Turkey is a popular tourist destination that attracts 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 needed to travel to Turkey

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Turkey is a country with an Asian flavor and European service, rich in historical and architectural monuments, world-famous for its seaside resorts and actively developing 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 nice bonus when planning a tourist trip to Turkey will be the visa regime in the country. Citizens of more than 100 countries can enjoy all the sights of Turkey without strict visa restrictions.

In this article, we will tell you who can travel without a visa and who needs to apply for one online or at the Embassy. 

Which countries can visit Turkey without a visa?

Citizens of all European countries (except Cyprus), as well as Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and most of South and Central America can visit Turkey without a tourist visa.

Depending on the nationality of the tourist, a stay in the country can last from 30 to 90 days. 

Who needs to apply for a Turkish visa?

Citizens of 31 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Mexico, are eligible to apply for a visa online.

The procedure is quite simple: a tourist fills out an application form on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey (MFA) and pays a visa fee. The cost depends on the tourist's country of origin, but varies from $20 to $60.

Citizens of some countries in Africa, Oceania, and Central America (Eritrea, Central African Republic, Cuba) must apply for a visa at the Turkish embassy in their country of residence before traveling to Turkey. 

It is better to submit the documents in advance, as it may take up to two weeks to process the visa. 

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Passport requirements

A tourist's passport must be valid for another 60 days after the end of the authorized 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 or her passport must be valid for 150 days (90+60) from the date of arrival in the country. 

Citizens of 19 countries, 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: Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Portugal and Bulgaria can enter Turkey even with an expired passport. 

Extension of a Turkish visa

Citizens of any other country are not entitled to extend their tourist visa in Turkey. Anyone wishing to stay in the country for a period longer than that allowed by their tourist visa must obtain a residence permit (including a tourist one) in the country before the visa expires. 

It is also worth noting that these visa rules apply to foreigners visiting Turkey for tourist and commercial purposes. If you are planning to study or work in the country, you need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country before traveling. 

The most common types of visas in Turkey

Turkey offers various 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 tourism or leisure purposes. This type of visa is usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A tourist visa can be obtained at Turkish consulates or through the electronic system (e-Visa).

Business visa

A business visa is intended for those who come to Turkey for the purpose of business negotiations, participation in conferences or conclusion of commercial transactions. This visa allows for a short-term stay, usually up to 90 days.

Student visa

Student visa is issued to foreigners who plan to study in 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.

Employment visa

An employment 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 your employment 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 a period of 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 research institution.

Transit visa

A transit visa is required for those traveling through Turkey to a third country. This type of visa allows 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 obtain 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, so it is important to familiarize yourself with them in advance and prepare the necessary documents. 

In our previous article, we told you that to attract digital nomads, the Turkish government offers them special visas and work conditions. The mandatory requirements include being over 21 years old, working remotely, and earning at least $3000 per month. Read more about the procedure for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Turkey 2024.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at 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.

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