If you are thinking of traveling to the best places in the world, you need to put Turkey on your travel list. Annually, Turkey receives around 51 million international visitors, making it the sixth-most popular tourist destination on the planet. However, to travel to Turkey most people need to get a visa first.
Luckily, obtaining a visa for Turkey can be quite an easy and seamless experience these days, especially for the citizens of those countries that can apply for an electronic authorization online.
Here is some information that will help you learn more about Turkey’s e-visa system so you can fully enjoy your trip and avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Turkey?
Yes, most people do need a visa for Turkey, even just to visit as a tourist. This includes people with a passport from the United States, Canada, Australia, India, and many more.
To speed up the process, citizens of over 100 countries (including the 4 mentioned above) can take advantage of the e-visa system to apply for authorization to enter Turkey for a holiday or business trip.
Visitors who are eligible for this authorization but arrive in the country without one may not be allowed entry into Turkey or may have to pay additional fees to do so. So it’s best to plan ahead.
The requirements, application process, and prices are different depending on what country your passport is from. You can find the specific information that applies to your country of nationality at www.byevisa.com/turkey-visa/.
Is your country in the European Union? Many EU citizens do not need special permission to travel as a tourist or on business in Turkey. However, there are limitations. For example, you can usually only visit without a visa for 90 days or less. Check your specific country’s requirements before you go.
Travelers who arrive on cruise ships with the sole intention of touring just the seaport destination or nearby provinces do not need to apply for special authorization providing they leave the shores within 72 hours.
If you are just transiting through the country because your flight has a layover, you do not need a visa if you stay in the international transit area.
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General Requirements for Turkish eVisas
- The e-visa is only available for applicants for travel and business purposes. If you’re going to work or study, you need to approach Turkish Embassies and Consulates in your respective country and follow their instructions.
- Having valid medical insurance valid for the entire length of stay is mandatory for all applicants.
- It is recommended that you have a passport valid for at least 6 months when you travel.
- If you are under 18 years of age, you need to have official written approvals from both parents. If your parents are divorced or if one of the parents is deceased, you need to certify that when you apply.
Some countries have additional requirements, such as:
- A visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or a Schengen Zone.
- Confirmed return airline tickets.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the trip.
- Letter of invitation or accommodation details of hotel during the stay.
eVisa Application Process
The Turkish e-visa is a travel document that can be obtained online by people of certain nationalities.
It is valid for short business trips and tourists for a stay of 30 – 90 days, depending on your nationality. Your authorization could be for single entry or multiple entry, depending upon the terms of eligibility for your country. Some countries also have restrictions on age, so it is best to view the required information for your nationality.
The Turkey visa application process is done online. You fill out the application form, make the payment, and the approved authorization is sent to your email address when it is ready.
Then you print it out and take it with you to be presented at the airport or air and sea border control. Keep it with your travel documents till the stay is over.
If you do not want to apply for an e-visa and want a visa on arrival instead, you must meet the eligibility criteria. Also keep in mind that the authorizations available on arrival are more expensive.
Fees for e-Visa and Visa on Arrival
The prices of e-visas are lower than the fees charged for obtaining a visa on arrival at the Turkish airports. However, the exact amount you have to pay depends on your nationality.
How to Renew or Extend a Turkish Visa
Depending on your situation, there could be valid reasons to extend your stay beyond the prescribed limit. If you wish to stay longer once in the country (and who could blame you, once you get a taste of this beautiful part of the world!), you can apply to at the nearest Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for a residence permit. Do this before your original permission expires.
If you have overstayed in Turkey, you will have to leave the country and apply for a new authorization online afresh. Also, if you overstay too much beyond the period allowed, you can face fines and sanctions which can complicate future visits.
More Helpful Turkish Travel Information
Now that you know how to get the paperwork out of the way, you can get ready to start planning your trip! Here is a list of the Turkish airports you can fly into so you can find the best deal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, read about my experience flying over the mountains and sea in the best place for paragliding in Turkey!
