Turkey Visa for British Citizens
Last updated: 28 February 2025
If you are a UK citizen and considering a visit to Turkey, you should learn about the country's entry requirements for smoother travel. Having breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, an incredibly rich cultural heritage, and fantastically beautiful coasts, Turkey still manages to be among the favorite destinations for the citizens of Britain. You will learn from this article what rules exist right now regarding entry to Turkey for UK citizens, including visa-free entry, some very important regulations, and some useful travel recommendations.
Is a visa required for UK citizens traveling to Turkey?
As a citizen of the UK, you can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This allows for an easy visit for tourism or a short business-related stay.This visa-free entry makes Turkey even more attractive for shorter sojourns-be it for vacationing or visiting on business. Any longer-term stay than this requires you to apply for a residence permit with the local authorities. With this permit, you are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of two years. It will be renewable upon expiration. The issuance of residence may be a bit complicated, and it may require proof of income and health insurance in most cases. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you get in touch with the authorities or any professional immigration consultant to ensure that you comply with all the requirements set by such a permit.
Requirements for Visa-Free Entry
While UK citizens have visa-free entry into Turkey, here are some requirements one needs to put in mind to avoid any inconvenience during your stay:
- Duration: It entails the maximum possible stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. In case one has to stay for more than this, one should apply for a residence permit or long-stay visa.
- Business Visits: It also involves short business visits under the visa-free regime, insofar as they are within the 90-day limit.
- Multiple Entries: You can enter and leave Turkey multiple times, provided the total stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry Requirements for UK Citizens
Even though no visa is required, UK citizens must still meet some requirements upon entry:
- Valid Passport: Your UK passport should be valid for at least 150 days beyond your date of entry into Turkey. The passport should also have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps from an immigration officer upon arrival in Turkey.
- Proof of Accommodation: You are advised to have in your possession proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or details about where you will stay, if required by border authorities.
- Return or Onward Travel: You may also be asked to provide proof of your return or onward travel from Turkey to ensure that you do not stay beyond the 90-day limit.
What if You Overstay?
If you overstay your 90-day limit, this may attract heavy penalties such as:
- Fines: One could be fined depending on the number of days one has overstayed.
- Travel Ban: Severe overstay may lead to a travel ban for temporary periods from entering Turkey again.
- Deportation: Overstay, in extreme cases, may result in deportation to leave Turkey.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you should apply for a residence permit or another type of visa before the end of your visa-free period.
Applying for a Turkey Visa as a UK Resident
If you're a non-UK citizen living in the UK and planning a Turkish trip, you'll need a Turkish visa. Choose the right visa type, gather required documents, and apply online or at the Consulate General in London depending on your nationality. Pay the fee and wait for a decision
- Apply for a Visa Type and Prepare Documents
Select the type of visa suitable for your travel purpose and get all the documents ready, including your passport, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and your financial means.
- Submit Application
Fill in the application form online on the e-Visa portal or submit it in person to the Consulate General in London, accompanied by the payment of the applicable visa fee.
- Wait for the visa process, and receive your visa
After sending in your application, allow some time to elapse for the processing period. If considered, it will be issued to you through an e-visa or a stamp in your passport, permitting travel to Turkey.
Other Turkey Visa Types for UK Citizens
While most tourist and business needs fall under the visa-free option, UK citizens may be required to apply for other types of visas, depending on their purpose of visit:
|
Visa Type |
Description |
|
Work Visa |
This visa is required if you plan to work in Turkey. You must apply for it before arriving in Turkey. |
|
Student Visa |
If you're coming to Turkey for studies, a student visa is mandatory. It is obtained through the Turkish embassy or consulate in the UK. |
|
Residence Permit |
UK nationals must apply for a residence permit if their stay exceeds 90 days. This is generally needed for long-term stays, such as living or working in Turkey. |
UK citizens have the convenience of going to Turkey without any visa requirements hence making it easy for trip planning whether for tourism or business purposes. However, they are conscious of the 90-day rule and, upon entry, all regulations are followed to avoid penalties. If you do your proper preparation, a holiday to Turkey will be stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the maximum length of time you can stay in Turkey without a visa is 90 days out of any period of 180 days. Longer stays require you to apply for a residence permit or long-stay visa.
Yes, it does, provided such business trips remain within the 90-day limit.
If you need to stay longer in Turkey, you have to apply for a residence permit before your 90-day period elapses.
Generally, documents needed include: proof of income, health insurance, valid passport, and the application form itself.
Yes, a fee may be charged for applying for residence, which varies based on the duration and type of permit.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites or the official Turkish e-Visa portal before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules might change.