Turkey eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Introduction

Turkey (officially Türkiye) bridges Europe and Asia and is one of the world's most visited countries, known for Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Aegean coast, Pamukkale, and ancient ruins. Turkey has a well-developed eVisa system at evisa.gov.tr, covering many nationalities. Citizens of approximately 110 countries are admitted without a visa for up to 90 days. For others, the online eVisa is straightforward to obtain.

Tourist & Short Stay

• Visa-Free (90 days in 180-day period): Most European and many other nationalities — including all EU/Schengen, UK (90 days), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and more — can enter without a visa. No ETIAS-equivalent required (as Turkey is not part of the EU). Simply present passport.
• eVisa — USD 60–100+ (depending on nationality): For nationalities not visa-free (USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, China, and others). Apply at evisa.gov.tr. Approved in minutes–72 hours. Single or multiple-entry; valid for 90 days in a 180-day period within 180 days of issue. American passport holders pay USD 100; most pay USD 60.
• Visa on Arrival: Phased out for most nationalities in favor of eVisa — apply online before travel.
• Extension: Apply at the local Directorate of Immigration (göç müdürlüğü) before 90 days expire. Not easily extended without changing to a residence permit.

Business Visa

Business visits are covered by visa-free or eVisa for most nationalities. For employment or setting up a company, a work permit and residence permit are required. Turkey offers competitive investment conditions — free zones, low corporate tax, and a strategic geographic position for EU market access.

Work & Long-Stay Visas

• Work Permit (Çalışma İzni): Employer-sponsored; employer applies to Ministry of Labour and Social Security (ÇSGB). Short-term (1 year) or definite (up to 3 years) or indefinite work permit. Annual quota applies for non-EU nationals — generally 1 foreign employee per 5 Turkish employees.
• Turquoise Card: Turkey's permanent work and residence permit for highly qualified foreigners — equivalent to a green card. No expiry; for specialists, investors, and global talent. Apply through ÇSGB.
• Short-Term Residence Permit: For business investment, property owners (owning Turkish real estate), tourism/extended stay. Valid 2 years, renewable.
• Turkish Citizenship by Investment: USD 400,000+ real estate purchase or USD 500,000+ bank deposit or USD 500,000+ investment. Citizenship in 3–6 months. Includes family (spouse + children under 18).

Student Visa

Student Visa (for enrollment >3 months). Apply at Turkish consulate with university acceptance letter (minimum 1-year program), proof of funds (USD 500/month), accommodation, health insurance, and criminal background check. Upon arrival, convert to Student Residence Permit at local immigration office. Renewable annually.

Airport Transit

Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the world's busiest hubs. Most nationalities transit without a visa (airside). Those with longer layovers can use the eVisa for a quick city visit. "IST Stop-over" programs offer free hotel and city tours for qualifying Qatar Airways/Turkish Airlines transit passengers.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (6 months validity beyond departure date)
• eVisa approval print/digital (if required)
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel/accommodation booking
• Proof of sufficient funds (USD 50/day recommended)
• Travel and health insurance (recommended; required for some residence applications)
• For work permit: employer application, employment contract, diplomas
• For citizenship by investment: property title deed or bank/investment documents

Visa Fees

How to Apply

1. Check if you need an eVisa at evisa.gov.tr or your country's embassy website.
2. If visa-free: no advance action — arrive with passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof.
3. If eVisa required: go to evisa.gov.tr (the ONLY official portal). Complete the form, upload passport scan, pay the fee (credit card). Receive eVisa by email within minutes to 72 hours. Print or show on phone at check-in and immigration.
4. For residence permit: after entering Turkey, apply at the local Directorate of Immigration within the visa-free period. Book appointment at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
5. For work permit: employer initiates online at ecalismaizni.gov.tr.

Official Links

• evisa.gov.tr — Official Turkey eVisa portal
• e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr — Residence Permit application
• ecalismaizni.gov.tr — Work Permit application
• mfa.gov.tr — Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visa info)

Who Is Visa-Exempt for Turkey?

~110 nationalities are visa-free for Turkey including all EU/Schengen states, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and most of the Middle East and former Soviet states. eVisa required: USA (USD 100), Canada (USD 60), Australia (USD 60), Saudi Arabia, UAE, India (eVisa or consular), China (consular visa). Check the full list at evisa.gov.tr — filter by your nationality.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.