What Is the Turkey eVisa?
The Turkey eVisa is an official electronic visa issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its subsidiary DTV Consultancy, Intermediary Organization Inc., allowing eligible international travelers to visit Turkey for tourism or business without visiting a Turkish embassy or consulate. The eVisa system was introduced in 2013 and replaced the traditional embassy visa process for many nationalities. Instead of booking an appointment at a consulate, you apply entirely online, pay by credit card, and receive your visa as a PDF by email — usually within 24 hours.⚠️ Important: Before applying for an eVisa, check whether your nationality is visa-free for Turkey. Citizens of 78 countries (including UK, France, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and many others) can enter Turkey without any visa and should NOT pay for an eVisa.
Who Is Eligible for the Turkey eVisa?
Turkey has four categories of travelers:- Visa-free — 78 countries: no visa needed at all
- eVisa eligible — ~40 countries: can apply online at evisa.gov.tr
- Conditional eVisa — 63 countries: can apply for eVisa only if they hold a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Irish visa/residence permit
- Sticker visa required — all other nationalities must apply at a Turkish embassy
Countries Eligible for Turkey eVisa (Standard)
Citizens of the following ~40 countries can apply for the Turkey eVisa online at evisa.gov.tr:Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Taiwan, United States
Countries Eligible for Conditional eVisa
Citizens of 63 countries — including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Philippines, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Vietnam, and others — can apply for a single-entry eVisa for up to 30 days, but only if they meet the following conditions:- ✅ Hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen Area country, Ireland, the UK, or the US Exception: Citizens of Gabon and Zambia do not need this condition
- ✅ Travel to Turkey with an airline that has protocols with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Exception: Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines do not need this condition
- ✅ Have a hotel reservation and sufficient financial means
- ✅ Citizens of Algeria must be between 18 and 35 years old
⚠️ For Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi citizens: You can apply for the Turkey eVisa without a Schengen/US/UK visa, but you must travel with a qualifying airline and have a hotel reservation.
Turkey eVisa Types
The Turkey eVisa covers tourism and business purposes. There is essentially one Electronic Visa type that covers multiple purposes of visit:- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and commerce
- Conference, seminar, or meeting attendance
- Festival, fair, or exhibition
- Sportive activity
- Cultural or artistic activity
- Official visit
- Visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Transit (in some cases)
- Employment or paid work in Turkey
- Study or education
- Long-term stays (over 90 days)
- Medical treatment (requires sticker visa)
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry
| Single Entry | Multiple Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of entries | 1 entry | Unlimited entries within validity |
| Validity | 180 days from start date | 180 days from start date |
| Stay per entry | Up to 30 or 90 days (by nationality) | Up to 30 or 90 days per entry |
| Best for | One-time visit | Multiple trips or re-entry |
💡 Note: The conditional eVisa (for 63 countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) is single-entry only.
Transit
If you are transiting through a Turkish airport without leaving the international transit zone, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you plan to exit the transit zone or enter Turkey during your layover, you need either an eVisa or a sticker visa. Some nationalities require a transit visa even for airside transit — check the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific nationality.Turkey eVisa Requirements
The documents required for the Turkey eVisa depend on your nationality and visa category (standard eVisa vs conditional eVisa). Requirements also differ between the online application and what you may need to present at the Turkish border upon arrival.Documents Required for the Online eVisa Application
For the online application at evisa.gov.tr, all nationalities need:- ✅ Valid passport — must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended duration of stay in Turkey
- ✅ Credit or debit card — Visa or Mastercard for payment
- ✅ Email address — your eVisa will be delivered as a PDF to this address
Additional Documents for Conditional eVisa Applicants (63 Countries)
If you are from a country that requires a conditional eVisa (including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Philippines, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Vietnam, and others), you must also provide during the online application:- ✅ Valid Schengen, US, UK, or Irish visa or residence permit (not required for citizens of Gabon, Zambia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines)
- ✅ Hotel reservation in Turkey
- ✅ Proof of sufficient financial means for your stay
Documents You May Need to Present at the Turkish Border
Even if the online application for some nationalities only requires a passport and card, officials may ask for additional documents, so it is important to be prepared with:- Return or onward ticket — proof you plan to leave Turkey
- Hotel booking or proof of accommodation — where you will stay
- Bank statements or proof of funds — approximately €50 per day of your stay
- Travel medical insurance — recommended; coverage of at least €30,000 for the whole territory of Turkey
- Invitation letter — if staying with a Turkish resident
⚠️ Important: The documents required at the border may vary by nationality. Some nationalities face stricter checks than others. Always carry proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds regardless of your nationality.
Passport Requirements
- Minimum validity: 60 days beyond your planned duration of stay in Turkey
- At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp
Dual Nationality — Which Passport to Use?
