IstanbulTourist Info

Visa Needs for Istanbul

Before entering Istanbul or just crossing the border into Turkey, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. You can speed up the process by applying for an e-visa online, but you will still need to know the requirements for visa approval.

Firstly, you need to know the type of visa you applying for, which most likely is a tourist visa. Your passport will also need to have an expiry date of 90 days longer than the visa you are applying for.

After filling out your visa application whether in person, online, or through an embassy representative, you will have to pay a visa fee that varies between countries. Upon visa approval, you must note if it’s for single or multiple-entry. You will not be allowed to re-enter on a single-entry visa unless renewing prior to re-entry.

Visa Application

To apply for a Turkey travel visa you must know two things, which are the type of passport you own, and its passport expiry date. You must also understand that your country of origin, is the country where your passport was issued, and not where you entered Istanbul from.

Passport Expiry

To enter Turkey, your passport expiry date must be valid for at least 90 days longer than the expiration date of the visa you applied for.

So, if you apply for a 90-day travel visa, your passport must be valid for at least 180 days from your date of entry into Turkey.

Type of Passport

When applying for a Turkey travel visa, you would need to specify what type of passport you have. For tourists and even most business-related travel, you would need to check off an ordinary passport when applying for your visa.

The only exceptions would be if you’re traveling as an official representative of your home country and using a special, service, or diplomatic passport.

Country of Origin

Here you must enter the country where your passport was issued and not the country you’re entering Turkey from.

If you’re traveling on an American passport and enter Turkey from Greece, then your country of origin is your home country, the United States of America, and not Greece.

Should you have a dual-citizenship in another country, it might suit your interest to apply for your visa under the country that offers an easy application process and the least expensive cost.

How To Apply

You can apply for a Turkey Visa in advance of arrival in one of two ways, e-Visa (the easy way) and through the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the hard way).

E-Visa

Also known by tourists as, the easy visa, applying online is the fastest and most trustworthy way to obtain a travel visa to enter Turkey.

The following screen will provide detailed information about whether you’re allowed to apply for an online e-Visa, or if you have to apply for a visa at the Turkish representative office in your country.

Ministry Visa

The official, but more complicated way to obtain a visa to enter Turkey is to visit the website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Once there, search for your citizenship country, and read the information on the screen for ordinary passports. If it says:

Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visas for [xx] days

This means you can visit Turkey without a visa and only require a valid passport to enter.

Ordinary passport holders can obtain [xx day] e-Visa via the www.evisa.gov.tr website

Your citizenship requires you to purchase a travel visa for Turkey, but you can do this prior to arrival by applying for an e-Visa online.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have a visa to enter Turkey

Unfortunately, if this line appears without any additional information, then you must apply for a visa at the Turkish representative office in your country. It’s best to apply well in advance of your travel to Turkey, as the process can take a month or more to get approval.

Visa Fees

The fee you pay for applying for a visa to Turkey can vary between countries can. Charges will be stated per person when you apply online.

While not covering all countries, in general, Turkey visa pricing is as follows:

  • 18 € (US, UK, Europe, Caribbean, Asia) or
  • 54 € (Canada, Australia, the Middle East)

Entry Visa Types

Once you’ve been approved for a temporary visa, you’ll be granted one of the following types that will allow you to travel, but not work, in Turkey.

Multiple Entry

A Muteaddit Giris means you can enter Turkey multiple times until your visa expires without having to renew it.

Single Entry

A Tek Giris, however, is a one-time visa. It will automatically expire as soon as you leave the country. You will then not be allowed to re-enter Turkey until you’ve been approved for a new visa.

Special Entry

Foreigners making documentary films or doing archaeological activities can ask for a special visa to the Turkish government. Truck drivers transporting cargo throughout Turkey also have special considerations. You can contact the Turkish representative office in your country for more info.