Turkey has visa-free travel arrangements with many countries, so tourists just need to show their passports to enter. Learn more about the latest changes to Turkey's border crossing rules

Turkey is introducing new security measures for foreigners arriving in the country. According to the new rules announced by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Erlikaya, foreigners will be fingerprinted upon entering the country. This practice has long been used in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom and is intended to improve security and control of border crossings.

These measures are part of a broader reform aimed at combating illegal migration and crime, as well as improving the identification of people crossing the border. The minister emphasized that these changes will help in more effective border control and protection of the country.

In addition to fingerprinting, the innovations include chipping of identity cards for those granted temporary protection status in Turkey. This is especially true for Syrians seeking asylum in the country. The chipping of IDs will ensure a high level of protection against counterfeiting and facilitate the identification process.

To learn more about the requirements and types of visas needed to travel to Turkey, please follow the link.

Recent changes in the rules of entry to Turkey

In 2024, Turkey introduced several new requirements and tightened existing entry rules. One of the main changes is the mandatory collection of fingerprints for foreigners entering the country. This procedure is now standardized and applied at all border crossings. In addition, border controls have been tightened, including checks on previous travel and compliance with the length of stay.

Turkey has also tightened requirements for residence permit holders. Now, if a residence permit holder stays outside Turkey for more than 120 days a year, his or her permit will be revoked. This rule is already being actively applied, and violators will have to submit a new application for a residence permit.

The new rules also stipulate that all foreigners must be physically present in Turkey at the time of applying for a residence permit. In addition, it is now necessary to apply for visas and permits online through the official portal, which simplifies the process for many travelers.

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Do I need a visa to Turkey?

Citizens of countries with which Turkey has visa-free travel agreements do not need a visa to enter Turkey. To find out if your country is included in this list and what length of stay is allowed, we recommend checking the latest information on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

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.

Visa-free entry to Turkey is possible with a valid passport, the validity of which must be at least 150 days after the intended departure from the country. Tourists can stay in Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

It is also important to note that the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip and contain at least one free page for border stamps. 

Rules for entering Turkey with children

Entering Turkey with children has its own peculiarities that should be taken into account when planning a trip.

Every child traveling to Turkey must have his or her 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 are 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 with third parties.

What documents do foreigners need to enter Turkey?

Turkey is a popular vacation destination among foreigners, and every year millions of tourists choose this country for their travels. However, to enter Turkey without any problems, foreigners must have certain documents with them. Here is a list of the main documents you may need:

1. Passport

The most important document for traveling is a 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 180 days. However, citizens of other countries need to obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) before arrival. An e-visa is issued online on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

3. Proof of financial solvency

Foreigners must have enough money to cover their expenses during their stay in Turkey. Sometimes, border guards may ask to see a bank statement or cash to make sure that they have the necessary resources for living.

4. Return ticket

Foreigners planning a short-term stay may be asked to confirm the availability of a return ticket or a ticket to another country. This serves as a confirmation that you do not plan to stay in Turkey longer than the permitted period.

5. Health insurance

Although health insurance is not a requirement for entry into Turkey, we strongly recommend that you obtain a policy from a trusted insurance agent via the link. In case you need medical care during your stay, having insurance will save you from significant expenses.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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