Turkey e-Visa guide

The basics

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the electronic visa (e-Visa) as an online system, launched on 17 April 2013, that lets visitors obtain a visa over the internet. Official sources indicate it is valid only when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce.

Where you apply

Online at www.evisa.gov.tr

Purpose covered

Tourism or commerce (business)

Stay per entry

Not stated in the official pages reviewed. Official sources say the length of stay under any visa or visa exemption cannot exceed 90 days within each 180 days.

Fee

Not stated in the sources reviewed. Official sources say e-Visa fees are lower than fees for visas obtained on arrival at Turkish airports. Check the portal for the current amount.

Who it's for

The e-Visa is for travel for tourism or commerce. Official sources say other purposes, such as work and study, require a regular visa issued by Turkish embassies or consulates.

Eligibility, the permitted stay and the type of e-Visa vary by nationality. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists countries whose citizens can apply, and a separate list of countries whose citizens can apply only under certain conditions. Some nationalities are visa-exempt for short stays and do not need one. Check the Ministry's country-by-country information for your passport.

How to apply

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applications can be made from anywhere with an internet connection at www.evisa.gov.tr.

• Log on to www.evisa.gov.tr.
• Provide the requested information, including identity, passport and travel dates.
• After the application is approved, pay the fee online.
• Download the e-Visa.
• Official sources describe the process as taking only a few minutes. The Ministry's pages give both ten minutes and three minutes.
• The Ministry says payment is accepted by Visa and Master Card, and also by other credit and debit cards. Tour operators may apply for group e-Visas.

Documents

• Passport: official sources say foreigners entering Türkiye should carry a passport with an expiry date at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay of their visa, e-Visa, visa exemption or residence permit. Certain categories are exempt from this rule.
• The Ministry also advises a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
• Medical insurance: the Ministry's general visa information says all applicants are required to have medical insurance valid during their stay. Sources do not say how this is checked for e-Visa holders.
• Under 18: the Ministry's general information says applicants under 18 must submit written approval from both parents, with exceptions. Sources do not confirm how this applies to the e-Visa.
• Official sources say visas do not guarantee a right of entry, and entry can be refused if a passport, visa or permit is missing, false or obtained deceptively.

Stay and extensions

Extension terms for the e-Visa were not found in the sources reviewed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that foreigners who wish to stay longer than 90 days should apply for a Short Term Residence Permit at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration.

The Presidency of Migration Management says a person cannot apply for an e-Visa from within Türkiye, and that someone who wants to continue staying must apply for a residence permit. It also says that after a residence permit, visa or visa exemption expires, it cannot be used without leaving.

Official sources say overstaying can lead to a fine or a removal decision, depending on the length of the overstay.

Things to confirm

• Whether your nationality is eligible for the e-Visa, and under what conditions. Rules vary by nationality.
• The current e-Visa fee. Sources reviewed do not state it.
• Your permitted stay and whether the e-Visa is single or multiple entry. Sources reviewed do not state this for the e-Visa generally.
• Whether an onward or return ticket, proof of funds or accommodation details are checked. Sources reviewed do not confirm this for e-Visa holders.
• Whether any extension of an e-Visa is possible. Check with the Presidency of Migration Management (goc.gov.tr).

Sources

Every claim above comes from these pages. Higher tiers carry more authority. How we tier sources.