Turkey Launches New Online-Based Visa System Ready for Potential 2020 Olympic Visitors

A new online-based visa system has been launched in Turkey to smooth the transition for Olympic visitors in 2020 should Istanbul be selected to host the Games for the first time.

The new e-visa allows tourists to apply and pay for their visa online and print it out before they travel, purchase eliminating the need to queue for a “stamp-type” visa. The e-visa will be available to citizens of 94 countries. Istanbul 2020 has also guaranteed a visa waiver for all accredited persons during the Games, drug and up to one month before and after the Games.

Speaking at a press conference in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davuto?lu, said: “This is a revolutionary practice and there is no other country implementing this system at the scale we are implementing it.”

The press conference was also attended by Turkey’s Interior Minister, Muammer Güler, the Finance Minister, Mehmet ?im?ek, and officials from the Prime Ministry, the Development Ministry and the Police Department. The Foreign Ministry also signed a cooperation protocol with Turkish Airlines at the launch.

CEO of the Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee, Ali Kiremitçio?lu, commented: “This is an important step in Turkey’s commitment to providing the best possible visitor experience for the ever-increasing number of tourists that visit our country. Istanbul 2020 will be characterised by a simple and enjoyable end-to-end experience for every guest. That starts with user-friendly entry procedures that minimise bureaucracy for the preparation and celebration of the Games, with no compromise on security. The entire Olympic family can be guaranteed the warmest of welcomes with Turkey’s famous culture of hospitality and compassion.”

It is expected that visa issuance at the borders will be replaced entirely by e-visas within three to four months and that 7.5 million visas will be issued annually through the online system, which will initially only be available to visitors travelling with Turkish Airlines.

Istanbul are currently competing with Tokyo and Madrid for the right to host the 2020 Olympics. The IOC will announce the winning city on September 7th.