Last updated: 28 February 2025

A trip to Turkey is a golden opportunity for tourism, business, or the discovery of its rich cultural heritage that Dutch citizens shouldn't miss. The country boasts dramatic cities, historical monuments, and amiable hosts. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know about Turkey visa requirements and travel tips while visiting Turkey from the Netherlands:.

Visa-Free Entry for Dutch Nationals

Dutch nationals do not need a visa to enter the country for a stay in Turkey of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This visa-free entry applies to tourists, business visitors, and visitors seeing family. Essential information of the visa free entry for Dutch citizens:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months beyond the date of your intended stay.
• Proof of Onward Travel: Though usually not required, it is always a good idea to have some proof of onward or return travel in your possession to avoid any potential immigration problems.

NOTE: The visa policy for visitors staying in Turkey for more than 90 days, or not strictly for tourist or business purposes, such as for work, study, or long-term residence, requires a visa. Applications for this should be addressed to the consulate or embassy in the Netherlands.

What are the Requirements for visa free entry from the Netherlands to Turkey?

Visa-free entry from the Netherlands into Turkey has the following requirements:

• Dutch Passport: Dutch citizens should have a valid passport or a national identity card. The passport should be valid for a period of at least 6 months from the date of intended departure from Turkey.
• Short-Term Stay: With visa-free entry, Dutch citizens may stay in Turkey for a maximum period of 90 days within any 180-day period. This would cover visits for tourism, business, or family.
• Purpose of Visit: The only eligible persons for this visa-free option are those who intend to visit the country for tourism, business, or visiting family. Applicants intending to work, study, or stay in Turkey for longer periods are required to obtain a visa.
• Proof of Onward Travel: It is recommended to provide proof of onward or return travel like a flight ticket, which guarantees that your stay in Turkey will be temporary.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Although rarely enforced, visitors should be ready to show they have sufficient funds to cover an intended stay.

Types of Visas for Longer Stays

Whereas Dutch citizens do not require a visa for short-term visits to Turkey, up to 90 days in a period of 180 days, longer stays or specific purposes, such as employment, studying, or residency, will require a visa. Below are the key types of Turkish visas available to Dutch citizens on extended stays.

Work Visa

A work visa is obtained if a Dutch national intends to work in Turkey. First, you find a job with an employer in Turkey that submits necessary papers to the Ministry of Labour. Then, you apply with your passport, job offer, and proof of money at the consulate. This visa is normally issued for one year, renewable upon application.

Student Visa

Students from the Netherlands must apply for a student visa to study in Turkey. The applicant requires an admission letter to any university or college in Turkey. After that, the admission letter needs to be forwarded to the Turkish consulate along with the passport and proof of subsistence. A visa is valid for a duration equal to the length of stay.

Residence Permit

In order to stay longer in Turkey than 90 days, whether due to family reunification, retirement, or an investment, an application for residence permits will be obligatory. The application shall be made within Turkey with support such as proof of accommodation, financial support, and health insurance. The residence permit shall normally be issued for either one or two years, with possible renewal.

Investor Visa

This type of visa is available for Dutch investors in Turkish real estate or businesses. You will have to prove your investment, and you can apply for it at the Turkish consulate. It's an investment-related visa and usually comes with a residence permit.

Research and Scientific Visa

If you are traveling to Turkey for research or scientific work, then you need a research visa. You will have to present an invitation or an official permit by a Turkish institution along with your passport and the details of research, and apply at the Turkish consulate.

Cultural and Artistic Visa

The cultural visa is for Dutch nationals visiting cultural or artistic events in Turkey. In this respect, event invitations or details are to be provided when applying at the consulate. This would be valid for the duration of such an event.

Humanitarian Visa

A humanitarian visa falls under the category of a visa in which Dutch citizens are in relief work or on a mission in Turkey. In this type, you will require documents from an official organization and have to apply at the Turkish consulate. The period of the visa will depend upon the duration of the humanitarian work.

