Roberta Aguirre
Turkey offers three ways to obtain a visa: online application, visa on arrival, or in-person application at an embassy. The visa on arrival option is perfect for spontaneous travellers, but it does come with challenges such as potential delays due to waiting in line at the airport with no guarantee of visa approval. To obtain a visa on arrival, proceed to the designated desk at the airport, fill out the application form, pay the visa fee, and present the required documents. Eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival, but others are encouraged to apply for an eVisa beforehand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries that need a visa | Most countries |
| Countries that don't need a visa | Certain countries, such as the US |
| Countries that need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) | India, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ghana, Somalia, Syria, etc. |
| Where to get a visa | Online, on arrival at the airport, or in person at an embassy or consulate |
| Online visa application time | A few minutes |
| Time taken to receive eVisa | Within 24 hours |
| Visa fee payment methods | Cash, debit card, or credit card |
| Documents required for visa application | Passport, proof of accommodation, return ticket or proof of onward travel, proof of financial means, passport-sized photographs, travel itinerary, and other documents as per country-specific requirements |
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What You'll Learn
Visa-free countries
Turkish visas can be applied for online and are required for travellers who want to leave the airport during their layover. However, citizens of certain countries are exempt from this requirement and do not need a visa to enter Turkey. As of 2025, Turkish citizens could enter 70 countries without a visa, and had visa-on-arrival access to 50 countries. This ranks the Turkish passport 48th globally according to the Henley Passport Index.
Turkey is the only EU candidate country whose citizens need visas to enter EU member countries. Turkish citizens with ordinary passports also need visas to enter the US, UK, and Canada. However, special passport holders can enter all Schengen area countries without a visa.
Some countries that do not require visas for Turkish citizens include:
- Eritrea (only for Asmara; a travel permit is needed for the rest of the country)
- Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (visa-free for up to 3 months)
- Somaliland (30-day visa issued on arrival)
Additionally, some countries will deny entry to anyone with evidence of a previous visit to Israel due to the Arab League boycott, including Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, and Yemen.
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Transit visas
If you are transiting through a Turkish airport and will not leave the airport, you do not need to obtain a transit visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you will typically need to apply for a Turkey Transit eVisa. The eVisa allows you to leave the airport and spend up to 24–48 hours in Turkey before catching your next flight. The duration of your stay depends on your nationality and the type of visa you hold.
The Turkey Transit eVisa can be applied for online by citizens of most countries. The application process is straightforward and completely online. However, citizens of certain countries, such as India, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ghana, and Syria, are required to obtain an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even if they are only passing through the airport. They are not permitted to leave the airport with the Transit eVisa.
If your country is not eligible for the Turkey Transit eVisa, you will need to visit the Turkish consulate or embassy to apply for a transit visa in person. This process may involve submitting specific documents, providing proof of financial capacity, and attending an interview.
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Turkish transit visa may vary depending on your nationality and the specific circumstances of your layover in Turkey. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the latest information and requirements from official sources before planning your trip.
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Applying online
Turkey offers three ways to apply for a visa: online application, visa on arrival, or in-person application at an embassy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Turkish visa online.
Firstly, check if you are eligible for a Turkey e-Visa or Turkey Visa Online, which is an electronic travel authorization or travel permit to visit Turkey for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of most countries can apply for a Turkey visa online. However, citizens of certain countries, such as India, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ghana, and Somalia, will need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even if they are just passing through the airport.
Secondly, gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, visa application form, passport-sized photographs, travel itinerary, and any other documents specified by the Turkish diplomatic mission in your country. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Turkey. You will also need proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or the address of your Turkish host, a return ticket or proof of onward travel, and proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay, such as bank statements.
Thirdly, proceed with the online application. The Turkey Visa Online application process is automated, simple, and completely online. The online application form can be completed and submitted in just a few minutes. After filling out the form and submitting your travel documents, you will need to pay the visa fee. Your visa will then be emailed to you after payment confirmation.
It is recommended that you apply for the Turkey Visa Online at least three days before your visit to Turkey. This will ensure that you have enough time to complete the application process and receive your visa before your departure.
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Applying at the airport
If you are a citizen of an eligible country, you can obtain a Turkish visa on arrival at any of the 66 international airports in the country. This option is ideal for spontaneous travel, but it does come with potential drawbacks, such as delays caused by waiting in line at the airport and the uncertainty of visa approval.
To apply for a visa on arrival, follow the directional signs to the Visa on Arrival counter after landing at a Turkish airport. Present your passport to the immigration officer, who will provide you with a visa application form. Carefully fill out the form and submit it along with your travel documents and visa fee payment. Once your application has been reviewed and your payment processed, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
It is important to note that not all travellers are eligible for a visa on arrival. Citizens of certain countries, such as India, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ghana, and Somalia, are required to hold an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for passing through the airport. These travellers are not permitted to leave the airport with the Transit eVisa.
The eligibility for a visa on arrival depends on factors such as your nationality, the duration of your layover, and whether you plan to leave the airport. It is recommended to contact the Turkish diplomatic mission in your country before travelling to obtain the most up-to-date information on the required documents and your eligibility.
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Required documents
Turkey offers three ways to apply for a visa: online application, visa on arrival, or in-person application at an embassy. For the online application, the Turkey Visa Online website offers an automated, simple, and completely online application process that can be completed in a few minutes.
For the visa on arrival option, you can apply for a visa at one of Turkey's 66 international airports. You will need to fill out a visa application form, pay the visa fee, and present all the required documents. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa on the spot.
- A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Turkey.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or the address of your Turkish host.
- A return ticket or proof of onward travel from Turkey.
- Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay, such as bank statements.
- Means to pay the visa fee, such as cash, a debit or credit card.
It is important to note that additional documents may be required depending on your nationality and the purpose of your travel. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the Turkish diplomatic mission in your country before you travel to obtain the most up-to-date list of required documents.
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Frequently asked questions
A visa on arrival is a type of visa issued at the entry point of a country, which can include airports, land checkpoints, or seaports.
No, you do not need to apply for a visa before travelling. However, you will need to have certain documents with you, which may vary depending on the country.
This depends on the country you are travelling from and to. A valid passport is usually required, and you may also need copies of your previous visas.
Obtaining a visa on arrival can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the country and the number of people waiting in the queue.
Visa fees vary depending on the country and the year. Check the consular page of the country you are travelling to for up-to-date information.
