India and Turkey have a long-standing relationship that dates back centuries. While the two countries have had their share of diplomatic tensions, the tourism sector has been a bright spot in their bilateral relations. Both countries offer unique experiences to travelers and have been making efforts to promote tourism between them.
India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes, has been attracting tourists from all over the world for years. Turkey, on the other hand, has been a popular destination for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and vibrant cities. In recent years, the number of Indian tourists visiting Turkey has been on the rise, and vice versa.
One of the main reasons for the increase in tourism between India and Turkey is the ease of travel. Both countries have made it easier for tourists to obtain visas and travel between the two countries. Turkey has also introduced e-visas, making it even easier for Indian tourists to plan their trips.
Another factor that has contributed to the growth of tourism between the two countries is the promotion of cultural exchange. Both India and Turkey have a rich cultural heritage that they have been promoting to attract tourists. India's diverse cultural offerings, such as its cuisine, art, music, and dance, have been a major draw for Turkish tourists. Turkey, too, has been promoting its rich history, architecture, and cuisine to Indian tourists.
In recent years, both countries have also been promoting alternative forms of tourism, such as adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and wellness tourism. Turkey has been promoting adventure tourism with activities like hot air balloon rides, paragliding, and skiing.
The two countries have also been working together to develop tourism infrastructure. Turkey has been investing heavily in the development of new hotels, resorts, and attractions, while India has been promoting its tourism industry through initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan scheme and the Incredible India campaign.
In conclusion, the relationship between India and Turkey in terms of tourism has been growing steadily in recent years. Both countries offer unique experiences to travelers and have been making efforts to promote tourism between them. With the easing of travel restrictions and the promotion of cultural exchange, the tourism sector is likely to continue to be a bright spot in their bilateral relations.
Entry Procedure to Turkey for citizens of India
Do Indian citizens need a visa to Turkey?
Yes, Indian citizens who wish to visit Turkey may obtain an e-visa for Turkey.
How many days can stay in Turkey with an electronic visa?
After receiving a Turkish e-Visa, Indian citizens can stay in the country for up to 30 days.
The Turkish e-Visa is valid only for tourist and trade purposes. The visa is single-entry and valid for 180 days from the date of issue. The validity period of the e-visa differs from the period of stay in the country. Although the e-visa is valid for 180 days, the period of stay cannot exceed 30 days within180 days. You can enter Turkey at any time during the 180-day validity period of the visa.
What other documents besides a visa are needed to travel to Turkey from India?
- Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of the trip and have at least one free page for stamps.
- Document that confirms the tourist's place of residence in Turkey: hotel reservation, travel agency voucher.
- Return ticket.
- Medical insurance.
- Confirmation of funds for the trip (bank statement or other document).
How do I apply for a visa to Turkey from India?
Indian citizens can apply for a visa to Turkey online on
this website and receive it by email.
It is very easy to get an electronic visa to Turkey for tourist purposes.
- Complete the online application form on the Turkish eVisa website;
- Confirm your application. Within a few minutes, you should receive an email asking you to confirm that you have started your eVisa application. Click on the link you received, which will take you back to the eVisa application website;
- Pay the fee. You will then need to pay the eVisa application fee;
- Download your e-Visa. You will again receive an email with a link that will take you to the same website where you will need to download your eVisa;
- Print out your e-Visa. A printed version of the e-Visa must be presented at the Turkish port of entry.
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Please note that if you overstay your Turkish visa, you may be fined, deported or banned from entering Türkiye in the future for a period of time.
What requirements/documents are needed to apply for an e-visa to Turkey?
Indian citizens need the following documents to fulfill the online requirements for a Turkish visa:
- An Indian passport with a validity of at least 150 days from the date of arrival in Turkey.
- A valid and active email address for online Turkish visa and Turkish visa notifications.
- Valid debit or credit card to pay Turkey visa fee
How long before the travel date should I apply for an e-Visa?
You can apply for an e-Visa at any time before you start traveling. However, we recommend that you create your visa application no later than 48 hours before your departure.
How much does a Turkish e-Visa cost for Indian citizens?
The cost of issuing a Turkish e-visa for Indian citizens is $43.
What is the processing time for a Turkish e-visa application?
Most applications are approved within 48 hours.
How can an Indian citizen extend his or her stay in Turkey (for trips longer than 30 days)?
To extend their stay beyond this period, United States citizens need to apply for a short-term residence permit (ikamet) in Turkey.
A 3-month residence permit can be obtained once in one calendar year by applying to the authorized body. It must be done before the 90-day visa period expires.
Read more about obtaining a short-term or long-term residence permit for Indian citizens in Turkey here
You can stay in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days if you obtain a visa that corresponds to the purpose of stay - it can be for
work,
study or
medical treatment.
It is a must for Indian citizens to have
health insurance when traveling to Turkey. In addition to the fact that the policy must be presented at the border crossing, having health insurance can protect the tourist from unnecessary expenses in an emergency situation.
What are the requirements for insurance for a tourist trip to Turkey?
- Insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay in the country by a tourist.
- Medical insurance policy has a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
- The validity of the policy begins at least one day before the traveler's arrival.
