Turkey is a popular tourist destination, attracting travelers from all over the world. Citizens of more than 100 countries can visit this country without a visa. Learn more about the requirements and types of visas you need to travel to Turkey
Turkey is a country with an Asian flavor and European service, which is rich in historical and architectural monuments, is famous all over the world for its seaside resorts and actively develops winter mountain tourism. That is why millions of tourists visit Turkey every year and even more foreigners plan to do so in the future.
A pleasant bonus when planning a tourist trip to Turkey will be the visa regime in the state. Citizens of more than 100 countries can enjoy all the sights of Turkey without strict visa restrictions.
In this article, we will talk about who can travel without a visa, and who should apply for it online or at the Embassy.
Which countries’ citizens can visit Turkey without a visa?
Citizens of all European countries (with the exception of Cyprus), as well as Israel, Japan, New Zealand and most of South and Central Asia Americans can visit Turkey without a tourist visa.
Depending on the nationality of the tourist, it is possible to stay in the state for a period of 30 to 90 days.
Who needs to apply for a Turkish visa?
Citizens of 31 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia and Mexico are eligible to apply for a visa online.
The procedure is quite simple – the tourist fills out an application form on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey (MFA) and pays the visa fee. The cost depends on the country of origin of the tourist, but varies from $ 20 to $ 60.
Citizens of some countries in Africa, Oceania and Central Asia Americans (Eritrea, CAR, Cuba) must apply for a visa at the Turkish Embassy in their country of residence before traveling to Turkey.
It is better to submit documents in advance, because it may take up to two weeks to apply for a visa.
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Passport requirements
The tourist’s passport must be valid for another 60 days from the end of the permitted period of stay. That is, if, according to the laws of Turkey, a tourist has the right to stay in the country for up to 90 days, then his passport must be valid for 150 days (90+ 60) from the date of arrival in the country.
Citizens of 19 countries of the world, including Germany, Belgium, France, Georgia, and Ukraine, can visit Turkey on the basis of a national identity document (ID card).
Also, citizens of 8 countries of the world: Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Bulgaria can enter Turkey even with an expired passport.
Turkish Visa Extension
Citizens of any country in the world are not eligible for an extension of a tourist visa in Turkey. All those who wish to stay in the country for a period longer than allowed by their tourist visa must apply for a residence permit (including a tourist one) in the state before the expiration of the visa.
It is also worth noting that these visa rules apply to foreigners visiting Turkey for tourist and commercial purposes. If you plan to study or work in the country, then before traveling you need to apply for an appropriate visa at the embassy or consulate of the country.
The most common types of visas in Turkey
Turkey offers different types of visas for foreigners, depending on the purpose of their stay in the country. Here are the main types of visas to Turkey:
Tourist visa
A tourist visa is granted to those who plan to visit Turkey for the purpose of tourism or recreation. This type of visa is usually valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period. A tourist visa can be obtained at the consulates of Turkey or through the electronic system (e-Visa).
Business visa
The business visa is intended for those who come to Turkey for the purpose of business negotiations, participation in conferences or concluding commercial transactions. This visa allows a short-term stay, usually up to 90 days.
Student visa
A student visa is issued to foreigners who plan to study at Turkish educational institutions. To obtain this visa, you must provide proof of enrollment in an educational institution. A student visa is usually valid for the entire period of study.
Work visa
A work visa is required for foreigners who plan to work in Turkey. To obtain this visa, you must have an official invitation from a Turkish employer. A work visa allows you to stay in the country for the duration of the work contract.
Family reunification visa
This type of visa is intended for family members of foreigners who already have a residence permit in Turkey. A family reunification visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days with the possibility of extension.
Visa for scientific research
This type of visa is issued to foreigners who come to Turkey to conduct scientific research or participate in scientific programs. To obtain this visa, you must provide an official invitation from a Turkish educational institution or scientific institution.
Transit visa
A transit visa is required for those traveling through Turkey to a third country. This type of visa allows a short-term stay in Turkey for up to 72 hours.
Visa for medical treatment
This visa is issued to foreigners who plan to come to Turkey for medical treatment. To receive it, you must provide confirmation of the appointment of treatment in a Turkish medical institution.
Each type of visa has its own requirements and procedures for obtaining, so it is important to familiarize yourself with them in advance and prepare the necessary documents.
In the previous article, we told you that in order to attract digital nomads, the Turkish government offers them special visas and working conditions. Among the mandatory requirements are to be over 21 years old, work remotely and receive a minimum of $3,000 per month. Read more about the procedure for applying for a digital nomad visa in Turkey 2024.
Igor Usyk – Head of the Legal Department of Visit World
To ensure a safe move to Turkey, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Turkey;
Legal advice on immigration to Turkey;
Travel insurance for foreigners in Turkey;
Medical insurance worldwide.
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