Traveling to Turkey
The Republic of Turkey is a popular travel destination for tourism, business, education, medical and other purposes.
Depending on your nationality and the type of Turkish visa you are applying for, certain foreign nationals are exempt from a Turkish visa, while others are eligible to travel to Turkey and obtain a Turkish visa-on-arrival. All other foreign nationals must apply for a Turkish sticker visa before traveling to Turkey, or, if eligible, can apply online for a Turkish e-Visa.
Turkey visa types
If you are a foreign national who is required to obtain a Turkish sticker visa prior to traveling to Turkey, you must apply for the appropriate Turkey visa based on your purpose for traveling to Turkey. The Turkey visa types are:
TOURIST/BUSINESSPERSON
- Touristic Visit
- Single Transit
- Double Transit
- Business Meeting/Commerce
- Conference/Seminar/Meeting
- Festival/Fair/Exhibition
- Sportive Activity
- Cultural Artistic Activity
- Official Visit
- Visit to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
OTHER VISAS
- Archaeological Excavation, Exploration Purpose
- Documentary Purpose
- Tour Operator Representative
- Medical Treatment Purposes
- Accompaniment Purpose
- Family Unification Purpose
- Freight Visa
- Seafarer Visa
WORKING VISA
- Employment Purpose/Special Employment Purpose
- Assigned Lecturers/Academics
- Assigned Sportsperson
- Assigned Artists
- Assigned Free Zone Workers
- Assigned Journalists
- Montage and Repairman Purposes
STUDENT – EDUCATION VISA
- Internship Visa
- Internship ERASMUS
- Internship AISEC
- Turkish Language Course Purpose
- Course Purpose
- Education Purpose
- Education in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
OFFICIAL VISA
- Assigned for duty
- Courier
Turkey visa requirements
The following items are required to apply for Turkish visas:
Passport
Valid for at least 60 days after departure date, with one blank page for official use
Ticket
A round trip or onward ticket
Personal photo
A recent biometric passport photo, on white background, size 50x60mm
Financial proof
Proof of financial means during stay in Turkey (and of inviter if applicant invited by a Turkish resident)
Application form
A completed and signed Turkey visa application form
Accommodation
Hotel reservation or invitation letter
Income
Documents attesting to the income status of the applicant
Medical insurance
Proof of medical insurance coverage
Some types of Turkish visas have additional requirements than those listed above. Accordingly, you are advised to check the information requirements for the specific Turkish visa type you are applying for.
Turkey visa application
Foreign nationals required to apply for a Turkish sticker visa or Turkey e-Visa must follow these steps:
Turkish Sticker visa
Turkey sticker visas can now be pre-applied for online, but if internet connection does not permit, the application process can be initiated directly through a Turkish embassy or representation office.
- Apply online for Turkey visa
• Fill out and submit application online
• Upload required documents
• Book appointment - Attend your appointment at the Turkish embassy or representation office
• Submit your visa application and required documents
• Pay visa fee - Wait for your Turkey visa decision
• If approved, pick up Turkey visa from the Turkish embassy or representation office where you applied
• Verify that all information is correct and matches your passport
Note: During the process, some applicants may be directed to the Turkey e-Visa System, allowing them to complete the entire process online, instead of attending an appointment in person.
Turkish e-Visa
Eligible foreign nationals from over 50 countries can apply for the Turkey e-Visa.
- Apply online for Turkish e-Visa
- Pay Turkey e-Visa fee
- Receive Turkey e-Visa online
Where to apply for Turkey visa
Turkish Sticker Visa
Foreign nationals required to apply for a Turkey sticker visa should pre-apply through the Pre-Application System of Turkish Sticker Visa and then will complete the application process at their nearest Turkish embassy or representation office. If internet connection does not permit, applicants can sidestep the pre-application step and apply directly at their nearest Turkish embassy or representation office. During the pre-application process, some foreign nationals, who meet the requirements, may be eligible to continue the process online.
Turkish e-Visa
Nationals of over 50 countries are eligible to apply online for a Tukey e-Visa.
Turkey visa processing time
The Turkey e-Visa process is finalized within days, while the Turkey sticker visa process takes around 15 days for tourist and business visas, and 25 days for student and work visas. In all cases, you are advised to start the application process early, in case of delays.
