Turkey has implemented transit visas for passengers from 10 countries who are en route to certain countries in South America, namely Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, reports visaguide.world. Turkish Airlines has also advised that South American-bound passengers should prepare themselves for the possibility of additional checks beyond current passport and visa processes.
Passport holders of these 10 countries that will now need transit visas:
- Afghanistan
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Guinea
- India
- Nepal
- Somalia
- Mauritania
- Yemen
The visas were implemented on April 15, with the purpose of combating irregular migration and were apparently rolled out in response to an increase in the number of people from countries in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America who are travelling via Turkey to reach parts of North America.
Transit visas are available electronically through the Republic of Turkey’s Electronic Visa Application website. Transit passengers must enter the details of their travel, residential address and flight numbers. The travel authorisation is valid for up to 90 days.