Be aware of the EES system when flying with Turkish Airlines
Be aware of the EES system when flying with Turkish Airlines. There are reports suggesting that Turkish Airlines may verify passengers against the EES system, potentially impacting boarding. Other airlines, especially low-cost carriers, may have different procedures.
Turkish Airlines staff frequently deny boarding to passengers if the visa status in the EES system shows 'not ok' or if…
Turkish Airlines staff frequently deny boarding to passengers if the visa status in the EES system shows 'not ok' or if data is not yet synced, regardless of visa validity. Consulates often refuse to manually intervene or provide proof for boarding purposes. Travelers are advised to check their visa status in EES in advance and consider alternative carriers for transit if the status is not updated.
For travel to Turkey, individuals with a residence permit from an EU country may still require a visa depending on…
For travel to Turkey, individuals with a residence permit from an EU country may still require a visa depending on their nationality. It is advisable to check specific visa requirements based on one's passport.
Turkey officially does not recognize visa-free entry for holders of 'TM' (likely referring to a specific type of travel…
Turkey officially does not recognize visa-free entry for holders of 'TM' (likely referring to a specific type of travel document or permit). A visa is officially required for entry. However, there are anecdotal reports of individuals successfully entering Turkey despite this official policy, suggesting potential exceptions or unofficial loopholes. Travelers are advised to verify the latest official visa regulations directly with Turkish consular authorities.
The one-day visa for Russian citizens traveling to Greek islands (e
The one-day visa for Russian citizens traveling to Greek islands (e.g., Rhodes) from Turkey, which could be obtained at the port for a single-day excursion, is no longer available. This option was discontinued for Russians around 2018-2019, prior to the pandemic. While similar short-stay island visas (e.g., 7-day) might still exist for Turkish citizens (reintroduced around last year), they are not applicable to Russian citizens.
Holders of a German D visa can enter the EU through countries other than Germany, such as Austria, France, or Estonia
Holders of a German D visa can enter the EU through countries other than Germany, such as Austria, France, or Estonia. Experience suggests that entry via third countries is possible, with one user reporting a successful entry through Estonia in December and another through Turkey in late 2022, with advice to enter directly into Germany. While rules can change and may have tightened, this route appears to be viable.
Russian citizens can fly from Prague to Istanbul if they entered the EU with an Italian visa, provided they have a…
Russian citizens can fly from Prague to Istanbul if they entered the EU with an Italian visa, provided they have a valid 10-year passport (or a passport with remaining validity) and no specific restrictions on their visa mentioning exclusion from Czech Republic. Standard border control procedures apply.
When possessing temporary residence documents (e
When possessing temporary residence documents (e.g., a paper proving ongoing residence permit application) and an expired visa, it is strongly recommended to enter the Schengen area directly through France. Border officials in non-Schengen transit countries like Turkey or Armenia may be less familiar with such documents, potentially leading to delays or complications. French border control is generally familiar with their own temporary residence paperwork, facilitating smoother entry. The general rule of 'first country of entry' for Schengen remains applicable.
Flights from Turkey to 'Nicosia' (Ercan Airport) land in the Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus
Flights from Turkey to 'Nicosia' (Ercan Airport) land in the Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus. Entry via Ercan Airport is considered illegal by the Republic of Cyprus. Travelers arriving this way are often denied crossing at checkpoints from Northern to Southern Cyprus.
Travelers flying through Istanbul (e
Travelers flying through Istanbul (e.g., Sabiha Gökçen Airport) to Egypt with an entry ban for Turkey do not need to exit the transit zone if they have a connecting flight. This applies when both flights are with the same airline or alliance, and luggage is checked through to the final destination. It is crucial to confirm that it is a true transit connection, not requiring baggage re-claim or a new boarding pass issuance, to avoid issues.