Starting December 23, 2023, Türkiye expanded its visa-free entry program to citizens of four GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The decision, issued through a presidential decree by Tayyip Erdogan, president of Türkiye, allows tourists from these four countries to now spend 90 of the 180 days in Türkiye without a visa.
Additionally, Türkiye also offers e-visa options to expats living in GCC countries. Eligible travelers can apply for the Türkiye e-visa system. Citizens of Algeria, Egypt, India, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines and Yemen who have a valid visa or a valid residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, the USA, the United Kingdom or Ireland can apply for electronic visa.
The country's national airline, Turkish Airlines, praised the move as one that would “strengthen ties between Türkiye and these countries” and also “further strengthen the country's tourist numbers from 2024.”
Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, said: “Türkiye continues to expand its international relations with the new presidential decree issued to exempt visas for nationals of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman. . Turkish Airlines supports visa exemptions, making travel even easier through free stopover services for our travelers. As the national flag carrier of Türkiye, we give our passengers the opportunity to create memories they will never forget in beautiful Istanbul.”
Turkish Airlines orders 220 Airbus aircraft
Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines through Istanbul Airport to anywhere in the world can discover Istanbul for free. Turkish Airlines transit passengers are eligible to unlock two destinations with one flight ticket, as the national flag carrier offers two stopover services, a free hotel stay and a free city tour, to explore the city from Istanbul during transit.
Turkish Airlines passengers booking flights with layovers of 6 to 24 hours can take advantage of Touristanbul, a free city tour service that allows travelers to explore Istanbul through eight different guided tours.
Alternatively, passengers booking flights with a stopover of at least 20 hours at Istanbul Airport can have the opportunity to explore the city with the 'Stop in Istanbul' stopover service independently and at their own pace, with free accommodation in associated hotels.
Turkish Airlines orders 220 Airbus aircraft
In 2023, the total number of passengers carried by Turkish Airlines increased by 16.1 percent to 83.4 million compared to the same period in 2022. As of the end of December 2023, the airline had 440 aircraft in its fleet.
turkishairlines.com
(Image: provided by Turkish Airlines)
