TURKEY’s national airport has made significant changes which will impact Britons and their summer holidays in 2019. What are these, and how will they impact Britons? Here are the details.
Turkey’s main national airport, the new Istanbul Airport, has undergone major changes impacting British travellers. The FOC has issued a warning for those headed to the eastern European country this summer after a host of major changes. British nationals made over 2.3 million visits to Turkey in 2018 and this is set to increase substantially in summer 2019, after figures from Thomas Cook reported by Express.co.uk showed Britons were increasingly headed to the destination to escape the UK’s Brexit chaos. This month, significant changes saw transfers of flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to the new Istanbul Airport.
This has led the UK FOC to issue advice for Britons, urging holidaymakers to allow extra time when travelling.
They stated: “We recommend that you plan to arrive at the new airport well in advance of your flight’s scheduled departure time, in case of possible delays reaching the airport and also allow for sufficient time if transiting through Istanbul given the distances between gates.”
Meanwhile, airlines including UK budget carrier easyJet have issued advice over the significant visa changes at the airport.
Its website stated: “Self service e-Visa kiosks and Wi-Fi areas where visitors can apply for an e-Visa on arrival will no longer be available in Turkish airports.
“You must apply for your e-Visa before you travel.”
It comes as the FOC echoed the need for the mandatory document, and added: “British nationals need a visa to travel to Turkey, except for some cruise ship passengers arriving at sea ports for visits of up to 72 hours.
“If you’re visiting Turkey as a tourist or on business, get an e-Visa online before you travel.
“Make sure you use the official e-Visa website so you get a genuine visa without paying additional fees.
“You should carry your passport and a printed copy of your e-visa (if applicable) or residence permit at all times.
“In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the Turkish authorities are stopping members of the public to conduct ID checks.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk