Transit visa for Istanbul (IST)
Who can connect at Istanbul Airport, Turkey, without a visa: an airside transfer on one ticket, staying in the international transit area.
- Indian passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed to connect airside at Istanbul Airport, except on an onward flight to Mexico, Colombia, Panama or Venezuela: for those you need a free Electronic Airport Transit Visa from evisa.gov.tr.
- Pakistani passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed to connect airside at Istanbul Airport with a boarding pass for the onward international flight.
- Bangladeshi passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed to connect airside at Istanbul Airport with a boarding pass for the onward international flight.
- Sri Lankan passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed to connect airside at Istanbul Airport with a boarding pass for the onward international flight.
- Nepali passportNo transit visa needed
No visa needed to connect airside at Istanbul Airport, except on an onward flight to Mexico, Colombia, Panama or Venezuela: for those you need a free Electronic Airport Transit Visa from evisa.gov.tr.
Leaving the airport during the layover
Leaving the airport needs a visa. Holders of a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit can get a one-month conditional e-visa on evisa.gov.tr; everyone else applies at a Turkish mission.
Watch out
A transfer to Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), a domestic connection, or a self-transfer on separate tickets means entering Turkey, so you need a visa.
Checked on 25 October 2026 against these sources. Transit rules change often, and the airline and the immigration authority have the final say, so confirm with your airline before you travel.