The authors of Move to Mexico news are closely monitoring publications on the Internet about the peculiarities of flying to Mexico during these difficult times. With the resumption of air traffic between Russia and Turkey, the most popular route for flights to Mexico has become a route with connections in Istanbul and Europe. Entry into Türkiye is visa-free for Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians. This means that you can buy a ticket to Moscow — Istanbul of any airline, taking into account the permissible change of airport, make an independent transfer, and fly from Istanbul to Mexico on a single or two separate tickets in transit through Europe.
The second advantage of this route — Regular flights between Russia and Turkey are officially permitted. You will definitely be allowed on a flight to Istanbul, while boarding on a flight from Moscow to Europe can be denied, citing that such a flight is repatriation and not a regular regular one.
But recently there have been frequent reports that Turkish Airlines is conducting checks on those boarding connecting flights to Mexico in Istanbul. There are quite a few such posts both on the Vinsky forum and on other forums dedicated to travel. Authors are most often — young single travelers, but not only them.
So, when checking in for a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Europe, travelers are asked and checked for the full package of documents required to enter Mexico. Only after this is a boarding pass issued (or not issued).
They can check:
- Return ticket from Mexico,
- Electronic permission,
- Availability of necessary funds,
- Hotel reservation.
They can ask to see cash or confirm (?) the stated amount on the card; they ask about their occupation and about their accompanying travel companions.
Actually, migration officers demand the same thing when entering Mexico. But Turkish Airlines had almost no such inspection practice in the past, even when flying directly to Mexico City or Cancun. The airline can be understood: it already allows independent transfers in Amsterdam or Frankfurt to flights of European carriers to Mexico, and they even reload luggage. But not Turkish Airlines, but KLM or Lufthansa will carry at their own expense back to Europe a passenger who has been «deployed» upon entry into Mexico. European airlines are also able to check reasons for entry into Mexico, but they do this quickly and without questioning. Apparently, Turkish Airlines understands its responsibility.
Perhaps the appearance of reports about checks in Istanbul is due to the fact that previously many travelers flew from Russia to Mexico on direct charters, where such checks almost never happen. Or because now the flow of travelers from Europe to Mexico is several times less than before the epidemic, and more attention is paid to each passenger. But we do not believe that the initiative for these checks comes from Mexico itself.
One way or another, you should be prepared for the possibility of being checked in Istanbul on the way to Mexico. An electronic permit can be made via the Internet at the airport and shown on the phone screen without printing. It is also possible to book the hotel on Booking with a cancellation option. You are allowed to come up with a travel plan. It’s more difficult with a return ticket and the availability of funds, but there are options here too.
But just in case: come to the airport for check-in in advance, and not at the last moment.