How to Apply for a Turkey Visa

How to Apply for a Turkey Visa?

Visitors to Turkey must obtain a visa through Turkish representatives abroad, unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Other options include being from a country whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival or obtain an e-Visa online in advance.

Quick facts

  • The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date on which you plan to enter Turkey.
  • An e-Visa is the most common visa used for foreign tourists at present, and the fees for e-Visas are lower than the fees for visas obtained upon arrival.
  • The citizens of certain countries that are Schengen Area members or have a USA, UK, or Ireland visa or residence permit may get a e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr

Types of Visas to Turkey

There are several types of visas for Turkey, the visitors can apply for the appropriate visa according to the reason for visiting Turkey. Below are the common visa types granted by Turkey:

Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are issued to people who want to go to Turkey for purposes related to tourism such as sightseeing, vacation, and visiting friends. It is valid for single entry or multiple entry and is issued for up to 90 days.

Business Visa

Business visas are similar to tourist visas, but are issued to travelers visiting Turkey on temporary business (meetings, conferences, lectures). Business visas are generally issued for up to 90 days, and are valid for a single entry. For the business visa application, the proof of intended business is required.

Student Visa

Student visas are eligible for people who have enrolled in a university or school in Turkey. A letter from said university/school is required. The student visa allows the student an unlimited number of exits and entries as long as the visa is valid. Student visas are typically issued 1 year at a time.

Depending on where you are from and the type of visa you are applying for, visitors can apply for a multiple entry or single entry visa.

Multiple entry – Tourist visa, business visa, student visa

Single entry – Tourist visa, business visa, student visa

Visa Exemption

The majority of visitors from European countries, including Germany, France, and Italy; can travel to Turkey without a visa. The same applies to nationals of Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland.

It is even possible for some visitors from certain countries to enter Turkey with just an identity card. This includes: Germany, Belgium, France, Georgia, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland , Italy, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, and Greece.

Visitors from the previously mentioned countries will be entitled to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within any 6-month or 12-month period.

Two Ways of Obtaining a Tourist Visa for Turkey

  E-Visa Visa on arrival
Type Single entry/multiple entry: 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days, depending on nationality 90-days Multiple entry
Cost No fee, US$ 15, US$ 20, US$ 60 and US$ 80, depending on nationality US$30, US$60 and US$70 depending on nationality
Application process Online application form Apply at the visa on arrival kiosk of Turkish airports

1. E-Visa

The ministry of foreign affairs of the republic of Turkey launched the e-Visa application system on April 17, 2013. It is convenient for visitors to obtain an visa to Turkey through this online system.

Visitors just need to submit the necessary information and pay the handling fee online before the trip. The whole process takes about ten minutes and the applicant will receive the e-Visa within one hour if all goes well. It is suggested to make the application no less than 2 days before departure and no more than 90 days before traveling

Please note that the e-Visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. Furthermore, it does not apply for all countries. Currently, the citizens of 108 countries are eligible for it. Visit the Turkey e-Visa official website (www.evisa.gov.tr) to get more details about eligible countries and requirements for application.

The Process of Obtaining an e-Visa Online a

1. Please go to the official E-visa website (www.evisa.gov.tr) to apply, click "New Application" and select your country. If you are using a normal passport for citizens, select "ordinary passport."

2. Type the date you plan to enter Turkey and fill in your personal information. All the information should be the exact same as written on your passport. Then submit the application and make the payment online.

3. The e-Visa will be sent to you thorough e-mail within a few minutes. The whole process is quick and simple.

Please download and print it once you receive the e-Visa, as well as carry it during the trip.

2. Visa on arrival

Though the E-Visa is the main process for a Turkey visa application, some visitors still prefer to get a visa on arrival. It is eligible for citizens of certain countries only, including the United States. Please visit the Turkey Ministry's website (www.mfa.gov.tr) to learn more about these countries and requirements.

The visa counter in Turkish airports is usually located near the passport control area. In order to obtain the visa, the applicant needs to line up at the counter and take time to fill the information. Only cash in Euros or American dollars is accepted and the amount will differ according to the nationality.

Visa Extension

Sometimes travelers wish to extend their visas while in Turkey. Please note that the e-Visa cannot be extended. Regular tourist visas can only be extended in special circumstances, such as medical emergencies, accidents, stolen passports, etc. Meanwhile, please ensure that you do not overstay your visa while trying to extend a Turkish visa, this is very important.

If you really need to extend your visa, it is suggested to visit local immigration officials, an embassy, or police station to consult on the necessary action you must take.

Explore Turkey with Us

Would you like to experience a wonderful tour in Turkey? Join us! We will tailor-make your trip according to your needs and interests. We take care of all the little details so you can just relax and have fun during your holiday!