Turkey is a very popular country for tourism. Only in 2021, the country had 14.7 visitors, doubling the numbers it had achieved in 2020. It is now easier to visit Turkey as a foreign citizen thanks to the introduction of e-Visas or electronic visas, which allow you to apply for a legal travel document from the comfort of your home.
Electronic visas have been available for almost a decade, allowing people from 28 countries to visit Turkey without visiting the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. Since the process is online, you will be able to complete the application form on any device that has access to the internet.
Learn what you need for a Turkey e-Visa and how you can apply for one today.
What is a Turkey e-Visa?
An electronic visa or e-Visa is a document that allows you to enter Turkish territory without going through bureaucratic procedures. Many countries have made this digital document available for foreign citizens, allowing them to plan their trips to Turkey easily.
If you are interested in applying for an electronic visa to enter Turkey, please note that you will be required to fill out an application form, submit a few documents and pay for the processing fees. The process is relatively quick, and you might be able to obtain your own Turkey visa in less than one week.
Turkey e-visa requirements
The Turkish government made available electronic visas for foreigners in April 2013. Since then, you can complete the application form from any device that has access to the internet. The process is relatively quick, but you will have to provide certain details and documents.
Make sure you have the following documents at hand before you start filling out the application form:
Passport: You are required to upload a copy of the information and photo pages of a valid passport. Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages before entering Turkey.
Passport-type photo: Please upload a passport-type photo where your face is clearly visible, without accessories. It should be in full color.
Email: Make sure to include a valid email, as it will be necessary for the system to notify you of the approval or denial of your Turkish visa.
Means of payment: You are required to pay for the visa fees. You can use a credit or a debit card.
It is no longer necessary to visit the nearest Turkish embassy to apply for a visa. While it is still a valid form of applying for a visa, a Turkish e-visa is more convenient as the process can be completed online. You can check the requirements and if your country is eligible at VisaHQ.
Citizens from certain countries are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Turkish territory. Therefore, applying for an e-visa may not be required for your trip to Turkey. Check out the list of countries that can visit Turkey visa-free.
Application process
The application form is easy to complete and will only require you to submit some personal details, such as your full name (as it appears on your passport), your date of birth and nationality, and marital status, among many other states. You will also be required to answer a few security questions to provide more details about your persona.
Other than that, the process is relatively uncomplicated, and you will be able to obtain your Turkish visa within the next few days.
Please note that only 28 countries can apply for a Turkey e-visa, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa. Please, check out the countries that can apply for an electronic visa prior to arrival in Turkey.
Processing time for Turkey e-visa
You will be able to obtain a Turkey e-visa relatively quickly. Usually, the process takes between 2 and 3 business days. Your visa will have a validity of up to 180 days. E-visas are multiple-entry visas that allow you to stay for 90 days in Turkish territory.
Since the process is quite fast, you will be able to focus on other details regarding your trip. It will allow you to make things more straightforward and easier.
Turkey visa on arrival: Am I eligible?
Citizens of some countries may be eligible for a Turkey visa on arrival. As long as you provide the necessary information, complete the application form and submit the required documents, it should be easy for you to enter Turkey without too much hassle.
You can find more information about the eligibility of your country on the official page of the Government of Turkey.
Overall, Turkey e-visas are quite convenient and allow you to plan your visit to the country without losing your head over paperwork. You can check out the requirements for your Turkey e-visa at VisaHQ and apply for one today.