What You Need to Know to Obtain a Turkey Visa
Turkey is a top destination in the world. The good news is that the country is open to international travel. Every year millions of tourists visit Turkey to experience the best that Turkey has to provide.
You will need to review the visa requirements in order to enter Turkey. If necessary, you should apply for a Turkish visa. This travel authorization allows you to stay in Turkey for 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality and personal circumstances.
We’ll show you all the information that you need about Turkey’s visa requirements as well as how to apply online using a visa service (we recommend iVisa.com). We will discuss all the steps you need to take, including the requirements and fees, how to use a visa service online, as well as some top travel tips for visiting Turkey.
What Is a Turkish Visa?
The Turkish visa is an electronic travel authorization allowing entry to citizens from more than 100 different countries. Because it is electronically linked with the applicant’s passport rather than using a sticker or stamp, it is also referred to as an electronic visa, or the Turkish (or Turkey) eVisa.
The Turkish visa will be valid for up 180 days from the time of your arrival. Visitors can use the visa for short business or pleasure trips that do not exceed 90 days. Foreign affairs officials can change the maximum time a visitor is allowed to stay. This will be determined based on the nationality of each visitor and any other requirements that may be imposed by the Turkish government.
This necessary authorization for traveling to Turkey can be obtained by using a very simple visa application process on the iVisa website. You can complete the entire process online in only a few minutes, without needing to visit an embassy or a local visa service.
Which Nationalities Need a Visa For Turkey?
There are different requirements depending upon your nationality, and citizens visiting from a number of countries are not even required to have a Turkish visa. To find out what your requirements are for obtaining a Turkish Visa, you will first need to check your eligibility with the iVisa checker tool below.
To use the checker, you only need to select where you’re from and where you plan to travel (Turkey, in this case). Next, click on the “Get started” button to get the specific Turkish visa that you need.
For How Long is the Turkish Visa Valid?
Depending on your nationality, the maximum length of stay for a Turkey tourist visa is 30-90 days. Be sure to verify the information with the local embassy or visa application center to confirm.
The Turkey e-visa is either a single or multiple-entry visa, which depends upon your nationality. Further information can be found in the FAQ Section at bottom of page.
What Requirements and Documents Are Necessary to Apply?
These are the requirements that Turkish authorities need:
A copy of your passport must be in good condition with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of entry. It must also have at least two blank pages to mark the exit and entry stamps.
A valid email address in order to send the confirmation and remaining travel documents.
Some nationalities are required to have supporting documents, for example a work visa or residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, the USA, UK or Ireland. Use the visa checker tool to find out if your country is one of them.
This visa may only be used for business or vacation purposes only. Keep in mind that this visa is not the same as a work permit, meaning that you can attend work-related meetings and events, but cannot apply for work in the country you are visiting.
Your local consulate or embassy can help you obtain the correct type of residence permit if you plan to stay in Turkey long-term for study or work.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel Through Turkey?
Transit passengers don’t need a visa as long as they stay in the transit area. You would only need to have a visa if you leave the airport transit area.
Also keep in mind that visitors who arrive by cruise ships intending to visit coastal cities or nearby areas for the purpose of tourism are not required to apply for a Turkish visa as long as their visit does NOT exceed 72 hours. You must still obtain a visa if you arrive or depart from Turkey by air.
How Can You Obtain a Turkey Visa Online?
You can apply for your Turkey visa completely online, without the need for having to visit a Turkish consulate or embassy. Just follow these instructions:
Complete the application form with your personal information. Local authorities require that you provide your first and last name, contact information, ID number, financial information and job details. Your identity document must match the details of your personal information.
It is important that this information is correct, as any discrepancies can lead to your visa being rejected. This is why the iVisa.com experts are invaluable in thoroughly reviewing your application and helping you avoid making any mistakes.
Next, after filling out the application form, verify that all information is correct and then upload the required documents before proceeding to the payment platform. You can then select your preferred processing time, depending on how quickly you need the visa.
Lastly, Visa applicants will receive an email confirmation in PDF format once they have been approved.
Once received, immigration officials will confirm that your passport has been electronically linked to a valid Turkish visa. As an additional precaution, we recommend that you carry a printed copy.
What Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take To Process?
iVisa’s prices vary depending on how quickly you need your Turkey visa. These are the current fees and processing times (prices are in USD):
Standard Processing – With Standard Processing you can get your Visa in 24 Hours for $81.49.
Rush Processing – Rush Processing gets you a visa in just 4 hours for $137.40.
Super Rush Processing – When you choose Super Rush Processing, you can have your visa in as little as 30 minutes. The charge for this service is $183.40
All of the processing fees include the $51.50 government visa fee.
Regulations For Minors
In order for a minor to enter Turkey, he or she must have a Turkey visa. If you are using an online visa service, you can include each member of your family and they will then process each visa individually. Once your application is approved, you will be emailed a PDF file for each member of your travel party.
COVID-19 Requirements
COVID-19 restrictions were lifted as of June 1, 2022. As such, visitors arriving in Turkey do not have to show proof of vaccinations or negative PCR-test results. To visit Turkey, you will only need to complete the Health Declaration and (if applicable) a visa. Because rules pertaining to travel can change quickly, it’s a good idea to check for any new travel updates before you begin your trip.
The Turkey Passenger Locator Form
The Turkish Government has implemented the Turkey Passenger Locator form in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This form must be completed before you can enter the country. Before traveling to Turkey, all persons, even those who have a residence permit, need to complete this form. You can complete this form online on at iVisa.com, along with your visa application.
Recap of Requirements For a Turkey E-Visa
Documents Required For Application
- Scan of Passport Personal Details (if applicable).
- Visa or Residence Permit from one of the Schengen zone, US, UK or Ireland (if applicable).
Important Information
- Your Turkey e-Visa allows you to stay from 30-90 days, depending on your nationality.
- The e-Visa can be used for up to 180 days from the date of issue. Usually, same-day processing is possible. If you apply for a date outside the 180-day period, iVisa will retain your application and apply on the correct date to make sure your Turkey e-Visa is valid at your arrival. This means that you can submit your application via iVisa.com at any time you’d like.
- Depending on your nationality, the Turkey e-Visa allows you to enter Turkey as a single or multiple-entry visa. For more information, please refer to FAQs.
- If the information you provide during your visa application differs from that on your passport, you will need to apply for the visa again.
- Some nationalities need a supporting document, such as a visa or residence permit, from the Schengen zone, the USA, UK or Ireland. Please visit the iVisa application page and enter your nationality to view your requirements.
- The supporting document must be issued no later than the date you travel.
- A Turkey e-Visa can only be used for short business and tourism trips.
- You must have a valid passport for at least six months starting on the date that you plan to enter Turkey.
- When you enter or leave Turkey, immigration officers will stamp your passport. Make sure you have at least two blank pages to get these stamps.
- If you’re not planning to leave the international transit area, you do not need a visa.
- You cannot apply for a new e-Visa without departing Turkey after your e-Visa expires.
- Tourists who arrive at sea ports to visit nearby cities or provinces for tourism purposes will be exempt from visa requirements, as long as their stay is not more than 72 hours.
Conclusion
Preparing for travel does not have to be a headache, and your visa application is no exception. The application process can be a tedious process for many people, which is why a visa service like iVisa.com is there to help. Travel should be a fun, not stressful.
Looking For More Information?
For more information on Turkey visas, contact the customer support team at iVisa. They are available 24/7 at the website and through email. They will be able to answer all of your questions and concerns related to travel documents that you may have. They can also help you check the status your Turkish visa application
