Business travel to Istanbul, planned from Pakistan
Istanbul links Pakistani textile, leather, food, construction and defence-sector companies to suppliers and buyers across Türkiye and Europe. The city spans two continents, so where you stay matters as much as when you go.
Istanbul for business travellers from Pakistan
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visa | Ordinary Pakistani passport holders need a visa. Those with a valid Schengen, US, UK or Ireland visa or residence permit can get a one-month, single-entry e-Visa online. |
| Other travellers | Apply for a sticker visa through Türkiye’s authorised visa application centre in Pakistan, well ahead of travel. |
| Passport | Valid for at least 60 days beyond your stay; six months is recommended for the sticker visa. |
| Airports | Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side; Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side. |
| Flight time | About five to six hours direct from Pakistan. |
| Working week | Monday to Friday. |
| Money | Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted; prices can change quickly. |
e-Visa or sticker visa
The e-Visa is only for tourism or commerce, only for holders of the supporting visas or permits listed above, and only on the official site, evisa.gov.tr. Look-alike sites charge extra for the same document. Airlines check the supporting visa at boarding, so carry the original.
Travellers without a supporting visa apply for a sticker visa. Decisions can take several weeks and travel health insurance is normally part of the file, so start early for trade-fair trips.
Districts and venues
Istanbul traffic is heavy and Bosphorus crossings add time, so group meetings by side of the city.
- Levent and Maslak for corporate headquarters, banks and many international firms
- Şişli and Mecidiyeköy for offices and mid-size companies
- Ataşehir on the Asian side for the Istanbul Finance Center and growing corporate offices
- Merter, Zeytinburnu and Laleli for textile and apparel wholesale
- Istanbul Expo Center near the old Atatürk Airport, and TÜYAP in Büyükçekmece, for trade fairs
Meeting culture in Istanbul
Turkish business is relationship-led. Expect tea, a longer first meeting and a lunch invitation; accepting is part of building trust. Punctuality is appreciated, though meetings may start a little late. Dress is smart business.
For supplier visits, an interpreter for technical meetings outside central Istanbul is often worth booking, and a day trip to Bursa, Denizli or Gaziantep can be added for textile and food suppliers.
How Go Global manages a Istanbul trip
Visa check
We confirm whether you qualify for the e-Visa or need a sticker visa.
Plan by side
We place your hotel on the side of the city where most meetings are.
Bookings
Flights, hotel, airport transfer and fair-day transport.
Extras
Interpreter or a supplier day trip if needed.
After the trip
Single invoice and trip record.
Istanbul business travel questions
Can Pakistanis get a Turkish e-Visa?
Only ordinary passport holders who hold a valid Schengen, US, UK or Ireland visa or residence permit, and only for tourism or commerce. Others need a sticker visa.
Is a used single-entry Schengen visa enough?
Türkiye’s official guidance says used or unused visas count as long as they are valid on the date you enter Türkiye. e-Visas from other countries do not count.
Which airport should I fly into?
Istanbul Airport (IST) suits meetings on the European side, including Levent and Maslak. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) suits the Asian side and Ataşehir.
Can I work on a Turkish e-Visa?
No. The e-Visa is for tourism and commerce such as meetings and buying. Work and study need a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate.
Planning a trip to Istanbul?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.