Nationalities Granted Visa-Free Entry to Turkey

The Turkish visa system can be perplexing for some individuals, which is entirely reasonable given its complexity. Different countries have varying entry requirements for Turkey, ranging from visa-free access to the need for an Turkey e-Visa or even entry with an ID, including expired ones.

Let's clarify the situation to ensure transparency for everyone.

Nations Exempt from Visa Requirements for Turkey

Countries that enjoy visa-free access to Turkey fall into three categories. The largest group comprises nations permitted to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days per visit, with a cumulative maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes EU citizens (excluding Cyprus and Latvia), Albania (for tourism purposes only), Andorra, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia (with an ID), Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan (tourism only), Kazakhstan, Kosovo (tourism only), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon (tourism only), Liechtenstein (with an ID), Malaysia, Moldova (with an ID), Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway (tourism only), Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar (tourism only), Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia (tourism only), Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland (with an ID, and entry with an expired passport up to 5 years old), Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Ukraine (with an ID), United Kingdom (tourism only), Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, and Venezuela.

An additional category of countries enjoys visa-free access to Turkey, allowing for a 60-day stay per visit and a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. This category includes Russia (except journalists and service passport holders).

Another group of countries can enter Turkey for 30 days per visit and a total of 90 days within 180 days. This category encompasses Belarus, Brunei, Costa Rica, Latvia, Macao, Mongolia (tourism only), Thailand, and Turkmenistan.

Moreover, there are additional exceptions recognized.

• Holders of the United Nations 'Laissez Passer' are permitted visa-free entry to Turkey.
• Algeria allows visa-free entry for travellers under 15 or above 65 years, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
• Cyprus allows visa-free entry for travellers residing in Northern Cyprus who arrive directly from Ercan International Airport or from Famagusta, Kyrenia, or Karavostasi seaports.
• Libya allows visa-free entry for travellers under 16 or above 55 years.
• VIP passport holders from Palestine are granted visa-free entry.

Nationalities Requiring Visas to Enter Turkey

We can categorise the countries eligible for a Turkey e-Visa into two groups. While there might be minor variations in required documentation or length of stay, I'll ensure all details are covered accordingly.

• Turkey Multiple Entry Visa

• Turkey Single Entry Visa

Countries eligible for a Turkey e-Visa fall into two categories

There are two categories of eligibility for obtaining a Turkey e-Visa online. The first category allows for a multiple entry e-Visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day validity period. The second category has access to a single entry e-Visa, with a maximum stay of 30 days as mentioned earlier. This distinction is vital in understanding the specific visa requirements based on your nationality and travel needs when applying through the official Turkish e-Visa website.

• Turkey Multiple Entry Visa - 90 Days Per Visit

The Turkey Multiple Entry Visa grants the opportunity for visitors to stay up to 90 days per visit, offering flexibility and convenience for frequent travellers.

The following countries qualify for a multiple-entry e-Visa to Turkey and are not required to furnish additional documents:

- Antigua and Barbuda

- Australia

- Bahamas

- Barbados

- Bermuda

- Canada

- Dominica

- Dominican Republic

- Grenada

- Haiti

- Hong Kong (BNO)

- Jamaica

- Kuwait

- Oman

- Saint Lucia

- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

- Saudi Arabia

- USA

- United Arab Emirates

Armenia and South Africa are also eligible for this type of Turkey e-Visa, but the maximum stay for them is 30 days.

China and Taiwan citizens are eligible to apply for this Turkey e-Visa, but specific additional documents are required. The additional documents for these countries encompass:

• A ticket or round-trip ticket with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Onur Air, or Atlasglobal Airlines.
• A return ticket.
• A hotel reservation.
• The equivalent amount in foreign currency for each day of stay in Turkey.

• Turkey Single Entry e-Visa - 30 Day Stay

The Turkey Single Entry e-Visa provides a streamlined option for travellers, allowing a stay of up to 30 days, perfect for those planning shorter trips to the country.

Citizens of the following countries can apply for the mentioned visa type and enter Turkey: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cyprus, Djibouti, East Timor, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives (with a 90-day stay), Mali, Mauritiana, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The countries listed above are eligible to apply for a Turkey e-Visa. The application process typically requires less than 15 minutes, and the approved visa permit is sent to your email address within 3 business days.

FAQS

Which nationalities are granted visa-free entry to Turkey?

Several nationalities are granted visa-free entry to Turkey, including but not limited to EU citizens (excluding Cyprus and Latvia), Albania (for tourism purposes only), Andorra, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia (with an ID), Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan (tourism only), Kazakhstan, Kosovo (tourism only), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon (tourism only), Liechtenstein (with an ID), Malaysia, Moldova (with an ID), Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway (tourism only), Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar (tourism only), Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia (tourism only), Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland (with an ID and entry with an expired passport up to 5 years old), Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Ukraine (with an ID), United Kingdom (tourism only), Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, and Venezuela.

Are there exceptions within the visa-free entry policy for certain nationalities?

Yes, exceptions exist. For example, Armenia and South Africa are eligible for visa-free entry, but the maximum stay for them is 30 days.

Do China and Taiwan citizens qualify for visa-free entry to Turkey?

China and Taiwan citizens are eligible for a Turkey e-Visa, but certain additional documents need to be provided. These documents include a ticket or round-trip ticket with specified airlines, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, and financial proof or equivalent per day of stay.

How long does it take to process a Turkey e-Visa for eligible countries?

The application process for a Turkey e-Visa generally takes less than 15 minutes. Once approved, the visa permit is sent to the applicant's email address within 3 business days.

Can citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, and other listed countries apply for an e-Visa to Turkey?

Yes, citizens of these countries can apply for a Turkey e-Visa, either as a multiple-entry variant allowing a 30-day stay within a 180-day validity period or as a single-entry variant permitting a 30-day stay.

Are there any specific requirements for Turkey e-Visa applicants from China and Taiwan?

Yes, China and Taiwan citizens need to provide additional documents, including airline tickets, a return ticket, a hotel reservation, and financial proof for each day of stay in Turkey.

Can the entry requirements change over time?

Yes, entry requirements can change, and it's advisable to refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip to Turkey.