If you want to enter Turkey, the rule of thumb is that you need to obtain a visa. However, as with any rule, there are some exceptions. These can be based on the country that issued your passport and/or the type of passport you’re holding. In this article I’ll explain the different passport types, who is required to obtain a visa, what kind of visas are available, how to easily get a tourist visa and how much it costs.
What Is The Difference Between an Ordinary And an Official Passport?
The term “official passports” covers diplomatic, service, special and official passports. Since you’re reading this page, it’s fair to assume you are not sent to Turkey on your government’s behalf. So, you can be pretty sure that you’re holding an “ordinary” passport.
Turkish Visa Types and Countries That Need a Visa
So now we’ve established that you have an ordinary visa, it’s time to hop over to the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic. You’ll see an alphabetic list of countries. Look for the country that issued the passport you’re planning to use. It will say what passport holders are exempt from a visa, and which ones are required to obtain a visa. It will also explain what kind of visa (single or multiple entry) you’ll get, as well as its validity or duration.
Where Can I Get My Visa?
Turkish sticker visa with entry and exit stamps.
Another rule of thumb is that you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Turkey. You can do so by applying for your visa at a Turkish consulate or embassy in your country at least one month before your departure date.
Yes, you guessed it right, there are again some exceptions. When you read your country’s visa rules earlier, did you come across the following sentence: “They can obtain [visa type] at the Turkish border gates.”? If so, then you’re very lucky.
This means that your country is on the shortlist of people that can buy a visa after arriving in Turkey, but before going through the border control. If that’s the case, I strongly recommend you to choose this option. No hassle, no paperwork, no forms to be filled out. You pay them the fee due, they put a sticker in your passport, and you’re all set. Make sure though that your passport has a validity of at least six months.
How Much Does the Sticker Visa Cost?
The fees for the Turkish sticker visa change from country to country. Make sure to check out the respective visa fees at the Turkish border gates. One last word of advice: bring the exact amount of cash money with you. They don’t accept credit cards, travellers cheques nor Turkish liras, only cash in strong currencies!
What Can I Do With My Visa?
If you’re eligible for a “multiple entry visa” (müteaddit giriş) then you can travel in and out of the country as much as you want within the validity period of your visa. If they issue a “single entry visa” (tek giriş) for inhabitants of your country, then you will have to buy a new one every time you cross the Turkish borders and wish to enter again.
Important note: under no circumstances are you allowed to work with your tourist visa. You also don’t want to overstay your visa since these fines grow rapidly.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m from the Seychelles and I learned at home that we no longer need an entry visa for Turkey for short visits , however on the this website , Seychelles is still listed as a country requiring visa.
Hi Agnes,
In case the visa rule for your country has changed only recently, then maybe the Turkish government’s site hasn’t been updated yet. If you learned the visa change from a reputable source in your country, I would ask your local source for confirmation and also send a mail to kvdb@mfa.gov.tr. The latter is obliged to send you a response within a week.
I tried to find out if Koreans need a visa to enter Turkey, but Korea or Republic of Korea was not listed above. Would you be able to help me find out if I can enter only with my passport?
Hi Rim Jeon,
It is listed there, but it was just not put in bold somehow. It’s just under Nigeria. Here is what it says:
Kind regards.
what if i’ll just stay at the airport, do i still need a transit visa. i’ll be going to kyrgyzstan and istanbul is my connecting flight from seoul. also, if i’ll be staying in istanbul for a day, is it possible to apply for a tourist visa at the airport? i am a holder of philippines passport.thank you.
Since you’re a holder of a Philippine passport, you need to have a visa to enter Turkish soil prior to your arrival, as stated in the link we provided. As a transit passenger, you can of course stay in the transit zone to connect to your final destination without a visa.
Hi Luca T. Davis,
I am a indian citizen in USA on a tourist visa. consulate site says USA visa can get at port of entry , just to confirm I called the consulate , but they say that tourist visa is not allowed. Do you have any idea ?
Thanks
sandesp
Hi Sandesp,
It’s not about what visas you have in your passport, but about the passport you’re using. Assuming that, as an Indian citizen, you have a passport issued by India, the rules (see link to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic) for that country apply.
Kind regards,
Luca