All you need to know about Turkey visas

An exhaustive handbook for individuals planning to travel to Turkey. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist you in obtaining all the necessary information about acquiring aTurkey Visa. Within this guide, you will discover detailed responses to any inquiries you might have concerning the Turkey Visa process. The information provided encompasses various categories of visas, associated fees, visa validity periods, and an array of other essential details.

The E-Visa, Embassy Visa, and Visa Exemption constitute the three primary categories within Turkey's visa policy, encompassing various options for travellers and foreigners intending to visit the country.

These categories comprise:

• Eligible countries for Turkey eVisa.
• Visa-free countries.
• The provision for obtaining an advance Turkish visa if necessary.

Travellers need to make appropriate preparations based on their nationality when planning a trip to Turkey. The subsequent sections outline the visa particulars for each of these groups.

Details about Turkey E-Visa Countries:

For over 90 countries, an online Turkey E-Visa application process is available to secure a Turkish visa, provided they possess valid passports. The application is completed digitally, and once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant's email.

Countries eligible to a Single entry Turkish e-Visa

The list of countries eligible for the Turkey eVisaincludes Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bermuda, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Vietnam, and Yemen.

SUMMARY MAP

Specific Circumstances for some eligible countries

Under specific circumstances, citizens of certain eligible countries can acquire an e-Visa for Turkey if they fulfil specific requirements. These individuals are permitted a single-entry e-Visa allowing a stay of up to 30 days. Among the countries included in this category are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, India, Iraq, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Vanuatu, Vietnam, and Yemen.

• eVisa Condition 1

Applicants must possess a residence permit or valid Visa from the following countries: Ireland, Schengen Area Countries, United States, United Kingdom. Residence permits and electronic visas are not acceptable. However, citizens of Egypt, Zambia, or Gabon are exempt from this requirement if their ages fall between 20 and 40.

• eVisa Condition 2

Passport holders from countries with conditional eVisa eligibility for Turkey are required to travel with an airline that has established a protocol with the Turkish foreign ministry. The currently approved airlines include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Egypt Air (recently permitted for Egypt passport holders). It is important to note that using a non-approved airline might result in entry denial to Turkey. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to book your flight with one of these endorsed airlines.

• eVisa Condition 3

Proof of accommodation and a hotel reservation must be provided, along with a demonstration of sufficient funds amounting to 50 USD per day to cover your stay in the country.

It's worth noting that even if your country is eligible for a visa, you may still need to fulfil specific prerequisites to obtain it. This could involve submitting certain documents or meeting particular financial criteria. Therefore, we strongly advise you to thoroughly review the visa conditions before submitting your application.

Categorise of Turkey Visas

Turkey offers two types of e-Visas: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. If your nationality falls within the category eligible for a multiple-entry visa, you are not required to reapply for each visit to Turkey, granting you the flexibility to enter the country multiple times. 

The countries eligible for multiple-entry visasinclude the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Canada, Grenada, Maldives, Jamaica, Haiti, Oman, Saint Lucia, South Africa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States, and Taiwan.

Importance of a Turkey e-Visa

A Turkey eVisa allows you to engage in various activities within the country, such as tourism, sporting events, vacations, cultural pursuits, business and commerce, seminars, conferences, meetings, fairs, festivals, and exhibitions. This visa is suitable for short business trips or leisure travel, and different types of visas are available to accommodate various travel purposes.

For transit within Turkey without leaving the transit area, a transit visa is not required. However, a transit e-Visa is necessary when exiting the airport during transit.

Period of time taken to acquire the Turkey e-Visa

The process of obtaining a Turkey eVisa is both convenient and swift. Travellers need to provide their passport data, personal information, and travel details through an online application. The eVisa is typically processed and approved within 24 hours, and a priority service option allows for processing within 1 hour.

The e-Visa validity extends up to 180 days, during which travellers must enter the country. For most eligible countries, the e-Visa allows a stay of 90 days within 180-day periods. However, citizens of Indonesia, Suriname, and Mexico can stay up to 30 days within 180 days.

