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Turkey eVisa guide: Your frequently asked questions answered
Photo of Camilo Alvarez Camilo Alvarez
10 min read
Updated on Feb 16, 2024

Planning to explore Turkey and its vibrant culture? We know planning a trip and applying for an eVisa can be overwhelming. That’s why we've gathered all the essential information to ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

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The Turkey eVisa marks a significant leap in making travel to the country more accessible. Available to citizens of almost 40 countries, it replaces the traditional visa application with a simple online solution.

Do you still have questions about the Turkey eVisa and the application process? Let’s get them out of the way so you can enjoy planning your trip without the visa hassles.

Turkey eVisa eligibility and purpose

Find the answers to all your questions about eligibility for the Turkey eVisa and the documents you need to apply.

Do I need the Turkey eVisa to visit the country?

Gone are the days of long embassy queues! If you're a citizen of one of the 40 eligible countries, applying online for a Turkish visa is now just a few clicks away.

At the time of writing, travelers from the following countries can apply online:

Afghanistan Algeria Antigua and Barbuda Armenia
Australia Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados
Bermuda Bhutan Cambodia Cape Verde
China Croatia Dominica Dominican Republic
East Timor Egypt Equatorial Guinea Estonia
Fiji Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus Grenada Haiti
Hong Kong (BN(O)) India Iraq Jamaica
Latvia Libya Lithuania Maldives
Mauritius Mexico Nepal Pakistan
Palestine Philippines Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal Solomon Islands South Africa Sri Lanka
Suriname Taiwan Vanuatu Vietnam
Yemen

However, this list can change at any moment. Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to confirm your eligibility and get ready to explore Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture.

What if I am not eligible for the Turkey eVisa?

If you’re not eligible for this visa, check out our travel reporter’s guide on how to apply for the Turkey Embassy Visa instead.

It’s full of tried-and-tested tips on how to apply, what to expect at the interview, and what documents you need to submit.

Can I visit Turkey without a visa?

Travelers with a passport from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Turkey for the durations described below for tourism or business purposes:

Indefinite period

  • Northern Cyprus

90 days within 180 days

All European Union member states (except Cyprus) Albania Andorra Argentina
Azerbaijan Bahrain Belize Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Canada Chile
Colombia Ecuador El Salvador Georgia
Guatemala Honduras Hong Kong Iceland
Iran Israel Japan Jordan
Kazakhstan Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon Liechtenstein Malaysia Moldova
Monaco Montenegro Morocco New Zealand
Nicaragua North Macedonia Norway Oman
Panama Paraguay Peru Qatar
Saint Kitts and Nevis San Marino Saudi Arabia Serbia
Seychelles Singapore South Korea Switzerland
Tajikistan Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Ukraine
United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay
Uzbekistan Vatican City Venezuela

60 days, 90 days within 180 days

  • Russia

30 days, 90 days within 180 days

  • Brunei

  • Costa Rica

  • Indonesia

  • Macao

  • Mongolia

  • Thailand

Please note that other conditions may apply. Always check this info with your airline before traveling.

Can I get a visa on arrival for Turkey?

The Turkey Visa on Arrival has been discontinued. Most travelers can now apply for the Turkey eVisa online or get the traditional Turkey Visa through an embassy or consulate.

However, some nationalities (see previous question) can visit Turkey visa-free for a specified period.

What can and can't I use the Turkey eVisa for?

You can only use this eVisa to visit Turkey for tourist or business purposes.

If you are planning to work, live, or study in Turkey, you will need to apply for a residence permit through your local Turkish Embassy or Consulate. This condition also applies to most visa-exempt nationals.

Do I need a visa to transit in Turkey?

If you are not planning to leave the transit lounge at the airport while in Turkey, you are not required to have a Turkish transit or tourist visa.

If you are planning to leave the airport and enter Turkey, you must apply for a Turkish eVisa or embassy visa if you are from one of the eligible countries.

Example You booked a flight from South Africa to the United Kingdom with Turkish Airlines, and have a layover of 15 hours at Istanbul Airport.

You plan to leave the airport to stay in a hotel in the city and do some sightseeing before continuing your journey. In this case, you need to apply for an eVisa to enter the country.

I’m traveling with my children, do they also need the Turkey eVisa?

Yes, if your children have a passport from an eligible country, they must have a valid visa for Turkey. You can simply apply together as a family through our platform.

Turkey eVisa requirements and application process

Find the answers to some of your frequently asked questions about the Turkey eVisa process.

What documents do I need to apply for the Turkey eVisa?

All travelers heading to Turkey must have a valid passport or an equivalent travel document.

The key here is that your passport must remain valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay, whether you're entering with a traditional visa, eVisa, visa exemption, or residence permit.

iVisa tip: Make sure to check your passport, accepted payment method (debit or credit card/PayPal/Amazon Pay), and email address for access and validity before starting your application, as this ensures a smooth and quick application process.

How will I receive my Turkey eVisa?

Your eVisa will be electronically linked to your passport. You’ll receive an email confirmation upon approval.

While you’re not required to have a copy on hand upon arrival, we recommend downloading it on your mobile device, just in case.

Validity and processing time for the Turkey eVisa

Here’s everything you need to know about the Turkey eVisa validity and processing times.

How long is my Turkey eVisa valid?

The validity of your Turkey eVisa varies based on your nationality, generally spanning between 1 and 6 months. Most people can stay in Turkey between 30 and 60 days per visit.

