Turkish e-Visa: Who Needs It and How to Apply
Whether you need a visa for Turkey depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries can visit without a visa, usually for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Many others can get an e-Visa online at the official site, evisa.gov.tr, in a few minutes, instead of going to an embassy. Always check your own nationality on the official site before you travel.
What the e-Visa Is
The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was launched on 17 April 2013 by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It replaces the sticker visa in the passport and the visa that used to be bought at the border. You apply online, pay by card and receive the e-Visa by email.
The e-Visa is only for tourism and business (commerce) trips. For other purposes, such as work or study, you need a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate, followed by the right permit in Turkey.
Visa-Exempt, e-Visa or Embassy Visa?
Travellers fall into four broad groups:
| Group | What it means |
|---|---|
| Visa-exempt | You can enter without a visa for a set period, often up to 90 days in 180 days. This covers many European countries and a number of countries in the Middle East, Asia and elsewhere. |
| e-Visa | You apply online at evisa.gov.tr before you travel. |
| Conditional e-Visa | Some nationalities can get a single-entry e-Visa for up to 30 days only if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, the USA, the UK or Ireland (other conditions may apply). |
| Embassy visa | Nationalities not covered by the above, and anyone travelling to work or study, apply at a Turkish embassy or consulate. |
These lists change from time to time, so we do not reproduce them here. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs keeps an up-to-date table by country, and the e-Visa site tells you what applies once you select your nationality and travel document.
The 90 Days in 180 Days Rule
For visa-exempt travellers, the standard rule is a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The 180 days are counted backwards from each day you are in Turkey, so several short trips add up. Your e-Visa shows how long you may stay and whether it allows one or several entries. If you want to stay longer than your visa or exemption allows, you must apply for a residence permit before it runs out. Overstaying can lead to a fine and a ban on re-entry.
How to Apply for the e-Visa
Step 1: Apply online. Go to www.evisa.gov.tr, choose your country or region, travel document and date of arrival, and fill in your details. The information must match your passport exactly.
Step 2: Check the requirements. Depending on your nationality there may be extra conditions, such as a return ticket, a hotel booking, or a supporting visa. You are told about them after you select your nationality and travel dates.
Step 3: Pay. Payment is made online by MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card. The fee depends on your nationality and is shown before you pay. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an e-Visa costs less than a visa obtained on arrival at Turkish airports.
Step 4: Download and carry it. You receive a link to download the e-Visa by email. Keep a printed or digital copy with you when you travel; border officers can ask to see it.
A few practical tips:
- Passport validity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks that your passport be valid for at least 60 days beyond the end of your permitted stay; the e-Visa site may state a longer requirement for your nationality.
- Use the official site only. Several private websites look like the official one and add service fees. The official address ends in .gov.tr.
- Apply before you fly. Airlines can refuse boarding without a valid visa or e-Visa.
Staying Longer: Residence Permits and Property
A visa or visa exemption covers short stays only. If you plan to spend longer in Turkey:
- Short-term residence permit through property. Owning a home can support a residence permit application, but it is not automatic. The home must be worth at least USD 200,000. You apply online via e-İkamet and complete the application at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management; the permit can be renewed while you own the property. See Turkish residency through real estate.
- Work permit. Working in Turkey needs a separate permit; see work permit types and conditions.
- Citizenship by investment. Buying property worth at least USD 400,000, with a three-year no-sale annotation on the title deed, can qualify you, your spouse and your children under 18 for Turkish citizenship. See our citizenship page.
What This Means for Buyers
If you are coming to Istanbul to view property, a visa exemption or an e-Visa is usually enough for the trip. Check your nationality on evisa.gov.tr well before you book, and keep track of your days if you visit several times in a year. When you buy new-build property through CCT Investments, project visits are free and we follow the title deed process for you; if you then want a residence permit or citizenship, we explain the steps. See our buyer guide or contact us.
