NOTE: Please visit our page for information on flight restrictions and flight dates due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR VISITING Türkiye
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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Türkiye?
Visa requirements apply to third country citizens who wish to travel to Türkiye with various purposes. A list of countries is exempt from visa obligation as part of the bilateral visa agreements. Accordingly, citizens of some countries can benefit from electronic visa (e-visa) application system online to fast-track the process. Make sure to check out online to learn whether you are entitled to request an e-visa to travel to Türkiye. Citizens of countries who can travel to Türkiye with their ID cards are also listed online.
Countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Türkiye with their national ID’s
- Germany
- Belgium
- France
- Georgia
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Liechtenstein
- Luxemburg
- Malta
- Portugal
- Ukraine
- Greece
Countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Türkiye with their expired passports
- Germany – Passports expired within the last year / ID’s expired within the last year
- Belgium - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- France - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Spain - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Switzerland - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Luxemburg - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Portugal - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Bulgaria – Valid ordinary passport
Türkiye Visa Types
Different visa types apply for visits to Türkiye on short-term or long-term basis. Single, double or multiple-entry visas are given depending on the holder’s term of stay. Visa holders cannot stay in the country longer than 90 days in periods of 180 days, unless stated otherwise. Visa on arrival applies to citizens of eligible countries. E-visa can be obtained only for tourism or business visits. The applications for an electronic visa are processed through webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All other visa applications are made through the Pre-Application System of Turkish Sticker Visa as of 2016.
Type C (Short-term Stay) Visa
Short-term visa is granted to to third country citizens for designated periods in line with their purpose of stay that shall not exceed a maximum of 90 days.
Türkiye Tourist Visa
Türkiye tourist visa is given to foreign nationals who wish to visit the country for only tourism and entertainment reasons. Tourist visas can be issued in the form of e-visas or visas upon arrival if the applicant is a national of an eligible country.
Türkiye Visa for Business and Fair Visits
Business visa is granted to third country nationals who seek to visit Türkiye only for business purposes. The holder of a business visa can attend conferences, business meetings or other sorts of commercial activities. However, the total term of stay will be restricted to determined periods in line with the dates on your issued visa.
Türkiye Visa for Visit to Family, Relatives and Friends
Third country nationals who intend to visit family, relatives or friends can apply for private visas upon submission of the relevant documents that include a private invitation from relative or friends.
Türkiye Visa for Cultural, Sports Activities and Participation to Conferences
Foreign travelers are requested to apply for an entry visa if they wish to participate cultural or sports related events and conferences in Türkiye. An official invitation letter presented on the official letterhead of the registered host organization in Türkiye is obligatory as part of the application process.
Türkiye Visa for Short-term Education and Traineeship
Short-term student or work visas can be given to foreigners who seek to visit Türkiye for education or training purposes including short-term language courses. Accordingly, an official invitation letter should be provided by the prospective employer or education institution based in Türkiye indicating the definite dates of enrolled program.
Type D (Long-term Stay) Visa
Long-term visa ensures the applicant right to visit Republic of Türkiye for periods exceeding over 90 days.
Foreign students who wish to study at Turkish education institutions must apply for student visas. The study visa request shall be submitted through the Consulate accompanied with a letter of admission.
Applicants shall make their applications through the diplomatic missions in order to get a work visa or a work permit to stay in Türkiye for longer periods. A letter of employment along with the other documents should be submitted to Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) for approval.
Please be aware that foreigners who intend to work or study in Türkiye for long term stays must register immediately at the local police departments upon arrival.
In case of any doubts, please do not hesitate to contact the nearest diplomatic mission in your region.
Türkiye Transit Visa
Transit visa is given to foreign travelers who will have stopover at the international zone of a country's airports on the way to third destinations. However, Turkish authorities do not ask for transit visas given that the traveler will not be leaving the transit lounge at the airport.
General Requirements to Apply for Türkiye Visa
Please find below the tourist visa requirements for Türkiye. Mind the fact that the required documents may change depending on the term and purpose of your stay, hence the category of your visa. The Consulate reserves its right to ask for additional documents.
Türkiye Visa Applications
- A passport or travel document with at minimum two blank pages, valid for at least six months and for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page including personal data and previous visas if obtained.
- Completed and signed visa application form along with two biometric photo that is not older than 6 months.
- Proof of travel with confirmed both-way tickets.
- Bank account details proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund his/her travel.
- Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents through employer letter, student certificate, document of registration or demonstration of pension funds.
- Accommodation details through an invitation letter or proof of your hotel reservation throughout your stay.
- Documentation of travel health insurance which will be valid in the country for the entire period of stay.
Additional specific documents may be asked to enclose your application depending on your employment status.
Employed:
- Employment contract (original certificate of employment indicating the position in the company and the salary)
- Bank account statement of the past 6 months
- Approval letter of leave from employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
Self-employed:
- Proof of business license (company registration)
- Company’s bank account statement of the past 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
Student:
- Documentation of University enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school management
Retired:
- Pension statement documenting the past 6 months
Unemployed:
- Proof of financial resources is nevertheless required
- If the person is not able to finance his/her own expenses, proof of a sponsor is mandatory.
What is Visa Sponsorship for Türkiye?
Students or unemployed/retired people who are not in a position to cover their own travel expenses will need to demonstrate support from a sponsor who will borne the full costs. The sponsor is entitled to certain requirements. Hence, only first grade relatives can fulfill this position. If the sponsor is an inviting official party registered in Türkiye , a letter of guarantee undertaking all the commitments including payment of costs that cover the foreigner`s stay and exit from Turkish territory is requested. You can check our website for further details.
Türkiye Visa Rules
- Foreign travelers who would like to shoot a documentary, conduct a research or visit an archeological site are requested to obtain a special permission from the relevant authorities prior to their trip.
- Foreigner travelers who are passing through Turkish territory by cruise may enter Türkiye without visa obligations, given that the maximum period of stay will not exceed 72 hours. In any case, an official permission by the local security authorities is necessary.
- Citizens of Northern Cyprus can enter, reside, study, and work in Türkiye without any immigration restrictions.
- Please keep in mind that the entry requirements may change based on decisions of the authorities and it is strongly advised to have solid information from the local diplomatic missions in your country of residence prior to your departure.
Türkiye Visa Requirements
In addition to above mentioned application documents, general requirements include:
Türkiye Visa for European countries
Ordinary and official passport holders of the EU member states are exempt from visa requirements to visit Türkiye for stays up to 90 days within 180 days period.
Türkiye Visa for Russian citizens
Citizens of the Russian Federation are not asked to have entry visas for tourist or business travels and transit to/from Türkiye for up to maximum of 60 days.
Türkiye Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens
A passport that is valid for at least six months after the travel date is required.
- US citizens holding US passports must have visas to visit Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get e-visas.
- UK citizens holding UK passports are not asked to get an entry visa to enter Türkiye for visits.
- Canadian citizens holding Canadian passports are entitled to visa regulations for visits to Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can apply for e-visas valid for three-month on multiple entry.
Türkiye Visa Fees
The visa fee may change depending on the type of visa and place of application. It includes the consular fees. The visa fees that are non-refundable are listed online as categorized by the applicants’ country for e-visa and visa upon arrival.
NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.
