Istanbul is one of the other cultural capitals of Turkey, steeped in history, beautiful architectural wonders, and street life at its best. As an Indian citizen, you may well be planning a trip to this enigmatically beautiful city. Do you know how to obtain an Istanbul visa? This comprehensive guide will take you through every step of the process, which in turn will help you with an easy visa application procedure.
You will also meet Zetexa’s ZetSIM, an easy eSIM, so you will stay in contact and not get disconnected at any time, and you won’t need to request a physical SIM card when traveling abroad. With that said, let’s get started with the process and tools you will need for your Istanbul escapade!
Why Visit Istanbul?
Let’s introduce why Istanbul is an in-demand destination before we get into visa details.
Cultural Heritage: The city of the meeting of East and West, Istanbul has what constitutes the elements of both European and Asian living. You are bound to fall in love with the prominent images of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace.
Savory Cuisine: Kebabs, tasty baklava, and much more delectable food are some of the ingredients of dining in Turkey.
Shopping Paradise: Shopaholics, take note. There’s another one to add in your list with the Great Bazaar and Spice Bazaar for unique souvenirs and spice treatments.
Vibrant Street Life: Enjoy strolling down lively streets, have a sip of Turkish tea at local cafes, and savor drastic views of the Bosphorus.
Enjoy all this and much more by following the first step-firstly, getting your Istanbul visa.
Istanbul Visa for Indian Citizens
If you happen to be one of the Indians, then you would require a visa to visit the place of Turkey, where Istanbul lies. Do not worry about the hassle; it is an easy process.
Here are the significant points on how to get your application right:
1. Type of Istanbul Visa for Indians:
Indian citizens can apply for different types of visas depending on the formally declared reasons for visiting. The most common types of visas include:
Tourist Visa: Suitable for travelers who intend to visit places that they intend to use during the trip to Istanbul
Business Visa: For participants coming for meetings, seminars etc.
Student Visa: When you’re traveling to Turkey for reasons of school.
Transit Visa: if Istanbul is only a passage point of your trip in another destination.
This one is the easiest one, although for most tourists.
2. What is an Istanbul e-Visa?
Almost an online application that saves time and effort at every stage, an e-Visa for Istanbul is somewhat an online application through which Indian citizens can get an online visa from Turkey without visiting the Turkish consulate or embassy. For this, one needs to have their documents ready, and then everything else will be taken care of with the help of an e-Visa.
Eligible Dates: The electronic visa will be valid for 30 days. Simultaneously, it will just be a single-entry visa.
Processing Time: The processing time for the electronic visa will take nearly 24 to 48 hours.
3. How to apply for the Istanbul e-Visa?
How to get Istanbul e-Visa? Just follow the following steps on how to do it:
Step 1: Proceed to the official Turkey e-Visa site (www.evisa.gov.tr) and input the information.
Step 2: Enter your passport details. Your passport needs at least six months until the date when you arrive in Turkey.
Step 3: Pay visa fee through Credit or Debit Card. This will cost around USD 43 for Indian citizens; however, the amount keeps on changing.
Step 4: Get the e-Visa delivered to your mail account after a confirmation of the successful transaction. Print out and carry it with you during your journey
4. Documents needed for an Istanbul Visa
Ensure that you have no hassle while getting your visa processed by keeping the following documents ready with you.
Valid passport issued from India should be valid for at least six months
Passport photograph
E-mail address confirmed to receive the e-visa
Debit/Credit card for visa fee payment
Travel Itinerary and Hotel Bookings, if travel has been confirmed
5. Travel Insurance
While not mandatory when applying for an e-Visa, travel insurance is a precaution for some of the unexpected things that may happen: for example, hospitalization if you get ill or cancellation of travel. Here are a few excellent Indian insurers offering low-cost plans that fit Turkish travel.
How ZetSIM by Zetexa Adds That Little Extra to Your Istanbul Experience
The most important thing in this hyper-connected world today would be always to be connected with the people you care about and to access travel information in a flash. That is why there is such an innovative service as eSIM, ZetSIM by Zetexa, which will indeed make your traveling communications streamlined and hassle-free.
1. What is ZetSIM?
ZetSIM is an eSIM, and it allows you to begin with a data plan in Turkey, so you do not have to go there and bring your own SIM card. This would be the best option for travelers who would like to avoid all such roaming costs staying connected right when they land in Istanbul.
2. Advantages of Using ZetSIM in Istanbul
No Queuing for Physical SIM: You don’t have to stand in the lines in the kiosk of Istanbul airport for a physical SIM, however. You need only a QR code for activation with an eSIM.
Pocket-friendly data plans: Cheap rates by ZetSIM shall save you from exorbitant international roaming charges.
Coverage around the world: Whether traveling from India to Istanbul, or from Los Angeles to Paris: ZetSIM will connect you everywhere.
Instant Activation: You can choose your eSIM even before you set off for Istanbul, and as you land, you are live.
3. How to Get ZetSIM for My Trip?
Just visit the website of Zetexa and get the required type of ZetSIM rate according to the need of travel.
You’ll receive an email with the activation QR code. You just need to scan it with your smartphone. Within one minute, your eSIM will be activated.
With ZetSIM, you might be able to use maps to navigate your way through the city, to communicate with your family while maintaining contacts with them, and upload the pictures from the travels in Istanbul to social media without concerning yourself about connectivity.
Other Tourist Tips about Istanbul
Best Season to Visit: The spring season from March to May and the autumn season from September to November are the best seasons as the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
Currency: Turkish Lira is the formal currency. The tourism websites of the country suggest carrying cash and cards.
Language: Turkish is the native language. English is understood at every tourist destination.
Getting around: The public transport system in Istanbul is highly developed with buses, trams, and ferries. There are Istanbulkarts that can take you to all places without any hassle.
Places to visit:
Hagia Sophia: This cultural heritage carries history in the form of a church, mosque, and a museum at different times.
Basilica Cistern: Mystical underground water reservoir.
Bosphorus Cruise: Enjoy an enlightening boat ride between the two continents of Europe and Asia
Conclusion
Obtaining an Istanbul visa for any Indian traveler is not a big deal by all means, especially if choosing the e-Visa. But pre-planning in advance, preparing every document beforehand and making use of good tools, like ZetSIM offered by Zetexa, ensures a silky smooth journey to Istanbul.
Pack your bag, get a visa ready to get into Turkey, and off you go into the realization of that magical city that is ready to welcome you anywhere in East and West. And with Zetexa’s ZetSIM eSIM out of touch you never will be and always in command of your Turkish adventure!
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