Crews Letter #2007 02e VISAs and Customs in Turkey

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Some recent email exchanges:

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Visa to Turkey
From: Gail
Date: Thu, March 22, 2007 1:11 am
To: Fred & Phyllis

Where do you get your Turkish visa? ……….at the airport?  Do tell!

Thanks,

Gail

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Visa to Turkey
From: Phyl & Fred  
Date: Thu, March 22, 2007 8:58 am
To: Gail

Good Morning Crew:

Upon arrival in Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul, and before you clear Passport Control, just to the left of Passport Control, there is the place to buy your VISA.  About $20 is the price.  The preferred currency is USD.

With VISA pasted into your passport, you proceed to Passport Control. There you will be stamped in. Next, its to the baggage carousel. Collect your baggage if it came with you and proceed to Customs. Unless you brought commercial goods that you plan to sell in Turkey, head for the door marked, “Nothing to Declare.” Once through that door, you are in the International Airport.

The “Nothing to Declare” door does not always work. Some times, you will be approached by an official in uniform and asked some questions. First, explain you have no Turkish. Ask if English is possible. Second, honesty is the very best policy. Attempts at humor are not a good idea. This should not be a problem.

This has been the procedure for the last five years. The price has fluctuated from as low as $20 and as high as $125. It reflects what the US government is charging Turks for a VISA. I would like to say something about the 1750 illegals who walked into the US yesterday without passport, VISA or fee. No, let’s not go there.

Regards,

Fred

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