How to Apply for a Long-Term Visa

Here’s a general guide for the application process:

1. Required Documents: Typically, you will need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, and documents showing the purpose of your stay, such as a job offer or school enrollment.
2. Application: It needs to be made in person at an Embassy or Consulate in the Netherlands.
3. Interviews: If required, an interview may be necessary for some types of applications where you will be required to give more information concerning your intended stay.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Visa? 

The processing of a Turkish visa may take several weeks, and therefore, it's highly commendable that an application is well in advance of the planned date of travel. A good rule of thumb for your application process would be to start 4 to 8 weeks in advance of your trip. This will give ample time for gathering all the needed documents, scheduling any required appointments or interviews, and dealing with unexpected delays that may occur.

Residence Permits in Turkey

In the case of staying longer than 90 days or if you would like to live in Turkey for a long period, then a residence permit is required. This can be obtained upon arrival in Turkey through the DGMM - Directorate General of Migration Management. Categories of Residence Permit are:

• Family Residence Permit: It is issued to foreigners with relatives residing in Turkey.

• Work Permit as Residence: If you work in Turkey, then your work permit will be considered a residence permit, too.

• Student Residence Permit: Students studying at institutions of higher education in Turkey.

• Long-Term Residence Permit: For aliens who have lived uninterruptedly in Turkey for at least 8 years on a residence permit.

Important Travel Tips for Dutch Citizens

Here are a few helpful travel tips to help you get around on your trip to Turkey:

Cultural Etiquette and Social Norms

Turkey has a rich cultural heritage, and it is good to be sensitive to customs and traditions:

• Dress modestly, especially if you're going to visit a religious site - for example, mosques. You may be obliged to cover your head, shoulder, and legs.
• Ramadan: If you travel to Qatar in the month of Ramadan, remember that many locals are going to avoid food and drink during the day. Restaurants, consequently, have other schedules.
• Tipping in restaurants: Tipping of waiters, porters, and taxi drivers is good manners. In restaurants it's enough to give 10%.

Top Ideas for Dutch Tourists Destination in Turkey

Here are some top destinations to consider when visiting Turkey from Netherlands:

Istanbul

Istanbul boasts of being the city where East meets West. The cultures and histories come together in a unique fusion. Some iconic landmarks include the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has played the role of church and mosque with equal aplomb. The Blue Mosque boasts of its beautiful domes and six minarets. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world, with a maze of shops selling spices through to handmade crafts.

Cappadocia

Known for its fairy landscape, Cappadocia attracts people with very special rock formations; many of them are called "fairy chimneys." This striking view is best viewed from above on a quiet hot air balloon ride that looks over the picturesque views over the remarkable valleys. Cappadocia also harbors ancient cave residences and underground cities, which form a rich historical crust to this area.

Antalya

Antalya is paradise for both beach lovers and enthusiasts of history, situated on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The beaches and turquoise waters here make it one of the most wanted destinations for any sun seeker, while the remnants of the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos give evidence of its glorious historical past. Alongside luxury resort hotels, Kaleiçi is a part of Antalya-the charming old town that represents Ottoman architecture and heritage.

Pamukkale 

Pamukkale is an original wonder of nature and is really famous for its white travertine terraces. Thousands of tourists come to this place every year. The travertine terraces cascade down the slope, which was brought about by the action of mineral-rich thermal waters. These have been used as curative thermal waters for thousands of years. Visitors can swim in one of the pools of thermal water that still exist and explore the ruins of the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis, rounding off a visit to Pamukkale.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a laid-back seaside resort on the Aegean coast, known for pulsating nightlife, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. The Knights of St. John had erected the town's famous Bodrum Castle, commanding a great view of the sparkling waters and hosting the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in its precincts. Bodrum offers just the right mix of relaxation and fun whether you are looking at a relaxed beach holiday or an exciting night out.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do the Netherlands citizens need a visa to come to Turkey? What if I exceed the 90-day period? How do I get a visa for more than a 90-day stay? How do I apply for a Turkish visa as a citizen of the Netherlands? Do I need health insurance when I go to Turkey?

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.