Learn About The Visa Policy of Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating travel destination, welcoming visitors across the world to witness the ancient monuments, empires, and cultural legacy it holds. The vibrant culture and numerous attractions make it an ideal location to experience and enjoy the moment for life. But before you plan your trip to Turkey or apply for a Turkey visa, always make sure to check whether you need a visa to visit Turkey.

While nationals of Turkey and Northern Cyprus can travel in and out of Turkey without any restrictions, nationals of other countries may or may not need a visa, depending on the visa guidelines issued by Turkey.Also, there are variations in the guidelines for business visa, tourist visa, and transit visa for Turkey that you must know.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

The immigration authorities of Turkey have issued certain categories of visa-free and visa-must countries. So, before you decide to apply for a Turkey visit visa, be it a single entry visa for turkey or a multiple entry visa for turkey, know your eligibility criteria for availing of a visa. Below, we have curated a guide on whether you need a visa, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip.

Turkey is a visa-exempt country

Currently, tourists and business travelers from 78 nations and territories do not require a visa to visit Turkey. The nations listed below allow citizens to enter Turkey without a visa and stay for up to three months with a validity of six months, either continuously or intermittently.

Nationals of the Russian Federation can also enter Turkey without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with six months of validity without exceeding 60 days per visit, while the nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brunei, Costa Rica, Latvia, Macao, Mongolia, Thailand, and Turkmenistan can stay for up to 30 days per visit and 90 days per six months.

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you can enter Turkey visa-free if you meet the following conditions:

• If you are a Cyprus national or a resident of Northern Cyprus arriving directly from Ercan International Airport or the seaports of Kyrenia, Karavostassi, or Famagusta, you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days with a 180-day validity period.
• If you are a national of Libya, either 65 or older or below 13, you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days with 180-day validity.
• You are a Palestinian national with a VIP passport.

 Countries permitted to enter Turkey with their National IDs

Countries permitted to enter Turkey with expired passports

• Germany – passport lapsed within the most recent five years and IDs expired within the last year
• Belgium – passport lapsed within the most recent five years
• France – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Spain – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Switzerland – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Luxembourg – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Portugal – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Bulgaria – Valid ordinary passport

Standard requirements for a Turkey visa application

Below are the standard documents required to apply for a Turkey visa, but note that these documents may vary depending on your visa type and purpose of travel. The consulate has all the rights to ask for additional documents.

• Your passport or travel document must have at least six months of validity and for at least 90 days after exit. It must also consist of a minimum of two blank pages, the first of which must include personal data.
• Previous visas (if any)
• Duly signed and completed Turkey visa application form, along with two biometric photos not older than six months
• Financial proof showing you have enough funds to cover your entire stay in Turkey.
• Proof of occupation in the form of certified documents like an employer letter, a student certificate, a document or registration, or proof of pension funds
• Proof of accommodation through hotel reservations or an invitation letter that covers your stay in Turkey
• Documentation of health travel insurance covering every medical emergency during your stay in Turkey

Additional documents based on your employment status

• Employed

Employment contract, the original certificate of employment demonstrating your position in the company, and the salary.

Bank account statements or slips for the last six months

Turkey Visa Letter of Introduction 

Income Tax Return (ITR) Certificate

• Self-Employed

Valid trade license for your company (company registration)

Bank account statements or slips of the company for the last six months

Income Tax Return (ITR) Certificate

• Unemployed

Proof of financial sources to cover your visit to Turkey

Proof of sponsorship in the case where the person is not able to fund his or her expenses for the trip

• Retired

Documentation of the pension statement for the last six months

In addition to these, you must provide additional documents on the following:

Turkey visa for European countries

Official and ordinary passport holders of the EU member states fall under the category of visa-exempt countries and can visit Turkey for up to 90 days with a valid period of 180 days

Turkey visa for Russian nationals

For up to 60 days, Russian citizens are not required to have a visa in order to travel to or from Turkey for business, tourism, or transit.

These were the basic and additional requirements to apply for a Turkey visit visa. When applying for a Turkey visa, make sure you conduct thorough research on your travel and visa requirements, which will help you get hassle-free approval. You can also avail the benefits of e-visa single entry or multiple entry by applying it online. In the case of uncertainty, consult an expert to guide you through the visa application process.

Turkey Visa Fees

Turkey charges different visa fees based on nationality and visa type:

• US Citizens –  $60 for multiple-entry e-visas valid for 180 days
• UK Citizens – $20 for single-entry e-visas valid for 180 days
• EU Country Citizens – Generally, there is no fee for 90-day tourist stays.
• Australian Citizens – $60 for multiple-entry e-visas valid for 180 days

In some cases, longer validity or multiple entry visas carry higher fees. Applications requiring manual approval may also have extra processing fees.

You can make the payment using a credit card or debit card. They also support PayPal. This is a non-refundable fee, regardless of your visa outcome.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get an e-visa approved?

Most Turkish e-visa applications are processed automatically within 24 hours or less if all information meets routine expectations. Applicants submitting further documentation can expect up to 72 hours via email support.

More intensive manual reviews for complicated visa cases could take up to five full business days or longer in some situations. Consulate letters, health checks, and translations may be requested in these special instances.

2. Can I get a visa on arrival?

Citizens of some countries, like India and China, are eligible for visas on arrival at Turkish airports and some land borders. However, this generally comes with bureaucratic hassles and high last-minute fees.

Unless absolutely necessary, applying in advance online is recommended, especially as arrival visa rules can change abruptly. Having a pre-approved e-visa provides peace of mind for arrival immigration checks.

3. Can I extend my Turkish visa?

Many types of short-term Turkish visas can indeed be extended once within Turkey. Local immigration authorities allow tourist and business e-visa holders to extend up to an extra 90 days, provided their initial stays were less than 90 days.

Longer 6- or 12-month residency permits would require applying at a Turkish consulate in advance rather than extending. Similarly, those planning to work, study, or receive medical care should use appropriate long-stay visas.

4. Can I visit Northern Cyprus with my Turkish e-visa?

No, you can’t. The de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is considered separate from the mainland for immigration purposes. All foreign visitors must obtain a visa specifically issued from Northern Cyprus border control points.

These visas allow stays of up to 90 days and can be extended locally. Entry stamps would only be valid for Northern Cyprus until exiting back into Turkey. Tourists should prepare to present passports and purchase visas on arrival after any ferry or flight.

5. Do I need travel insurance to get a visa for Turkey?

Turkey does not explicitly require proof of travel insurance in order to issue standard tourist and business e-visas. However, having adequate medical and emergency coverage is still highly recommended while visiting the country with a Turkey business visa or tourist visa.

In practice, many immigration officers do not ask to see any travel insurance. Out-of-pocket health costs in Turkey can vary greatly, so uninsured visitors take on financial risks for injuries or sudden illness.