Is There a 42% Drop in Visa Applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan from India?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Discover how recent geopolitical events have led to a staggering 42% drop in visa applications from India to Turkey and Azerbaijan. As travellers pivot to alternative destinations, this article explores the shifting patterns and sentiments of Indian travellers in response to current events.
Key Takeaways
- 42% decline in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan.
- 60% increase in users abandoning applications within 36 hours.
- 53% drop in Turkey-bound applications from Delhi and Mumbai.
- Group visa requests fell by 49%, while solo and couple applications dropped by 27%.
- Women travellers showed a 2.3 times higher tendency to switch to Southeast Asian destinations.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) Following recent geopolitical shifts that have significantly altered Indian traveller perceptions, a notable 42% decline in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan has been reported, according to a Tuesday report.
Both nations have openly supported Pakistan, prompting a swift response from Indian travellers.
In just 36 hours, there was a remarkable 60% surge in users who abandoned the visa application process midway, as per data from Atlys, a visa processing platform.
“The response was not random; it was sharp and instinctive. There was no need for people to be advised to steer clear of specific destinations. They naturally shifted focus, driven by instinct, information, and the availability of alternatives. This is the nature of modern travel,” stated Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlys.
In solidarity with national sentiment, “we have also halted all marketing initiatives for Turkey and Azerbaijan,” he added.
Travellers from metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai exhibited a 53% reduction in applications for Turkey, while interest from tier 2 cities such as Indore and Jaipur showed greater resilience, experiencing only a 20% drop.
Moreover, there has been a notable shift in the profile of travellers reconsidering their plans.
Requests for group visas, including family trips, plummeted by nearly 49%, while individual and couple applications saw a slower decline of 27%.
This indicates that larger group travellers, who typically plan further ahead and are more sensitive to political climates, reacted more decisively compared to solo travellers.
Data from Atlys also highlighted early trends related to age and intent. Travellers aged 25 to 34 were the most likely to change their plans swiftly, representing over 70% of the mid-process application drop-offs for Turkey.
Interestingly, women travellers displayed a higher inclination to change their destinations entirely, being 2.3 times more likely to restart applications for Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam or Thailand.
As Turkey and Azerbaijan became less appealing, alternative destinations gained traction. In the days following, applications to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt surged by up to 31%, according to the data.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the prevailing national sentiments while reporting on international travel trends. The significant drop in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan reflects a collective response to geopolitical events and highlights the importance of understanding how global affairs influence the travel decisions of our citizens.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the decline in visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan?
The decline is attributed to recent geopolitical developments, particularly both countries' support for Pakistan, which has influenced Indian travellers' sentiments.
How significant was the drop in applications?
There was a notable 42% decline in applications, with a 60% increase in users abandoning the application process midway.
Which cities showed the most significant drop in applications?
Metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai experienced a 53% decrease in Turkey-bound applications, while tier 2 cities saw a 20% decline.
What demographic is most affected by this change?
Travellers aged 25 to 34 showed the highest likelihood of changing their travel plans, accounting for over 70% of mid-process drop-offs.
Have any alternative destinations gained popularity?
Yes, applications to destinations like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt have surged by up to 31% following the decline in interest in Turkey and Azerbaijan.
