Turkey:evisa for Indians,Turkish Airlines Routes

E-Visa Initiative Launched By the Turkish Government : Visa in just a few minutes

             All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” Image Source: http://b4-online.com
Starting from 17 April 2013, the Turkish Government has launched an online visa system (e-Visa) which replaces “sticker” and “stamp-type” visas formerly issued at the border gates and enables tourists from 94 countries to obtain a visa in just a few minutes.

                                                     It's as simple as that...! Click:evisa Turkey

 Thanks to this new initiative, those who would like to travel to Turkey for tourism or business/commerce purposes will not have to go to Turkish Embassies or Consulates or wait in queues at the airport to obtain a visa.Applicants just need to log on to www.evisa.gov.tr, provide the requested information, (if the application is approved) make online payment and download their e-Visa.

 After a successful application, the e-Visa would be e-mailed to the applicant. Applicants must print out their e-Visa, show it to airport officials and customs officers and carry it with them at all times during their travel.It hardly takes 5-10 minutes to fill up the online form.I had my Schengen visa so I could fill up the eVisa.My friend took the help of a Travel Agency who could submit her application at Turkish Embassy,Mumbai.It takes 3-4 working days however keep a sufficient time gap between your travel and visa.

Indian citizens can benefit from this new initiative provided that:

a) Their passport has a minimum of 6-months-validity,
b) They hold necessary documents related to their travel purposes. (such as a return ticket, hotel reservation, adequate financial means (minimum U.S. $ 50 for each day)),
c) They hold a valid Schengen visa or a valid visa from any of the OECD member countries(US,USA,Australia etc) or a valid residence permit in these countries.
d) They are traveling for the purposes of tourism or business/ commercial negotiations.

Please note that e-Visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. Other purposes, such as work and study, require regular visa given by the Turkish Embassies or Consulates.

Please also note that issuance of e-Visa or regular visa does not accord the passenger the right to enter Turkey and the Turkish border/port authorities may deny entry.

Turkish Airlines adds 5 new destinations in May 2013

                                               Image Source : http://www.geotourismturkey.com

Already having the world's 4th largest flight network and flying to 223 destinations in 99 countries, Turkish Airlines continues to grow by adding 5 new destinations in May

To know more about Turkish Airlines history(well not all history is boring!How about an airline which started way back in 1933,with 24 personal,2 five seated king birds,2 four seated junkers and 10 seated ATH.And now they are the best airline is Europe.)

The animated commercials are witty and brilliantly made.Watch them Turkish Airlines Creative Commercials

New Delhi, May, 2013: Turkish Airlines, ranked the best airline in Europe* with the most comprehensive network, adds operations to Isparta (Turkey), Santiago De Compostela (Spain), Valetta (Malta) and Salzburg (Austria) following the May 2nd addition of  Friedrichshafen to its growing network.

                                                                                      Salzburg,Austria

Beginning May 20th, roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Isparta (Turkey) will be operated 3 times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Isparta (Turkey) starting at 158 TL (including taxes and fees).

Isparta flight times as planned by May 20th;

Flight No.            Days                 Departure           Arrival
TK2860     Monday, Friday        IST 13:25          ISE 14:35
TK2860       Wednesday              IST 10:55         ISE 12:05
TK2861     Monday, Friday        ISE 15:20           IST 16:25
TK2861       Wednesday             ISE 12:50 IST 13:55

*All times are in LMT.

Another destination in Spain...
With existing services to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao, Turkish Airlines adds flights to Santiago De Compostela as its 6th destination in Spain. BeginningMay 21st, Santiago De Compostela flights will be operated 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Santiago De Compostela starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Santiago De Compostela flight  times as planned by May 21th;

Flight No.                           Days                           Departure   Arrival
TK1319           Tuesday, Friday, Sunday        IST 09:00    SCQ 12:45
TK1320           Tuesday, Friday, Sunday SCQ 13:50   IST 19:15
*All times are in LMT.

Malta, 226th destination in 100 country...
Turkish Airlines’ 226th destination in 100 country, Malta flights begins in  25th May 2013. Roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Malta will be operated 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Malta starting from 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Malta flight  times as planned by May 25th;

Flight No.                             Days                                          Departure          Arrival
TK1369           Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday          IST 12:35    MLA 14:20
TK1370           Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday          MLA 15:15 IST 18:35
*All times are in LMT.

Expansion in Austria as well...
With existing services to Vienna, Turkish Airlines now adds flights to Salzburg as its 2nd destination in Austria. Beginning May 28th, roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Salzburg will be operated 4 times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Salzburg starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Salzburg flight  times as planned by May 28th;

Flight No.              Days                                                                   Departure          Arrival
TK1381        Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday         IST 12:15     SZG 13:45
TK1382        Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday        SZG 14:45      IST 18:05
*All times are in LMT.