Steps to applying for the Turkey e-Visa

To apply for a Turkey eVisa, travellers must complete three steps: fill out the online Turkey E-Visa application form, pay the visa fees, and then receive the visa confirmation via email. In cases where specific conditions are not applicable, applicants only need to provide their email address, a valid passport, and a credit or debit card.

Validity of a Turkey Passport

Regarding passport validity, the passport must remain valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay indicated on the Turkey eVisa. For instance, if the intention is to obtain a 90-day Turkey Visa, the passport should have a validity of 150 days (60 days + 90 days) upon entering the country. Similarly, for a 30-day Turkey Visa, the passport should be valid for 90 days (60 days + 30 days) upon entry into the country.

Details for Turkey Visa-Free Countries

Individuals holding passports from certain countries are exempt from requiring a Turkey Visa. These tourists can stay in Turkey for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day duration without obtaining a Visa.

The list of countries not requiring a Turkey Visa comprises:

• Austria
• Ireland
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Norway
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Poland

• Passport Criteria for Visa-Free Entry

To enter Turkey without a visa, citizens of exempt countries must possess a passport with a minimum validity of 60 months.

• Identification Card Entry

For citizens of specific countries, entry to Turkey can be accomplished without a passport, only with a valid ID card.

Working Without a Visa in Turkey

Foreigners are not permitted to work in Turkey without a visa. Visa-free travel is restricted to short business trips and tourism purposes. In some cases, travel is limited solely to tourism. A work permit is required for employment in the country, obtainable through a diplomatic mission.

Duration of Stay Without a Visa in Turkey

During a 180-day timeframe, foreigners are allowed to stay in Turkey for periods of 90, 60, or 30 days, contingent upon their nationality. The maximum stay without a visa is 90 days, applicable to countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. To extend your stay in Turkey, a visa is necessary, assuming you already possess a valid passport.

Visa Requirements for Europeans in Turkey

Turkey has its distinct immigration regulations and is not part of the European Union. Citizens of EU countries with valid passports can visit Turkey visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. However, residence permits or visas are required for those intending to work or reside in the country. 

Non-EU citizens cannot utilise a Schengen visa, as Turkey is not included in the border-free travel region. Nevertheless, holders of valid Schengen visas can apply for a Turkish visa online without the need for an in-person application.

Countries Requiring Sticker Visas for Turkey in Advance

If your country doesn't fall into the aforementioned categories, obtaining a traditional sticker visa in advance is necessary. 

The following countries necessitate a pre-issued sticker-type visa:

• Laos
• Cuba
• Solomon Islands
• Vanuatu
• Tonga

The traditional sticker visa must be acquired through a consulate or embassy, with the application submitted several weeks before departure to allow for processing time.

Visa on Arrival vs. Embassy Application

Visa on arrival isn't available for individuals from visa-required countries. Instead, a visa must be requested in advance via a diplomatic mission. While services for Turkey visas on arrival exist, the eVisa option is solely applicable to eligible countries.

Other Visa Types for Turkey

An eVisa covers a broad spectrum of business and tourism activities in Turkey. Non-eligible individuals must obtain a tourist visa from an embassy. For non-tourism purposes, several other types of Turkey visas are available:

• Turkey Tourist/Business Visa

Online application is available for citizens of eligible countries.

Covers transit, vacation, business meetings, conferences, seminars, and cultural and sporting activities.

• Turkey Work Visa

Applicable to artists, athletes, academics, and employment purposes.

• Turkey Official Visa

Designated for duty, courier services.

• Turkey Student/Education Visa

For Turkish language courses, internships, and educational purposes.

• Other Visa Types for Turkey

Medical treatment, archaeological activities, family unification, and accompaniment.

Various visa types require distinct supporting documents, and information about validity and stay might differ.

Required Documents for Travel to Turkey

All foreign visitors should provide the following documents required for Turkey visa:

• Valid passport
• Turkey Entry Form
• Turkey eVisa or Visa (unless exempt)

Additional documentation is needed for travel during COVID-19, including an online health declaration form and vaccine certificate, recovery document, or negative test result. While these documents do not guarantee entry, the border officials will verify eligibility upon arrival before granting entry to the country.

