Applying for a valid Turkish visa from the US no longer means you have to visit the Turkey embassy or get a visa on arrival at the border. Turkey offers different types of visas for US citizens for different purposes.
Although you can apply for a "sticker" or "stamp" visa, the e-visa is certainly a convenient option. Continue reading to learn all about visiting Turkey as a US passport holder.
Turkey Visa Options for US Citizens
All Americans are required to have a valid visa in order to visit Turkey, including ordinary passport holders and official passport holders. Unlike official and diplomatic passport holders, ordinary passport holders can obtain an electronic visa online.
Turkey's e-visa is just for tourism and business purposes. For study and work, all passport holders are required to get a traditional visa by contacting the Turkish authorities. Turkey issues different types of visas to US citizens for different purposes, including:
Tourist and Business e-Visa
For tourism and business purposes, Turkey offers a tourist e-visa for US citizens. This multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 180 days and allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
For short business trips, the Turkey e-visa is an excellent pick. It allows you to enter the country whenever you want. Plus, you can apply for an e-visa and pay the visa fees from the comfort of your home. The average processing time for Turkish e-visa is around 2-3 working days.
Assembly and Maintenance Visa
American passport holders can also apply for a Turkey assembly and maintenance visa online. This visa is available in different types. While you can get a multiple-entry visa, Turkey also offers a single-entry visa for assembly and maintenance. Both of these types allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
The processing time for a Turkey assembly and maintenance visa is up to 5 days. To apply for this visa, you need to fill out the visa application form, have a valid passport for at least 6 months, as well as a business support letter and invitation.
Official Visa
For officials, Turkey offers an official visa. This one is also a single-entry visa and allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. The processing time for an official visa is around 25-34 business days.
There are some Turkey visa requirements that you must fulfill to get your official visa, such as:
Submit the e-visa application form
Official passport must be valid for 6 months from the first entry date
Electronic copies of travel document
State department letter
Passport-style photograph
Work Visa
In case you are visiting Turkey to start a new career, you can apply for a work visa. A work visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days within a 180-day period. The processing time for a Turkey work visa is around 25-35 business days.
Here are some important documents required to apply for a work visa to enter the country:
Turkey visa application form
Original passport
Valid residence permit
Certificate of employment
Proof of status
Form of Entry to Turkey
Health Insurance
Student Visa
If a US citizen wants to enter Turkey to study, he/she is required to apply for a student visa. The Turkey student visa is valid for up to 180 days and is available in both types: single-entry visa and multiple-entry visa.
To get a student visa, some important required documents are:
Visa application form
Bank statement
Transcripts
Enrollment letter
Health declaration form
Minors also need their parent's ID proof, birth certificate, and visa request letter, as well as a consenting letter from their guardian.
Applying for an e-Visa from the US
If you want to visit Turkey for tourism and commerce, getting an e-visa is certainly a rational decision. You can apply for this visa on your own from the comfort of your home. You don't even have to visit Turkish embassies and consular missions. Moreover, applying for a Turkey e-visa is quite simple. All you need to do is:
Fill out the e-visa application form
Pay the visa fee using a secure online payment option
Submit your application
Afterward, all you need to do is wait for a few days, and you'll get your valid Turkey visa via email. The average processing time for Turkey is around 2-3 days.
Turkey Embassy in the US
If you are getting an e-visa, you don’t have to visit the Turkey embassy. Alternatively, for a traditional "stamp" or "sticker" visa, you must submit your application to the nearest Turkish embassy.
Turkey Embassy Address
2525 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington DC 20008
United States