Visa-free Entry To Turkey For UAE, Saudi, Oman And Bahrain Citizens And E-visa For India, Pakistan And Philippines To Spark Tourism Boom With Free Hotels And Tours
Turkish Airlines has praised a major move made by Turkey to extend visa-free entry to the nationals of UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, as of December 23, 2023.
Tourists can now spend 90 out of 180 days in Turkey without a visa.
The new visa exemption rule is set to bolster the ties between Turkey and these countries and further strengthen the country’s tourist numbers in 2024.
Turkey visa reforms
The decision, issued through a presidential decree by Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, is an initiative set to promote cultural exchanges between Türkiye and the respective nations while most importantly encouraging tourists to explore the country’s rich history, ancient wonders, and vibrant heritage.
Turkey is also providing e-visa options to expatriates living in GCC countries.
Eligible travellers can apply to the Turkey electronic visa (e-visa) system.
Nationals of Algeria, Egypt, India, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines and Yemen holding a valid visa or valid residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, USA, UK or Ireland can apply for the e-visa.
Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, said: “Turkey is continuing to expand its international relations with the new presidential decree issued to exempt visas for nationals of UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
“This move is applaudable, as the country makes significant strides within its tourism sector to bolster more cultural exchange.
“Turkish Airlines supports the visa exemptions, making travel even easier through free layover services for our flyers.
“As the national flag carrier of Turkey, we’re giving our passengers the opportunity to make memories they will never forget in beautiful Istanbul.
“Post the visa-free initiative, we look forward to people around the world choosing Turkish Airlines for their holiday trips as we offer a mini vacation during their journey.”
Passengers choosing Turkish Airlines to travel via Istanbul Airport to anywhere of the world can get a chance to discover Istanbul free of charge.
Turkish Airlines’ transit passengers are eligible to unlock two destinations with one flight ticket, as the national flag carrier offers two layover services, free hotel stay and free city tour, to explore the city of Istanbul when in transit.
Turkish Airlines’ passengers booking flights with 6-24 hours layover time can take advantage of Touristanbul — a complimentary city tour service allowing flyers to savour and discover the rich heritage of Istanbul through eight different guided tours.
Alternatively, passengers booking flights with at least 20 hours layover time in Istanbul Airport can get a chance to explore the city with the “Stopover in Istanbul” layover service independently and at their own pace — with complimentary accommodation at partner hotels.
