Rules of entry to Turkey for tourists: Visa Exemptions, e-Visa Process, and Application Guidelines
Table of contents
- Who can travel to Turkey without a visa?
- What to do if your country is not on the list?
- Turkey e-Visa: Fast, Convenient, Online
- Turkey Conditional e-Visa
- How to apply for a Turkish e-Visa?
- Traditional Turkish Visa Application
- Important rules for entering Turkey
- Rules for entering Turkey with children
- What documents do foreigners need to enter Turkey?

Turkey opens its doors to travelers from all over the world, offering simple and convenient entry rules. Find out who can enter without a visa, which countries are eligible for an e-visa, the conditions for obtaining a conditional e-Visa, document requirements, rules for entering with children, the need for medical insurance and the features of traditional visa processing
Turkey remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, before you set off on your trip, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the visa regulations in advance.
There is good news for many travelers: citizens of 78 countries and regions can visit Turkey for tourism or business purposes without the need for a visa.
In this article, we will take a closer look at who can enter Turkey without a visa, what conditions apply to such trips, as well as how the updated electronic visa application system (e-Visa) works, which greatly simplifies the entry process for those who still need permission.
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Who can travel to Turkey without a visa?
Citizens of 78 countries and regions can visit Turkey without the need for a visa. This rule applies to trips for tourism or business purposes lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- European countries with visa-free access
Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, Vatican, Greece, Georgia, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Ukraine, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany.
- Asian countries with visa-free access
Hong Kong, Israel, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
- African countries that do not require a visa
Morocco, Seychelles, Tunisia.
- American countries with visa-free entry
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, El Salvador, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Chile.
- Oceania
New Zealand.
- Countries with special visa-free entry conditions
Some countries have different, but quite convenient entry rules:
1. Russia: up to 90 days within 180 days, but one visit should not exceed 60 days.
2. Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brunei, Costa Rica, Latvia, Macau, Mongolia, Thailand, Turkmenistan: entry is allowed for up to 30 days at a time, but no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Conditional visa-free entry
Some categories of citizens can also cross the Turkish border without a visa under certain circumstances:
1. Cyprus: Citizens residing in Northern Cyprus can enter without a visa for 90 days if they travel from certain points (Erkan Airport or the ports of Famagusta, Kyrenia, Karavostasi).
2. Libya: Citizens under 13 years of age or over 65 years of age can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days.
3. Palestine: Visa exemption is granted to holders of VIP passports.
What to do if your country is not on the list?
Don't worry if your country is not on the visa-free list. Turkey offers a convenient electronic visa application system (e-Visa), which allows you to quickly and easily apply online. In the next section, we will explain in detail the process of obtaining an e-visa and the conditions to be considered.
Turkey e-Visa: Fast, Convenient, Online
For citizens of over 40 countries, Turkey has introduced a simplified visa application system - the electronic visa (e-Visa). It can be applied for entirely online in a few minutes, usually for a modest fee. The permitted length of stay under this visa is usually up to 90 days (sometimes up to 30 days) within a 180-day period.
- Countries eligible for the standard e-Visa
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Armenia, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Taiwan, USA.
Turkey Conditional e-Visa
Another 63 countries are eligible for a conditional e-Visa, which allows a single entry to Turkey for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. However, there are important additional requirements that must be met.
- Countries eligible for conditional e-Visa
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iraq, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Key requirements for obtaining a conditional e-Visa
To be eligible for a conditional e-Visa, a citizen of one of the above countries must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Supporting document: Must have a valid visa or residence permit issued by: any Schengen country, Ireland, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States (USA).
Important! E-visas from these countries are not accepted as supporting documents. Citizens of Gabon and Zambia are exempt from this requirement.
2. Airline: Must fly with an airline that has an agreement with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and the Philippines are exempt from this requirement.
3. Proof of financial capacity: Proof of accommodation booking and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay is required.
4. Age limit (Algeria only): Applicant must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Important! Entry regulations are subject to change, so it is important to check the latest information before you travel. This is especially true for the e-visa system, where conditions for different countries may be updated.
How to apply for a Turkish e-Visa?
Step 1 - Visit the official Turkey e-Visa website: www.evisa.gov.tr.
Step 2 - Fill out the application form with your personal and travel details.
Step 3 - Pay the visa fee (approximately $64 for a single entry).
Step 4 - Receive your e-Visa via email, usually within a few minutes.
It is recommended to apply at least 48 hours before your intended arrival.
Traditional Turkish Visa Application
Citizens of Cuba, Armenia, and other countries that are not eligible for visa-free entry or e-visa must apply for a traditional visa through a Turkish embassy or consulate. This process involves submitting the required documents, attending an interview (if required), and waiting for the visa approval.
Important rules for entering Turkey
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
- Overstay: Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or a ban on re-entry into Turkey.
- Travel insurance: Although not mandatory, it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers potential medical expenses during your stay.
- Yellow fever: Travelers arriving from countries at risk of yellow fever must present a valid vaccination certificate.
Rules for entering Turkey with children
Entering Turkey with children has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when planning your trip.
- Every child traveling to Turkey must have their own passport. The passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date of entry into the country. This rule applies even to newborns, so take care of the paperwork for your child in advance.
- Children who are citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with Turkey do not need a visa. Otherwise, the visa requirements will be the same as for adults.
- If a child is traveling with one of the parents or with other relatives or guardians, it is necessary to have a notarized permission from the other parent or both parents to take the child abroad. This is especially important if the child is traveling accompanied by third parties.
What documents do foreigners need to enter Turkey?
Turkey is a popular holiday destination for foreigners, and millions of tourists choose this country for their travels every year. However, for a hassle-free entry into Turkey, foreigners must have certain documents with them. Here is a list of the main documents you may need:
1. Passport
The most important travel document is your passport. It must be valid for at least 150 days from the date of entry into Turkey. Citizens of some countries, including Ukraine, are also allowed to enter with an internal biometric passport.
2. Visa or e-visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa. Citizens of many countries can stay in Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, citizens of other countries must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival.
3. Proof of financial capacity
Foreigners must have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Turkey. Sometimes border guards may ask to see a bank statement or cash to verify that you have the necessary resources for your stay.
4. Return ticket
Foreigners planning a short-term stay may be asked to confirm that they have a return ticket or a ticket to another country. This serves as proof that you do not plan to stay in Turkey longer than the permitted period.
5. Medical insurance
Although medical insurance is not a mandatory requirement for entry into Turkey, we strongly recommend that you take out a policy from a trusted insurance agent. In case you need medical care during your stay, having insurance will save you from significant expenses.
Whether you are traveling without a visa or planning to obtain an electronic one, Turkey does everything to make entry as easy as possible. If you follow the rules and prepare in advance, you will have a comfortable, carefree and bright trip.
Happy travels!
When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.
Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!
Let us remind you! Turkey is a country that attracts not only tourists, but also numerous expats. However, before planning a move, it is important to take into account possible expenses and plan a monthly budget. We have already told you what budget an expat needs to have for living in Turkey.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Turkey;
Legal advice on immigration in Turkey;
Travel insurance for foreigners in Turkey;
Medical insurance all over the world.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.
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