Is Health Insurance Required for Travel to Turkey?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors travelling to Turkey according to the regulations set by the government.

The medical insurance's validity should extend to cover the entire duration of the stay. Additionally, given the ongoing pandemic, the insurance policy must also include coverage for potential expenses related to COVID-19.

Turkey Visa Fee Structure Explained

The cost of a visa to Turkey is influenced by three key factors:

• Application Type
• Visa Type
• Nationality of the Applicant

The ensuing sections delineate how these three elements impact the fees associated with a Turkey visa.

How much does an e-Visa for Turkey cost?

The cost of obtaining an e-Visa for Turkey through an online application is relatively affordable. Notably, the price for a tourist visa is more economical when acquired online, compared to obtaining it on arrival or from the embassy.

The exact Turkey visa fee varies based on the traveller's nationality and is automatically calculated during the online application process.

Turkey Visa Fees for Other Types of Visas

The expense of a Turkey visa can fluctuate based on the specific visa type being applied for. The visa's duration and the type of permit (such as residence or work) will impact the overall cost.

Payment Methods for Turkish Visa Fees

Secure online payment can be made using credit or debit cards. The final total is displayed on the payment page, and completing the payment concludes the application process.

For visas obtained on arrival, payment is typically made in cash. This can be done using US dollars, British pounds, or Euros. Travellers opting for a visa on arrival should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the payment.

Many embassies accept cash payments. Applicants should confirm the applicable visa fees and accepted payment methods before attending any appointments.

FAQS

What are the different types of visas available for Turkey?

Turkey offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, work visas, student visas, and official visas, each catering to different purposes of travel.

How can I apply for a Turkey eVisa?

The e-Visa application can be submitted online by providing personal information, passport details, and a travel itinerary. The process is streamlined and efficient.

What are the eligibility criteria for a Turkey eVisa?

Eligibility is determined by nationality. Citizens of eligible countries can apply for an e-Visa, while others might require traditional sticker visas.

What activities can I engage in with a Turkey eVisa?

A Turkey eVisa permits activities such as tourism, business meetings, seminars, cultural events, and sporting activities.

How much does a Turkey eVisa cost?

The cost of a Turkey eVisa varies based on nationality and the type of visa being applied for. The fees can be paid securely online.

Can I obtain a visa on arrival for Turkey?

Visa on arrival is not applicable for all countries. For many nationalities, obtaining an e-Visa in advance is required.

Is health insurance mandatory for travel to Turkey?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors. It must cover the entire stay and include coverage for COVID-19-related expenses.

How long can I stay in Turkey with an eVisa?

The duration of stay varies based on nationality. Generally, visitors can stay up to 90 days within 180 days.

Can I work in Turkey with a tourist visa?

No, tourist visas are for short visits and do not permit work. To work in Turkey, you'll need a work visa or permit.

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Turkey?

No, the EHIC is not valid in Turkey. EU citizens need to obtain separate health insurance coverage.

How long does it take to process a Turkey eVisa?

The processing time for a Turkey eVisa is usually within 24 hours. There is also a priority service option available for faster processing.

Can I extend my stay beyond the e-Visa validity period?

Extending your stay beyond the e-Visa validity period typically requires obtaining a new visa or permit.

How can I pay for my Turkey eVisa fees?

Visa fees can be paid securely online using credit or debit cards. On arrival, fees are often paid in cash.

Are there any special conditions for eVisa holders from specific countries?

Yes, some countries have special conditions that allow for longer stays or multiple entries. It's essential to check the specific requirements for your nationality.

Can I change my visa type while in Turkey?

 Changing your visa type while in Turkey may be possible, but it's recommended to consult with relevant authorities for accurate information and guidelines.

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

Citizens of specific countries may be able to enter Turkey with an ID card instead of a passport. It's crucial to verify the requirements before travel.