Turkey is a beautiful destination with much to explore. Wondering if you can get a visa on arrival or must apply for one before you go? Look no further!
Whether you need a Turkey visa on arrival or the Turkey eVisa, we're here to help. This blog will provide all the information you need about visa requirements, documents, and costs.
What is the Turkey Visa on Arrival?
A Turkey Visa on Arrival is a visa that eligible travelers visiting Turkey for tourism purposes can get upon arrival at one of Turkey's international airports. This means that you don't need to apply for a visa in advance. However, you must still meet the requirements or can be denied entry.
You don't have to face an application process before your trip. Still, the disadvantage is that you spend much time standing in lines at the airport without the certainty of an approved visa.
Who can apply for the Turkish Visa on arrival?
Luckily, for many foreign nationals, Turkey offers a Visa on Arrival option.
Eligible countries for the Turkey Visa on Arrival
The following countries are eligible to get a Turkey Visa upon arrival at an international airport:
Antigua and Barbuda |
Dominican Republic |
Mauritius |
Armenia |
Estonia |
Mexico |
Australia |
Greek Cypriot |
Netherlands |
Bahamas |
Grenada |
Oman |
Bahrain |
Haiti |
Portugal |
Barbados |
Hong Kong |
Saint Lucia |
Belgium |
Jamaica |
S.V. and the Grenadines |
Bermuda |
Latvia |
Spain |
Canada |
Lithuania |
United States |
Croatia |
Maldives |
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Dominica |
Malta |
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Turkey Visa on Arrival validity: How long can I stay in the country?
Turkish consular offices will decide the visa validity they'll grant you. Generally, the visa on arrival allows travelers to stay for up to 90 days.
Turkey Visa on Arrival requirements
You'll get the Visa on Arrival once you're already in Turkey, so meeting all the visa requirements and having all the necessary documents is essential to avoid being sent back home. Please read the following sections carefully to make sure you're prepared.
Entry requirements for Turkey
When entering Turkey, you must present the following documents:
Required documents to apply for a Turkey Visa on Arrival
When opting for the Turkey Visa on Arrival at the airport, foreign nationals must present the following:
- A valid passport.
- Hotel reservation or other proof of accommodation.
- Travel itinerary and onward flight ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip.
Financial requirements for the Visa on Arrival
It's recommended that you present proof that you can spend a minimum of US$50 per day in Turkey to meet the visa requirement. For that, you can present any of the following:
- Bank statements from the last three months.
- Proof of income, such as salary slips or rental income.
- Support letter from another person who can guarantee to cover your expenses in Turkey. However, in this case, you must prove that the person is financially stable by providing their bank statements, ID, and invitation letter.
How to apply for the Turkey Visa on Arrival?
Assuming you're a citizen of a country eligible for a visa on arrival, once you land at the airport, you must locate the Visa on Arrival counter and show them your passport.
They'll hand you an application form you must complete and submit along with your passport and other additional documents. You also must pay the visa fees in cash. After your application gets processed, you'll get your visa sticker, enabling you to (usually) stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.
Turkey Visa on Arrival: Fees
The cost of a visa on arrival for Turkey depends on your country of citizenship. It's generally around US$35. Keep in mind that you must pay in cash.
Turkey Visa on Arrival: Processing time
It depends on many factors, such as the time of day, the number of travelers, and the efficiency of the visa processing service at the airport. So, it can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to receive your Visa on Arrival.
Can I extend a Turkey Visa on Arrival?
You can request a visa extension at the immigration office, police station, or embassy in the country. The Turkish immigration officers will decide based on your situation and travel purpose.
Apply for the Turkey eVisa online before you go
The Visa on Arrival seems like a good idea because you don't need to deal with an application process in advance. But what if we told you there's an easier way? The Turkey eVisa is the perfect solution for practicality and a stress-free trip.
The entire process is online; submitting your visa application takes less than 15 minutes. You can receive your Turkey eVisa via email in as little as 24 hours, depending on your nationality. Then, you fly to Turkey and pass through immigration without waiting in lines.
The Turkey eVisa is available to ordinary passport holders from more than 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, and most European Union countries. Use the Visa Checker Tool to see if this option is available for your nationality.
How long can I stay in Turkey with an eVisa?
This electronic Turkey Tourist Visa is usually valid for 180 days after issued. However, your max. stay in Turkey will depend on your nationality and can range from 30 to 90 days. Additionally, the type of visa you receive could be a single- or multiple-entry visa, depending on your citizenship.
Just keep in mind that the Turkish authorities have the final say regarding the validity of your visa.
Once your Turkey eVisa is approved, you'll receive a separate PDF visa confirmation via email for each person. You must print a copy and present it to the Turkish authorities upon arrival.
Differences between the Turkey eVisa and Turkey Visa on Arrival
Are you still unsure about getting a visa beforehand or getting it at the airport? Check out the comparison below to help you make your decision.
Turkey e-Visa:
- Quickly get the Turkey eVisa online without visiting a consulate or embassy.
- You can apply for the eVisa anytime, making the process more convenient and stress-free.
- The online application process for the Turkey eVisa is straightforward and can be completed in minutes.
- The eVisa allows you to enter Turkey without queuing for a visa on arrival, saving you time.
- Avoid the potential stress of not being granted a visa on arrival and being sent back to your home country. With the electronic visa, you'll arrive ready to visit Turkey!
- You can pay securely online with many options: credit and debit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, or Venmo.
- We do the paperwork, so you can focus on planning your trip.
Turkey Visa on Arrival:
- Get your visa on arrival without applying beforehand.
- You may have to wait in line at the airport while you deal with the jetlag.
- You can only pay in cash.
- There's no guarantee of an approved visa before you arrive in the country.
While both options have advantages, the Turkey eVisa is the better choice overall. So, if you're planning a trip to Turkey, we recommend applying for the eVisa to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Turkey travel tips
From the colorful Cappadocia skies to the bustling markets, Turkey has attractions for any tourist. Read our Turkey Travel Guide to learn about the weather, daily costs, transportation, and everything you need to travel to Turkey. Plus, check below some helpful tips to prepare for your journey:
- Turkey has a distinct culture, so it's important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, and always remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
- While many locals speak English, learning a few basic phrases in Turkish can go a long way in showing your respect and appreciation for their culture.
- Turkish food is delicious and varied, so try some local dishes. Don't miss out on traditional dishes like kebab, meze, and baklava.
- Turkey can get hot in the summer. Ensure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid tap water and opt for bottled water instead.
- Turkey is known for its vibrant bazaars and markets, but be prepared to haggle for the best prices.
- The country can get crowded during peak season, from June to September. Consider visiting in the off-season to avoid the crowds and get better deals on accommodation and activities.
- Unfortunately, tourists can be targets for scams in Turkey. Be cautious of people offering overly cheap tours or goods, and always check the prices before agreeing to anything.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Turkey. Get your Turkish eVisa and ready to go!
More questions about traveling to Turkey?
Our customer care agents are easily reachable through our website. They're always available to answer all your questions via online chat or [email protected]. Count on our services for a smooth arrival in Turkey!