Ruth Haines
If you're facing a long layover at Istanbul Airport, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the city, depending on your nationality and visa status. Citizens of certain countries can enjoy visa-free transit through Turkey for up to 72 hours, while others can obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) online before arrival. The cost of an e-visa for US citizens is $50, and it should be applied for at least 48 hours in advance. It's important to consider the time you have available, as well as the time required to get out of the airport, explore, and return through security. If you decide to stay within the airport, you can still enjoy local cuisine, art installations, and spa treatments, or take advantage of the nap zones and lounges. For those travelling with Turkish Airlines, free Istanbul tours and accommodation may be available for long layovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you leave Istanbul airport during a layover? | Yes, if you have enough time and meet the visa requirements. |
| Visa requirements | Citizens of certain countries can enter Turkey without a visa for up to 72 hours. Other countries' citizens can obtain an e-visa online before arrival. |
| E-visa cost | For US citizens, the e-visa costs $50. |
| E-visa processing time | It is recommended to apply for the e-visa at least 48 hours in advance. |
| Transportation | Istanbul has public transportation including buses, metros, ferries, funiculars, and trams. An Istanbul Kart card can be used for all of these. |
| Luggage storage | There are designated storage areas at Istanbul Airport. |
| Tours | Turkish Airlines offers free Istanbul tours for passengers with long layovers. |
| Accommodation | Turkish Airlines offers free accommodation in partner hotels for passengers with layovers of at least 20 hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Leaving the airport during a layover
Whether you can leave the airport during a layover depends on several factors, including the length of your layover, the immigration laws of your destination, and your nationality and visa status.
If you have a long layover, leaving the airport can be a great way to explore a new place, even if it's just for a quick tour, a selfie, or a meal before you head back to the airport. However, it's important to be realistic about how much time you have and how long it will take to get out of the airport, get to your desired location, and get back to the airport and through security.
If you have a domestic layover, you can usually walk out of the airport and into the city. However, if you're travelling internationally, some countries require travel visas for foreigners entering, so you may not be allowed to exit the secure area of the airport, even for a few hours, without a visa.
US citizens and many others require an e-visa to enter Turkey. This costs $50 and should be applied for at least 48 hours in advance. Citizens of some countries can enjoy visa-free transit through Turkey for up to 72 hours. Check with Turkish authorities or your nearest embassy to confirm eligibility.
If you're flying with Turkish Airlines and have a long layover in Istanbul, you may be eligible for their Stopover in Istanbul program, which offers free accommodation in partner hotels for passengers with a connection period of at least 20 hours.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover in Istanbul, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. You can also sample Turkish cuisine, which offers a diverse range of dishes influenced by the east, west, Balkans, and beyond. To get around Istanbul, you can invest in an Istanbul Kart card, which gives you access to all of the city's public transportation lines, including buses, metros, ferries, funiculars, and trams.
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Visa requirements for Turkey
Yes, you can leave Istanbul Airport during a layover if you have enough time. However, you will need to apply for an e-visa in advance if you plan to exit the airport. The cost of the e-visa is $50 for US citizens and should be applied for at least 48 hours in advance. It is advisable to check the visa requirements specific to your country before travelling.
Turkey requires visas from citizens of the following countries and territories: Schengen Annex II countries and territories, including Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, East Timor, Grenada, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Tonga, and Tuvalu. However, citizens of most of these countries may apply for electronic visas.
Turkey grants visa-free access to citizens of the following countries and territories: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bahrain, Belize, Bolivia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mongolia, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Northern Cyprus, and EU and EFTA members (except for the Republic of Cyprus, whose citizens can apply for electronic visas).
Citizens of Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland may use a passport that has expired for less than five years, and citizens of Germany may use a passport or ID card that has expired for less than one year when entering Turkey. These requirements do not apply to citizens of Bulgaria holding ordinary passports; they only need to present a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
Turkey requires visitors from all jurisdictions holding ordinary passports to have their documents valid for at least 60 days beyond the maximum duration of stay. For example, British citizens holding ordinary passports may be granted a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
Under reciprocal agreements, holders of diplomatic or service passports or laissez-passers issued by specific jurisdictions are allowed to enter and remain in Turkey for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, unless otherwise noted.
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Transport options in Istanbul
Istanbul is a common stopover for flights from the Middle East to Europe, and the new airport is located in Arnavutkoy Area, almost 50km from the city centre. If you have a long layover in Istanbul, you can leave the airport and explore the city, but you will need to apply for an e-visa in advance. US citizens, for example, need to pay a $50 fee for their e-visa.
Istanbul is a sprawling city, spread across two continents, so it's important to consider the best ways to get around. The city is known for its heavy traffic congestion, so it's not advisable to hire a car and drive. Instead, the city offers a range of public transportation options, including:
- Metro: The Istanbul Metro is an extensive system that connects different parts of the city. You can use your IstanbulKart card to pay for your journey at the Metro stations.
- Tram: The tram, known as 'tramvay', is a convenient way to get around certain areas of Istanbul. The line runs from Kabatas to Bagcilar, with 31 stops along the way. You can use your IstanbulKart to access the tram in the same way as the Metro.
- Bus: Buses are another option for getting around Istanbul. You can use your IstanbulKart or pay by credit card on some buses.
