Do Indian passport holders need a transit visa for Istanbul (IST)?

No 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.

For an airside connection at Istanbul Airport, Turkey: one ticket, bags checked through, onward flight to another country, no immigration.

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.

Check another layover

Other passports at Istanbul

Other layovers for Indian passport holders

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