Turkey Transit Visa for Mauritanian Citizens

For Mauritanian citizens transiting through Turkey en route to another country, obtaining a Turkey Transit Visa is crucial. This blog gives an in-depth look at the application process, eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, processing times, and other important details.

Mauritanian citizens travelling through Istanbul Airport (IST) en route to specific destinations now require an electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV). This new regulation applies to Mauritanians travelling onward to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela.

What is a Turkey Transit Visa

A transit visa for Turkey is a kind of visa designed specifically for travellers who need to pass through Turkey on their way to another destination. This visa is required for travellers who will be in transit through a Turkish airport and intend to leave the airport or stay in Turkey for a short period before continuing their journey to another country.

There are a few key points about the Turkey Transit Visa:

1. Duration: The transit visa typically allows a short stay, which may range from a few hours up to a day, depending on the needs of the traveller.
2. Purpose: It is intended for travellers who do not plan to stay in Turkey but need to pass through connecting flights or other modes of transportation.
3. Application: Travelers must apply for this visa before their arrival in Turkey unless they are from countries eligible for visa-free entry for short stays or can obtain a visa on arrival.
4. Eligibility: The requirements and eligibility for a transit visa depend on the traveller's nationality, the duration of the stay in Turkey, and their onward travel plans.

Turkey transit visa eligibility for Mauritanian Citizens

For Mauritanian citizens looking to transit through Turkey, obtaining a Turkey Transit Visa is necessary under the following eligibility criteria:

Eligibility

• Mauritanian Citizenship: You must hold a valid Mauritanian passport. While there is no specific mention of a minimum validity period, it is advisable to check with the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for any updated requirements.
• Transit Purpose: Your primary purpose of travel must be to connect to a flight to another country.
• Confirmed Onward Ticket: You need to have a confirmed onward flight ticket departing from Turkey.
• Layover Duration: The layover in Turkey must be less than 24 hours.

Eligibility Requirements for a Turkey Transit Visa for Mauritanian Citizens

Mauritanian citizens seeking a Turkey Transit Visa must meet the following conditions:

• Applicants must be Mauritanian nationals holding a valid Mauritanian passport.
• The transit should be solely through Istanbul Airport.
• The intended destination after leaving Turkey must be one of the specified countries, which include:
• Colombia
• Mexico
• Panama
• Venezuela

These criteria ensure that Mauritanian travellers appropriately use the transit visa to pass through Turkey and en route to their final destinations.

Essential Documents for a Seamless Visa Application

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, gather the following documents for your online application:

• Valid Mauritanian Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months following your planned departure date from Turkey. It should also have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Clear Passport Scan: You'll need a scanned copy or a high-resolution photo of your passport's biographical data page.
• Onward Flight Booking: A confirmed flight reservation for your connecting flight out of Turkey.

Additional Documents (might be required):

• Travel Health Insurance: While not mandatory for the visa application, travel insurance is highly recommended for any trip.

How to Get a Transit Visa for Turkey as a Mauritanian Citizen

• Access the E-visa Portal: Visit the Turkey E-visa website to start your application.
• Choose Your Language: Select English or another available language from the website options to ensure you understand the application process clearly.
• Initiate Your Application: Click on the "Apply" button to begin entering your visa application details.
• Fill Out the Application Form: Accurately enter your personal information, passport details, travel itinerary (including details of your onward flight), and your contact information.
• Upload Required Documents: Attach scanned copies or high-resolution photos of your passport’s biographical page and any other documents that are required.
• Evaluate and Submit: Double-check all the information you have provided for accuracy, then submit your application.
• Pay the E-visa Fee: Complete the payment for the visa application using the secure online payment methods available on the website. Make sure to confirm which payment methods are accepted.
• Track Your Application: After submission, you can monitor the status of your application on the Turkey E-visa website by using your specific application ID.

This streamlined process allows Mauritanian citizens to efficiently apply for a transit visa necessary for their travel through Turkey.

Fee Payment for a Turkey Transit Visa for Mauritanian Citizens

The fee for a Turkey Transit Visa may differ depending on various elements such as the visa category, number of entries, and processing speed desired. Mauritanian citizens are advised to consult the Turkish visa fee webpage for precise charges. This webpage offers a comprehensive fee chart or a tool for checking fees, enabling you to verify the exact cost tailored to your visa requirements.

Processing time for Turkey Transit Visa

The processing time for Turkish transit visas can vary due to several factors, such as visa type, duration, and application number. Here, we detailed the 3 processing options available for a Turkey transit visa:

FAQs

Can I stay in Istanbul for more than 24 hours with a transit visa?

A Transit Visa is not suitable for layovers exceeding 24 hours in Istanbul. You might need to explore alternative visa options depending on your situation. Contact the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for clarification.

Is travel medical insurance mandatory for a Turkey Transit Visa?

No, travel medical insurance is not mandatory for obtaining the visa. However, it's strongly recommended for all international travel for unexpected medical situations.

Are there any restrictions on what I can do while in transit at Istanbul Airport with a Transit Visa?

Yes, a Transit Visa restricts you to staying within the designated transit area of Istanbul Airport. You won't be authorised to leave the airport and explore Istanbul.

As a Mauritanian citizen holding a valid US visa, am I able to use it in place of a Transit Visa for my layover in Istanbul?

Your valid US visa is indeed a valuable asset for your travels, enhancing your mobility across various international borders. However, for a layover in Istanbul, you will still need to secure a Transit Visa if your journey continues to specific destinations such as Mexico, Panama, Colombia, or Venezuela. The US visa does not exempt you from the requirement of a Transit Visa for these particular travel routes.