NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com, www.thy.com) is proud to announce its participation in the new e-Visa program – an exciting initiative intended to make the visa application process faster and easier for those traveling to Turkey. Officially launched in April of 2013, this new system will allow foreign nationals to obtain Turkish visas online rather than at the Turkish consulates and embassies, or at the border gates upon arrival.
Accessing and using the online system is easy and quick: all travelers need to apply for an e-Visa is a passport that has been valid for at least six months, documentation of their flight reservation and a credit card (currently only Visa and MasterCard are accepted). An electronic copy of one’s e-Visa will be available online as soon as the application is submitted and the credit card has been charged. A hard copy will also be mailed to the travelers directly, which they can print out and show to airport and customs officials upon their arrival in Turkey.
“We are very excited about the launch of the new e-Visa program, which is the result of a unique collaboration between Turkish Airlines, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Ministry of İnterior Affairs,” says Turkish Airlines’ Chairman of the Board Hamdi Topçu. “This new initiative will not only make it easier for foreign nationals to apply for and obtain a Turkish visa, but is also expected to increase the number of visitors to Turkey, thus attracting additional tourism and foreign trade revenue.”
The e-Visa takes the place of the traditional stamp or sticker usually issued at the border crossing. Travelers are required to carry their e-Visa with them at all times as it is an official endorsement from the Turkish government that the bearer is allowed to enter and be in the country. E-Visas can only be used for tourism or trade purposes. Those looking to travel to Turkey for work or study are still required to file an application through the country’s embassies or consulates.
For more information or to start your application, visit www.evisa.gov.tr.
About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 219 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 223 cities around the world, comprised of 36 domestic and 187 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 and 2012 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner of “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe." It has also received awards for its catering and holds a coveted 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011”. Long haul Business Class passengers also enjoy the Flying Chef service on-board.
