Turkey has granted Australian citizens visa exemption for tourist travel of up to 90 days. The decision was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force, and is expected to increase tourism mobility.
Published in the Official Gazette: New Visa Regulation
Turkey has signed an important decision affecting international tourism and diplomatic relations. With a presidential decree, changes have been made to the visa application for Australian citizens.
The decision was published in the Official Gazette with the signature of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and entered into force.
90-Day Visa Exemption for Australian Citizens
According to the new regulation, Australian citizens holding ordinary passports will be able to benefit from visa exemption for their tourist travels to Turkey.
Australian passengers:
- Within every 180 days
- For a maximum stay of 90 days
will be able to stay in Turkey without a visa.
The regulation also covers transit passages.
Legal Basis: Law No. 6458
The decision in question was taken within the scope of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458. Article 18 of the law grants the President the authority to provide visa exemption to certain countries.
Impact on Tourism and Aviation
The decision is expected to increase tourism mobility, especially on the Turkey–Australia route. The visa exemption may also positively reflect on airline load factors by supporting passenger demand on long-haul flights.
THY’s Australia Move
Turkish Airlines’ (THY) long-haul expansion plans for the Australian market have come back to the agenda in the aviation sector. It is stated that THY, which expands its Istanbul-based global network every year, continues its evaluations for routes to Sydney and Melbourne within the scope of its strategic targets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Direct flights have not started yet
In THY’s current operational structure, there are no regular and direct flights between Istanbul and Australia. Passengers wishing to travel to Australia generally travel via Asian hubs such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok with connections.
On these routes, the total travel time varies between an average of 20 to 26 hours depending on transfer durations.
Sydney and Melbourne-focused planning
According to industry sources, Australia holds an important place among potential destinations in THY’s long-haul growth strategy. In particular, the country’s two major cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are considered priority points in possible route planning.
However, in order to implement these routes, critical factors such as fleet planning, slot structure and operational cost balance need to be addressed together.
Ultra long-haul operation requirement
The Turkey–Australia route is among the longest air corridors in the world, with a distance exceeding approximately 14,000 kilometres. Therefore, a possible direct flight is expected to be operated with THY’s latest generation long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900.
These aircraft are preferred on ultra long-haul routes in terms of both fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Codeshare and transfer model continues
Although THY does not operate direct flights to Australia, it offers many indirect connections through its existing network. Thanks to codeshare agreements with global partners such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates, passengers can reach Australia from Istanbul with a single ticket.
Diaspora and tourism demand are influential
Australia hosts a significant Turkish diaspora, especially in Melbourne and Sydney. In addition, the increase in education and tourism demand is also considered among the factors strengthening the route’s potential.
Expectation for the future period
Aviation circles assess that the Australia route may come strongly back onto the agenda in the medium term within the scope of THY’s Asia-Pacific expansion strategy. It is stated that in the first stage, low-frequency flights or regional partnership models may be introduced, and in the following period, the possibility of direct flights may be evaluated.
The steps to be taken by Turkish Airlines in this direction will be one of the strategic moves that will further strengthen Istanbul Airport’s role as a global hub.
Analysis: Turkey Expands Its Long-Haul Tourism Market
Visa facilitation for geographically distant markets such as Australia strengthens Turkey’s tourism diversification strategy. This step may create new opportunities both in terms of tourism and aviation connectivity.
Strengthening Turkey’s position as a transit hub, especially on connecting and long-haul flights, may also directly contribute to airport traffic.