- Ferry: Ferries are a unique way to get around Istanbul and can be a relaxing way to cross the water. You can use your IstanbulKart at the gate to access the ferry service.
- Taxi: Taxis are available in Istanbul, but it can be challenging to find one that accepts cash or if you don't speak Turkish. You can download the local taxi app, BiTaksi, to request a ride.
The IstanbulKart is a rechargeable, prepaid card that can be used on all public transportation lines, including buses, metros, ferries, funiculars, and trams. You can purchase and recharge your IstanbulKart at Metro stations, ferry ports, bus hubs, and small markets.
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Exploring Istanbul's culture
Istanbul's culture has its roots in the city's past as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The city has a rich artistic history, with many artists, painters, and filmmakers flocking to the city over the centuries. The city's artistic scene has continued to thrive, with Istanbul re-emerging as Turkey's artistic centre since the 1980s and 1990s.
Historical Buildings and Landmarks
Istanbul is home to many iconic landmarks and historical buildings, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The Kariye Museum, formerly a church, is known for its stunning interior covered in fine mosaics and frescoes. The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, established in 1891, hold a collection of a million artifacts.
Food and Markets
Istanbul's culinary scene is diverse, with influences from the East, West, Balkans, and beyond. Traditional dishes include meat dishes like doner and kebabs, as well as vegetable-centric dishes using local ingredients like eggplant, cucumber, and herbs. The city's markets, such as the Feriköy Flea Market and Organic Bazaar, offer a variety of fresh produce and antiques.
Art and Film
Istanbul has a thriving art scene, with 69 museums as of 2009, including the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. The city has also served as a backdrop for several international films, including *From Russia with Love* (1963) and *Midnight Express* (1978). The Istanbul Biennial, held every two years since 1987, showcases art from international artists.
Neighbourhoods
Istanbul has a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. Nişantaşı, one of the city's more affluent neighbourhoods, is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and contemporary art scene. For a more relaxing experience, Büyükada offers a retreat from the bustling city, with scenic pathways and Ottoman-era mansions.
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Eating and drinking in Istanbul
Yes, you can leave Istanbul airport during a layover if you have enough time, but you will need to apply for an e-visa in advance. The new airport is located in Arnavutkoy Area, almost 50km from the city centre, so you should keep that in mind, as well as the time it takes to pass through airport controls. If you're travelling with Turkish Airlines, they usually offer free Istanbul tours for passengers with long layovers.
Istanbul is a food-lover's paradise, with a diverse range of culinary delights influenced by cultures from the east, west, Balkans, and beyond. Here are some recommendations for eating and drinking in this vibrant city:
Street Food and Snacks:
Istanbul is known for its delicious street food, including lahmacun, a blistered, paper-thin, fire-kissed flatbread topped with spicy ground meat. You can find this treat at kebab joints or try a high-end version at Seraf Vadi, a restaurant known for its regional specialties and elegant setting. Don't forget to sample the ubiquitous doner and kebabs, widely available throughout the city.
Meat Lovers:
For meat enthusiasts, Şehzade Erzurum Cağ Kebabı in Sirkeci is a grilled meat palace. Try their cağ kebabı, skewered meat cut from a horizontal spit. In Beşiktaş, Asım Usta serves what some consider the best doner in the city, along with pide (stuffed pita-like flatbread). Adana Oçakbaşı in Kurtuluş is renowned for its grilled sweetbreads and Adana kebab, a spicy blend of ground meat and tail fat.
Fish and Seafood:
Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı, tucked away on a back street, is a highly recommended fish restaurant. Muharrem Usta is the chef to look out for, grilling up delights like sole over charcoal. For an upscale experience, Kıyı in Tarabya, up the Bosphorus, is an old-school fish restaurant. Balat Sahil Restoran offers exceptional mezes and liver, paired perfectly with a bottle of triple-distilled Beylerbeyi rakı. Their fish and vegetable starters are reportedly life-changing.
Pan-Mediterranean Fare:
Salon Galata in Karaköy offers a gorgeous, old-fashioned dining room with high ceilings. Indulge in creative salads, local cheese plates, hearty pastas, and a tahini soufflé for dessert. Reservations are generally not needed on weekdays, but it's recommended to arrive early on weekends as Istanbulites tend to dine late.
Cocktails and Nightlife:
For creative cocktails, head to Tavern in Hayriye Caddesi, located behind Galatasaray High School. This hip, lively establishment is known for its innovative drink creations. Noh Radio Bar in the same area is another popular spot, featuring electronic music spun by DJs.
Coffee and Tea Breaks:
Istanbul also offers a plethora of coffee shops and cafes, perfect for a quick pick-me-up during your layover.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Istanbul Airport during your layover if you have enough time, but you will need to apply for an e-visa in advance if you plan to exit the airport.
It’s a quick and easy online process, which involves filling out an online application, paying the fee (for US citizens, this is $50), and printing your confirmed e-visa. Be sure to apply at least 48 hours before the departure time from your original destination.
If you have a long layover, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. You can also sample Turkish cuisine, which includes vegetable-centric dishes that use loads of eggplant, cucumber, and local herbs, as well as traditional meat dishes like doner and kebabs.