- The insurance must cover basic services such as emergency care for injuries and unforeseen illnesses, as well as the exacerbation of chronic diseases.
India and Turkey are two countries that have been strengthening their ties in recent years, and air travel has played a significant role in this. With the increasing number of travelers between the two countries, there are now several direct flight options available from various cities in India to Turkey.
The fastest way to get from India to Turkey
The fastest way to get from India to Turkey is by direct flight. There are several airlines that operate direct flights from India to Turkey, making it convenient for travelers to reach their destination in a short time. The journey takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on the route and airline.
From which cities in India are there direct flights to Turkey?
From India, you can fly to Turkey by direct flight from cities like Delhi ( Indira Gandhi International Airport), Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport), and Bengaluru (Kempegowda International Airport).
The airports in Turkey that receive direct flights from India are Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir. In Istanbul, there are two airports – Istanbul Atatürk Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport – that receive flights from India.
What airlines fly from India to Turkey
The airlines that operate flights from India to Turkey include:
- Turkish Airlines
- Air India
- IndiGo
- SpiceJet
Turkish Airlines is the largest and most popular airline operating flights between the two countries, with daily flights from Istanbul to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Air India also operates direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul.
How much is a plane ticket to Turkey from India?
The average cost of a direct flight to Turkey from India can vary depending on the airline, season, and availability of seats. On average, a return ticket can cost around INR 30,000 to INR 50,000. However, fares can be significantly higher during peak travel seasons or if you book last minute.
Turkey is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and attracts visitors from all over the world. The country has also been attracting Indian citizens, with many of them choosing to live and work in Turkey. While Indian citizens can be found in various cities in Turkey, there are a few cities that have a higher percentage of Indian residents.
- Istanbul: Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a hub for international business and tourism. It is also home to a significant number of Indian citizens, with estimates suggesting that there are around 25,000 to 30,000 Indians living in Istanbul. The Indian community in Istanbul is well-organized, with several cultural and community organizations promoting Indian culture and traditions.
- Ankara: Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is another city with a sizable Indian community. While the exact number of Indians residing in Ankara is not known, estimates suggest that there are around 5,000 to 7,000 Indians living in the city. Ankara is a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education in Turkey.
- Antalya: Antalya is a coastal city in southern Turkey and a popular tourist destination. It is also home to a small but growing Indian community, with estimates suggesting that there are around 1,000 to 2,000 Indians living in the city. Many Indians living in Antalya work in the hospitality and tourism industry.
- Izmir: Izmir is a coastal city in western Turkey and a hub for international trade and commerce. It is also home to a small but significant Indian community, with estimates suggesting that there are around 1,000 Indians living in the city. The Indian community in Izmir is well-organized, with several cultural and community organizations promoting Indian culture and traditions.
Turkey is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. The country attracts visitors from all over the world, including a growing number of Indian tourists. There are several resorts in Turkey that are popular among Indian visitors, offering a perfect blend of Turkish and Indian cultures.
1. Antalya: Antalya is a coastal city in southern Turkey and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts. Antalya is also popular among Indian visitors, who come to enjoy the city's scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, and cultural attractions.
2. Bodrum: Bodrum is a charming coastal town in western Turkey known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and luxury resorts. It is also popular among Indian visitors, who come to enjoy the town's laid-back atmosphere, scenic beauty, and cultural attractions.
3. Istanbul: Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Istanbul is also popular among Indian visitors, who come to explore the city's iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
4. Cappadocia: Cappadocia is a unique region in central Turkey known for its stunning landscapes, including fairy chimneys, cave houses, and underground cities. The region is also popular among Indian visitors, who come to experience its otherworldly beauty and unique culture.
5. Pamukkale: Pamukkale is a natural wonder located in western Turkey, known for its hot springs and travertine terraces. The region is also popular among Indian visitors, who come to experience the natural beauty and relaxing hot springs.
Turkey is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Indian tourists, who visit Turkey for vacations, have a variety of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget to luxury hotels. Here are some hotels in Turkey that are popular among Indian tourists:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Sirkeci: This 5-star hotel in Istanbul is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the Bosphorus. The hotel is popular among Indian tourists for its luxurious rooms, excellent service, and proximity to popular tourist attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
- Rixos Premium Bodrum: This 5-star hotel in Bodrum is located on a private bay and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel is popular among Indian tourists for its luxurious rooms, world-class amenities, and excellent service.
- Titanic Beach Lara: This 5-star hotel in Antalya is located on the Lara Beach and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel is popular among Indian tourists for its luxurious rooms, excellent service, and family-friendly facilities.
- The Marmara Taksim: This 5-star hotel in Istanbul is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The hotel is popular among Indian tourists for its luxurious rooms, world-class amenities, and proximity to popular tourist attractions such as the Taksim Square and the Istiklal Avenue.
- Grand Hyatt Istanbul: This 5-star hotel in Istanbul is located in the upscale neighborhood of Nisantasi and offers stunning views of the city. The hotel is popular among Indian tourists for its luxurious rooms, world-class amenities, and proximity to popular tourist attractions such as the Dolmabahce Palace and the Bosphorus.
Turkey