Can you leave the airport?
Leaving the airport (including Turkish Airlines' Touristanbul tour) requires Turkish entry permission. Indian citizens holding certain valid visas or residence permits (for example from the US, UK, Schengen or Ireland) may be eligible for a Turkish e-Visa; others need a sticker visa.
Airside vs landside: what it means
You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.
You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for Türkiye.
Tips before you book
- Check that your connection doesn't require changing airports (IST vs Sabiha Gökçen SAW). That would require entering Türkiye.
Layover guides for Türkiye
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a transit visa for Türkiye?
Usually no, if you stay airside. Indian citizens can usually transit Istanbul Airport without a Turkish visa when connecting between international flights and staying in the transit area.
Can Indian citizens leave the airport during a layover in Türkiye?
Leaving the airport (including Turkish Airlines' Touristanbul tour) requires Turkish entry permission. Indian citizens holding certain valid visas or residence permits (for example from the US, UK, Schengen or Ireland) may be eligible for a Turkish e-Visa; others need a sticker visa.
Other transit rules for Indian passport holders
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.