Moreover, the kind of visa granted – whether it's a single-entry or multiple-entry – is also determined by your citizenship. Ultimately, the final decision regarding the validity and type of your visa rests in the hands of the Turkish authorities.

What is the difference between the Turkey eVisa validity and allowed stay?

The difference between Turkey's eVisa validity and allowed stay is a crucial aspect to understand when planning your trip:

  • eVisa validity: This refers to the period during which your eVisa is valid, or in other words, the time frame within which you must enter Turkey. This validity period typically starts from the issue date and lasts for a specific duration, such as 180 days after issued. It's important to note that this does not mean you can stay in Turkey for the entire validity period.

  • Allowed/max. stay: This is the actual length of time you are permitted to stay in Turkey once you have entered the country. Depending on your nationality and specific visa conditions, this could be 30, 60, or 90 days within the validity period of your Turkey eVisa.

Example:

If your eVisa is valid for 180 days (about 6 months) from the date of issue, and your allowed stay is 90 days, you must enter Turkey within those 180 days. Once you enter, you can stay for up to 90 days, but you must leave before or on the 90th day, regardless of whether the 180-day validity period has expired.

It's essential to plan your trip within these parameters to ensure compliance with Turkish immigration policies.

Can I extend the validity of my Turkey eVisa?

If your Turkish eVisa expires while you are outside the country, you can simply submit a new online application.

However, if you wish to extend your visa validity while in Turkey, we advise that you apply for a visa extension at the local immigration office or police station.

Officials will assess your reasons for an extension and issue you a new visa depending on your nationality, reasons for extending, and other factors.

Do I need to enter Turkey on the exact date specified in my application?

No. You can enter Turkey on any date within the specified period on your approval confirmation. This is usually on or before the travel date submitted during your application.

When should I apply for my Turkey eVisa?

We recommend applying for the Turkey eVisa at least 48 hours before departure.

*iVisa tip: For added peace of mind, opt for our Super Rush service to fast-track your application to the front of the line and to get your eVisa within hours!

How early can I apply for the Turkey eVisa?

You can apply for the Turkey eVisa up to 3 months before your planned arrival date.

It's advisable to apply well in advance of your travel to avoid any last-minute issues or delays, but remember that the application cannot be processed earlier than this 3-month timeframe.

If you do apply earlier through our platform, we’ll put your application on hold until the window opens.

Can I expedite my Turkey eVisa application?

There is no official way of expediting your Turkey eVisa application. However, by applying through our platform, you can choose between three different processing times for your peace of mind.

Be assured that the eVisa is usually approved within a few days, sometimes even hours!

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Turkey eVisa fees and payment information

What costs to consider when applying for the Turkey eVisa? Find out here.

What is the official Turkey eVisa fee?

The official government visa fee for the Turkey eVisa varies per nationality. Generally, you can expect a fee between US$30 and US$70.

We recommend starting your application to get an exact overview based on your personal situation.

What other costs should I consider when applying for the Turkey eVisa?

If you apply through us, you choose an extra service that includes:

  • Simplified application process.

  • Final check of your application details by one of our visa experts.

  • A secure and easy-to-use platform and app to keep track of your application and documents.

  • Optional refund protection plan, offering reimbursements if your visa application is denied.

We offer three affordable processing options for each budget: Standard, Rush, and Super Rush. Start your application now to find out all the details and apply online!

Tips for arriving in Turkey with an eVisa

From the application process for the Turkey eVisa to preparing for a smooth arrival in the country, we've got you covered.

How will my Turkey eVisa be checked upon arrival?

Your Turkey eVisa is electronically linked to your passport. Upon arrival, a quick passport scan will confirm your visa status at immigration checks.

We always recommend storing a downloaded copy of your visa confirmation on your mobile device as a backup to smooth out any unexpected technical bumps.

iVisa tip: Traveling with your partner or children? If you've included this information in your visa application, it'll be noted in the system, allowing you to breeze through immigration together with ease.

This is especially convenient for families with children. You can easily apply together by clicking ‘Add another person’ during our online process or through the iVisa app.

Can I enter Turkey with just my ID card instead of a passport?

There are some countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Turkey with just their national IDs:

  • Germany

  • Belgium

  • France

  • Georgia

  • The Netherlands

  • Spain

  • Switzerland

  • Italy

  • Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

  • Liechtenstein

  • Luxembourg

  • Malta

  • Portugal

  • Ukraine

  • Greece

  • Poland

  • Bulgaria

  • Hungary

  • Moldova

  • Azerbaijan

Turkey airport guides

Do you already know which airport you’re flying into? Check out our extensive Turkey airport guides created by our travel reporters, with tried-and-tested tips for a smooth arrival and departure:

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Safety, security, and support during the Turkey eVisa process

Ensure the security of your visa application with these essential safety tips for a worry-free process.

How are my passport and personal info stored online for the Turkey eVisa application?

Don’t worry, your personal information is safe with us! We have a secure online platform that uses the latest encryption and security protocols to keep your details secure.

We only use official government channels to apply for your visa and do not share any details with third parties.

What will my personal information be used for?

Your details will only be used to apply for your visa on your behalf. We do not share any info with third parties.

How can I contact you about my visa application?

Our customer service team is available by online chat or email at [email protected] for less urgent questions.

Who do I contact when I encounter issues during my trip to Turkey?

We recommend contacting your home country’s embassy in Turkey. Check our embassy directory for contact and address details.

Disclaimer
  • iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

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