Turkey Visa Eligibility and Visa-Free Entry

Turkey’s entry rules vary by nationality and travel purpose, with options like Turkey eVisas, embassy visas or visa-free short-term stays. Verify your entry path depending on your nationality before travelling to the country. 

Tourist/Business Visa Requirements for Travelling to Turkey

In accordance with Turkish visa regulations, all foreign travellers except citizens of countries exempt from Turkish visa requirements must secure a visa before entering Turkey.

There are two ways to obtain a Turkish tourist/business visa:

• Online travel authorisation (e-Visa): The Turkey eVisa system is available to citizens from 40+ countries, offering a convenient online application process with quick approval, often within 24 hours. It offers options for single or multiple entries, and the allowed stay duration depends on the applicant's nationality.
• Sticker Visa: For those not eligible for Tourist/business eVisas or requiring visas beyond tourism or business, a sticker visa is necessary, obtained from a diplomatic mission in their home country. Application procedures vary by embassy but generally include submitting the visa application form along with the required documents and visa fee. 

Points to note:

• A TurkeyTourist/business eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days or 90 days, depending on the applicant's nationality. Travellers who intend to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days or who need to visit for a purpose other than tourism or business must apply for a Turkey sticker visa.
• Turkey Tourist/business eVisas are not available to citizens of all countries. 
• If you are applying for an embassy visa, it is important to start the application process well in advance of your travel date. The processing time for embassy visas can vary, so it is best to give yourself plenty of time.
• When applying for a Turkish Tourist/business eVisa or sticker visa, it is important to make sure that you have all of the required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Additional information:

• The cost of a Turkish Tourist/business eVisa varies depending on the traveller's nationality. eVisas are typically less expensive than embassy visas.
• Turkish Tourist/business eVisa fees can be paid for using a variety of methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
• Once your Turkish Tourist/business eVisa has been approved, you will need to print it out and carry it with you when you travel to Turkey. You will also need to show your passport and visa to immigration officials when you arrive in Turkey.

Note: Turkey also offers a Turkish Airport Transit Visa to travellers from certain nationalities. However, the country of destination must be Colombia, Mexico, Panama, or Venezuela.

The applicant is only required to submit a scanned copy of their passport bio-page. 

This eVisa allows a 24-hour stay at the Turkish airport. 

FAQ: Where can the applicant find information on which entry route they are eligible for?

Please check the Turkish eVisa Policy to see which entry path you are eligible for. 

Turkey Tourist/Business eVisa Requirements and Application Process

The Turkey tourist/business eVisa is a digital visa system that enables eligible travellers to obtain their visa online, eliminating the need for traditional visa applications at embassies or consulates.

The application process typically takes just a few minutes to complete, requiring essential passport and travel information. 

To obtain the tourist/business eVisa, most of the applicants are only required to submit a scanned copy of their passport's bio page. 

However, it's important to note that citizens from approximately 15 of these countries applying for a tourist/business eVisa may need to fulfil additional conditions to be eligible for the eVisa: 

Extra Conditions for Turkey's eVisa Eligibility

Citizens of certain countries can only apply for a Turkey tourist/business eVisa if they have the following documents: 

• Visa or Residence Permit Requirement: A visa or residence permit issued by any of the following countries: 

Schengen, Ireland, the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom.

Turkey Embassy Visa Requirements

To apply for a visa at an embassy, applicants must typically follow these steps:

1. Schedule a visa appointment. This can be done online or by phone.
2. Complete a visa application form. The visa application form can be found on the website of the embassy or consulate in your home country.
3. Gather the required supporting documentation. This may include your passport, passport-sized photos, proof of travel insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Turkey.
4. Attend your visa interview. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your travel plans and why you are visiting Turkey.
5. Pay the visa fee. The visa fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
6. Visit the embassy or consulate to receive the approved visa 

Visa Exemption for Travel to Turkey

Turkey's visa policy exempts citizens of more than 90 countries from obtaining a visa for short visits. The duration of permissible stays varies based on the traveller's nationality, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days.

For extended stays or purposes not covered by visa exemption, citizens of countries with visa-free privileges for Turkey are required to obtain a visa from the Turkish embassy or a diplomatic mission.

Here are some additional points about countries exempt from Turkish visa requirements:

• The list of countries exempt from Turkish visa requirements is subject to change, so it is always best to check with the embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel.
• Even if you are a citizen of a country exempt from Turkish visa requirements, you may still be required to have a passport (valid for the entire stay duration in Turkey), return ticket and enough money to support your stay in Turkey. 
• If you are planning to stay in Turkey for longer than the permitted visa-free period, or if you are travelling for a purpose not covered by visa exemption, you must apply for a visa in advance.

Visa-Free Entry to Turkey with Specific Conditions

Some nationalities can enter Turkey without a visa only if they meet specific conditions:

• Algeria: Ordinary passport holders under 15 or over 65 may visit visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.
• Cyprus: Residents of Northern Cyprus may enter visa-free through Ercan International Airport or designated seaports.
• Libya: Ordinary passport holders under 16 or over 45 may visit visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Travellers should always check the latest entry requirements before departure, as visa policies may change.