Learn About The Visa Policy of Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating travel destination, welcoming visitors across the world to witness the ancient monuments, empires, and cultural legacy it holds. The vibrant culture and numerous attractions make it an ideal location to experience and enjoy the moment for life. But before you plan your trip to Turkey or apply for a Turkey visa, always make sure to check whether you need a visa to visit Turkey.

While nationals of Turkey and Northern Cyprus can travel in and out of Turkey without any restrictions, nationals of other countries may or may not need a visa, depending on the visa guidelines issued by Turkey.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

The immigration authorities of Turkey have issued certain categories of visa-free and visa-must countries. So, before you decide to apply for a Turkey visit visa, know your eligibility criteria for availing of a visa. Below, we have curated a guide on whether you need a visa, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip.

Turkey is a visa-exempt country

Currently, tourists and business travelers from 78 nations and territories do not require a visa to visit Turkey. The nations listed below allow citizens to enter Turkey without a visa and stay for up to three months with a validity of six months, either continuously or intermittently.

Nationals of the Russian Federation can also enter Turkey without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with six months of validity without exceeding 60 days per visit, while the nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brunei, Costa Rica, Latvia, Macao, Mongolia, Thailand, and Turkmenistan can stay for up to 30 days per visit and 90 days per six months.

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you can enter Turkey visa-free if you meet the following conditions:

• If you are a Cyprus national or a resident of Northern Cyprus arriving directly from Ercan International Airport or the seaports of Kyrenia, Karavostassi, or Famagusta, you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days with a 180-day validity period.
• If you are a national of Libya, either 65 or older or below 13, you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days with 180-day validity.
• You are a Palestinian national with a VIP passport.

 Countries permitted to enter Turkey with their National IDs

Countries permitted to enter Turkey with expired passports

• Germany – passport lapsed within the most recent five years and IDs expired within the last year
• Belgium – passport lapsed within the most recent five years
• France – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Spain – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Switzerland – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Luxembourg – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Portugal – passport lapsed within the most recent five years.
• Bulgaria – Valid ordinary passport

Standard requirements for a Turkey visa application

Below are the standard documents required to apply for a Turkey visa, but note that these documents may vary depending on your visa type and purpose of travel. The consulate has all the rights to ask for additional documents.

• Your passport or travel document must have at least six months of validity and for at least 90 days after exit. It must also consist of a minimum of two blank pages, the first of which must include personal data.
• Previous visas (if any)
• Duly signed and completed Turkey visa application form, along with two biometric photos not older than six months
• Financial proof showing you have enough funds to cover your entire stay in Turkey.
• Proof of occupation in the form of certified documents like an employer letter, a student certificate, a document or registration, or proof of pension funds
• Proof of accommodation through hotel reservations or an invitation letter that covers your stay in Turkey
• Documentation of health travel insurance covering every medical emergency during your stay in Turkey

Additional documents based on your employment status

• Employed

Employment contract, the original certificate of employment demonstrating your position in the company, and the salary.

Bank account statements or slips for the last six months

Approval letter from your respective employer

Income Tax Return (ITR) Certificate

• Self-Employed

Valid trade license for your company (company registration)

Bank account statements or slips of the company for the last six months

Income Tax Return (ITR) Certificate

• Unemployed

Proof of financial sources to cover your visit to Turkey

Proof of sponsorship in the case where the person is not able to fund his or her expenses for the trip

• Retired

Documentation of the pension statement for the last six months

In addition to these, you must provide additional documents on the following:

Turkey visa for European countries

Official and ordinary passport holders of the EU member states fall under the category of visa-exempt countries and can visit Turkey for up to 90 days with a valid period of 180 days

Turkey visa for Russian nationals

For up to 60 days, Russian citizens are not required to have a visa in order to travel to or from Turkey for business, tourism, or transit.

These were the basic and additional requirements to apply for a Turkey visit visa. When applying for a Turkey visa, make sure you conduct thorough research on your travel and visa requirements, which will help you get hassle-free approval. In the case of uncertainty, consult an expert to guide you through the visa application process.