers in Istanbul, especially with Turkish Airlines:
* **Turkish Airlines**: Often requires a return ticket (preferably with Turkish Airlines) and a hotel booking for the entire duration of the stay. Failure to meet these requirements increases the risk of denied boarding.
* **Other Airlines**: May be less strict; a ticket to a third country (e.g., Argentina) with a different airline might be accepted.
* **Risk Factors**: Lack of travel history in the passport can increase scrutiny.
* **Alternatives**: Consider transit routes through Morocco or Ethiopia if Turkish Airlines requirements are difficult to meet.
* **Documents**: Be prepared to show return tickets, hotel bookings, and proof of funds.
Border crossing between Turkey and Bulgaria via private transfer is significantly faster (approx. 20 mins) compared to large bus lines, which are subject to more thorough and time-consuming checks, often prioritizing migrant transit documentation. Recommended bus operators include Arda and Nishikli; tickets can be booked via obilet.com.
Transit with pets via Turkey does not require rabies antibody titers. However, if the layover exceeds 24 hours, the initial export health certificate may become invalid for the onward flight, necessitating local veterinary clearance in Istanbul.
If you are applying for a visa and your itinerary includes a layover in a third country (e.g., Ankara on your way from Bulgaria to Moscow), you should include this information on your route plan. You might need to show proof of travel to that layover city (e.g., a ticket from Bulgaria to Ankara) and explain your travel arrangements. Consult the specific embassy or consulate for exact requirements.