Turkey is a vibrant, delightful, and culturally rich country that attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2019, nearly 52 million people visited Turkey, setting an all-new record of visitors. The country on the Bosporus is one of the world’s leading travel destinations. A visit to Turkey will unlock a whole new world to visitors. From its food to culture, Turkey offers up so much to travelers. One of the biggest questions travelers may have before booking a vacation to Turkey is whether they need a visa. There are some visitors who will certainly need a visa to enter Turkey, but it can be a simple process to obtain a visa to unlock the beauty of the country.
Who needs a visa for Turkey?
On March 2, 2020, Turkey allowed all tourists from Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom to visit the country visa-free. The country did this to allow stronger tourism ties with the nations. Previously, travelers from each of the European nations needed a visa to enter Turkey for a vacation or business.
American tourists are one of the top tourist groups that visit Turkey each year. Individuals from the United States need a visa to enter the country. The good news for American tourists is that they can obtain an e-visa which is quick and convenient. Americans are not the only tourists that must apply for an e-visa before entering Turkey. There is a long list of countries that require travelers to acquire an e-visa to enter Turkey including America, Australia, and Canada.
How do you get a visa to Turkey?
An electronic visa, also known as an e-visa, is a legal document allowing a traveler to enter Turkey. Travelers can obtain an e-visa by entering their required information into the online application form. Applicants must also make a payment using a credit or debit card during the submission process. The cost of an e-visa depends on your nationality.
Individuals applying for a Turkey e-visa must meet a set of requirements before the document will be issued. Byevisa Turkey offers travelers information on the requirements for gaining an e-visa. The steps outlined by the company make it simple to apply for the document.
What makes an e-visa ideal for travelers is that it can be obtained before an individual travels to Turkey. A visa on arrival is obtained once a person reaches their destination. This can mean they are denied entry once arriving in Turkey. In addition, traditional visas you apply for and have put into your passport can take time to arrive. An e-visa is quick, easy, and is reviewed by border control officials right away.
Some tourists are required to obtain a visa on arrival. A visa on arrival is a legal document that a travel can apply for and obtain once they land at an airport in Turkey. A foreign travel is granted a visa on arrival as long as they meet specific criteria, including:
- Their nationality meets the entry requirements. Residents of some countries are only offered visa on arrival.
- The traveler must have relevant documentation when arriving.
- Travels must pay the specified fee.
It is also suggested that you should apply for an e-visa rather than a visa on arrival if given the option.
If you are traveling with your family, you can create an e-visa application for the entire group. You can create an e-visa application for a minimum of two people and maximum of 10 prior to traveling to Turkey.
What types of Turkish visas are there?
There are a variety of Turkish visas available to travelers ready to book a trip to the country. Tourists and businesspersons can obtain a visa to enter the country. There are multiple levels of visas for tourism and businesspersons. These include:
- Tourist Visit
- Single Transit or Double Transit
- Business Meeting or Commerce
- Conference, Seminar or Meeting
- Festival, Fair or Exhibition
- Sports
- Cultural Activity
- Official Visit
- A Visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Individuals can apply for a student visa which has multiple levels as well. These include:
- Internship
- Internship ERASMUS or AISEC
- To Attend Turkish Language Course
- Course and Education Purpose
- Education and Courses in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Individuals traveling to Turkey for work purposes can obtain a visa for one of the following purposes:
- Employment Purpose
- Special Employment Purpose
- Assigned Lecturers or Academics
- Sportsperson
- Artists
- Free Zone Workers
- Journalists
- Montage and Repairman
In addition, visas can be given to individuals for the purposes of:
- Archaeology and Exploration
- Documentary filming
- Tour Operator
- Medical Treatment Work
- Accompaniment of Travelers
- Family Unification
- Freight Visa
- Seafarer Visa
How long can you stay in Turkey with a visa?
A Turkish e-visa is valid for 180 days from the date is issued. You are able to enter the country at any time within that 180-day window. E-visas allow you to stay in the country for 30 days or 90 days, depending on your nationality. You can apply for a single or multiple entry visa.
The multiple entry visa means you can visit Turkey, travel to another country and return to the country once more on the same e-visa. A single e-visa means you can visit Turkey just once and must apply for another document to return to the country.
When should you apply for a Turkish visa?
An e-visa is easy to apply for and obtain as long as you meet all of the requirements. You are permitted to apply for an e-visa at any time before traveling to Turkey. You should apply for your e-visa at least 48 hours before traveling to Turkey.
Can I apply for a new e-visa while still in Turkey?
If your e-visa expires while you are still in Turkey, you are not permitted to apply for a new e-visa until leaving the country. You will need to depart Turkey to apply to return to the country. Travelers who overstay their visas may be required to pay fines. In addition, travelers can be deported or banned from visiting Turkey in the future.
