Turkey, a country straddling Europe and Asia, has a specific visa policy governing the entry of foreign travellers to its territory. Understanding the requirements and procedures relating to tourist visas is essential for planning a trip to Turkey with complete peace of mind. The aim of this guide is to provide clear and precise information on tourist visa requirements for Turkey. We will look in detail at who needs a tourist visa to travel to Turkey, as well as the steps involved in obtaining one. Whether you're a traveller seeking cultural discoveries, a lover of idyllic beaches or a history buff, this guide will help you navigate the visa application process for Turkey so you can make the most of your stay in this fascinating country.
Who needs a tourist visa for Turkey?
When planning a trip to Turkey, it's important to check whether you need a tourist visa to enter the country. Here is a list of countries whose citizens require a tourist visa to travel to Turkey:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Benin
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Ivory Coast
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Eritrea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Northern Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestine
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Eswatini
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
However, it should be noted that there may be exceptions or special agreements for certain countries. It is therefore advisable to consult the Turkish consular authorities or official websites for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
Apply for a visa for Turkey !
What are the requirements for a tourist visa for Turkey?
The length of stay permitted in Turkey on a tourist visa varies according to the nationality of the traveller. In general, most travellers are granted a 90-day stay within a 180-day period. This means that you can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period from the date of entry.
It is important to understand that obtaining a tourist visa for Turkey is not automatic and may be subject to certain requirements. Common reasons why a visa may be refused include:
- Providing incomplete or inauthentic documents when applying.
- Failure to meet specific selection criteria.
- Lack of proof of financial support for the duration of the stay.
- History of violation of Turkish laws or previous illegal residence in Turkey.
- Proof of reasons for travel that do not comply with tourist visa requirements.
It is therefore essential to comply with the visa requirements and to provide all the required documents accurately and completely when applying, in order to increase the chances of success.
The e-visa solution for obtaining a visa for Turkey online
The e-Visa is a practical option for travellers from countries that are neither visa-exempt nor visa-required. It is an electronic visa that can be applied for online before you travel to Turkey. The e-Visa allows you to enter Turkey for tourist or business stays of up to 90 days.
Here's how to apply for one:
- Access the official site or a site providing e-Visa services: To apply for an e-Visa, you need to access the official site or a site specialising in online visas.
- Filling in the online application form: You will need to fill in an online application form with personal information such as your name, date of birth, nationality, passport and details of your trip to Turkey.
- Payment of the e-Visa fee: You will need to pay the e-Visa fee using the payment methods accepted on the official website. Fees may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant.
- Receipt of e-Visa by e-mail: Once your application has been submitted and payment has been made successfully, you will receive the e-Visa by e-mail. Make sure you print out a copy of the e-Visa and take it with you when you travel to Turkey.
Apply for a visa for Turkey !
How long does it take to obtain a visa for Turkey online?
Once you have met the eligibility criteria, the online visa application process for Turkey can begin. Obtaining a visa online is not instantaneous and requires a certain amount of time.
In general, once the application has been submitted online with all the necessary factors and payment has been made, it takes around 48 hours to receive a reply. This time may fluctuate depending on the number of applications received by the embassy at any given time or any potential problems with the application.
- The busy travel season can cause delays.
- Errors in the application may need to be rectified before approval.
- Rarely, additional checks may be requested on certain files.
- The absence of an essential document could lead to a direct refusal.
It is advisable to submit your application at least one week before your planned departure date in order to take account of these delays. It is also important to stress that this period does not guarantee visa approval; it is only the time required to process the documents provided. Each application is examined individually and judged on its own merits by the relevant authorities, who ultimately decide whether or not the visa will be granted.
What is the price of the e-Visa for Turkey?
The price of the e-Visa for Turkey depends on the nationality of the applicant. On average, it costs between 20 and 60 US dollars.
It should be pointed out, however, that this amount may fluctuate slightly according to international currency fluctuations. This fairly affordable cost allows entry to the country for up to 90 days without the need for a traditional visa.
This amount does not include any processing fees if you opt for a private service provider.
It is crucial to note that payment must be made by credit card when submitting the e-visa application form.
How long is the Turkey e-Visa valid for?
An e-Visa for Turkey has a specific validity period which begins on the date of issue. This period can range from 90 to 180 days, depending on the type of e-Visa issued and the nationality of the applicant. Please note that this period only determines the interval during which the holder may enter Turkey and not the authorised length of stay.
Apply for a visa for Turkey !
Do I need a return plane ticket to obtain a Turkey visa online?
Obtaining an e-visa for Turkey often raises questions about whether or not a return ticket is required. One clear piece of information on this subject is that it is not imperative to have a return ticket when applying for an e-visa. However, it is important to understand that the customs authorities may require proof of exit from the country. This is to ensure that the traveller does not stay longer than authorised by their visa. Various types of proof are accepted:
- A return ticket,
- A continuous itinerary,
- A hotel reservation with a departure date,
- Or any other document attesting to your intention to leave the country.
Number of entries authorised in Turkey depending on the type of visa
When considering applying for a tourist visa for Turkey, it is important to be aware of the types of visa available. The two most common types of tourist visa are :
- Single-entry visa: This type of visa allows a single entry into Turkey. Once you leave the country, the visa becomes invalid.
- Multiple-entry visa: With this type of visa, you can enter and leave Turkey several times during the period of validity of the visa. This can be useful if you plan to make excursions to neighbouring countries and return to Turkey during your stay.
Apply for a visa for Turkey !
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