If you hold dual nationality, use the same passport for your eVisa application and for entering Turkey. Do not apply with one passport and travel with another — this will result in denial of entry.💡 Important: If you hold both a Turkish passport and another nationality, enter Turkey on your Turkish passport — you do not need a visa.
Children and Minors — Separate eVisa Required
Each traveler — including infants and children — requires their own individual eVisa. You cannot add children to your eVisa application. A parent or legal guardian must apply on behalf of minors. For minors applying for a sticker visa, additional documents are required:- Birth certificate
- Consent letter from the non-accompanying parent (if only one parent travels)
- Documents on custody rights (if parents are divorced)
How to Apply for the Turkey eVisa (Step-by-Step)
Applying for the Turkey eVisa takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Follow these steps:Step 1 — Go to the Official Website
Visit evisa.gov.tr — this is the only official Turkish government portal for eVisa applications.Step 2 — Fill in the Application Form
On the official portal, you will need to provide:- Personal details: Full name (as in passport), date of birth, nationality, gender
- Passport details: Passport number, issue date, expiry date
- Travel details: Intended arrival date, purpose of visit (tourism/business)
- Contact details: Email address (where your eVisa will be sent)
💡 Note: If your passport does not have a separate middle name field, enter your middle name as part of your first name.
Step 3 — Pay the Fee
Pay the eVisa fee using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. After successful payment, you will receive a reference number — save this, as you will need it to check your application status.Step 4 — Confirm Your Email
After payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it. Click the link in the email to confirm your application.Step 5 — Download and Print Your eVisa
Your approved eVisa will be sent as a PDF to your email address, typically within 24 hours (often instantly).- Print the PDF — Turkish authorities require a printed copy
- Present it at the Turkish border alongside your passport
- Also save a digital copy as backup
Turkey eVisa Processing Time
The Turkey eVisa is one of the fastest visa processes in the world.How Long Does It Take?
- Typical processing time: Instant to 24 hours
- Maximum processing time: Up to 72 hours in exceptional cases
- No express option: Turkey does not offer a paid express processing service — all applications are processed at the same speed
When Should You Apply?
- Recommended: Apply at least 3 days before travel to allow for any unexpected delays
- Maximum advance: You can apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date
- Validity starts: The eVisa validity period begins from the date you specify in your application — not from the date of issue
💡 Example: If you specify March 15 as your arrival date, your eVisa validity period starts on March 15. You do not need to enter Turkey on exactly that date — you can enter on any date within the validity period.
Turkey eVisa vs Sticker Visa — Which Is Better?
If your nationality is eligible for the Turkey eVisa, there is no reason to apply for a sticker visa. The eVisa is faster, cheaper, and requires no embassy visit. The sticker visa is only necessary if:- Your nationality is not eligible for the eVisa
- You need a long-stay visa (more than 90 days)
- You need a work visa or student visa
- You need a medical treatment visa
Turkey eVisa Validity, Entry Ports & Stay Duration
How Long Is the Turkey eVisa Valid?
The Turkey eVisa validity period begins from the date you specify in your application and lasts for 180 days (6 months). You must enter Turkey within this 180-day window.💡 Example: If you specify March 1 as your start date, your eVisa is valid until August 28. You can enter Turkey on any date between March 1 and August 28.
How Long Can You Stay in Turkey?
The maximum stay per entry depends on your nationality:| Stay Duration | Nationalities |
|---|---|
| Up to 90 days within 6 months | Most standard eVisa nationalities |
| Up to 60 days per visit, 90 days within 6 months | Some nationalities (check evisa.gov.tr) |
| Up to 30 days per visit, 90 days within 6 months | Conditional eVisa nationalities (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Philippines, etc.) |
The 90-Day Rule Explained
Turkey applies the 90-day rule: you may stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, counting all entries combined. How to calculate:Example: You enter Turkey on March 1 and stay for 30 days (leave March 31). You re-enter on May 1 and stay for 30 days (leave May 31). You have now used 60 days out of your 90-day allowance within the 180-day window starting March 1.What happens if you exceed 90 days?
- You will be subject to a fine at the border
- You may receive a ban on re-entry for a period determined by Turkish authorities
- Overstaying is taken seriously — do not exceed your permitted stay
⚠️ Important: The 90-day rule applies to all entries combined, not per visa. Even if you have a multiple-entry eVisa, you cannot stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period.Can I re-enter Turkey after 90 days? Yes — but only after the 180-day window resets. If you used 90 days in the first 180-day period, you must wait until the new 180-day period begins before re-entering.
Where Can You Enter Turkey with an eVisa?
The Turkey eVisa is accepted at all international airports, major seaports, and designated land border crossings throughout Turkey. Major international airports include:- Istanbul Airport (IST) — Turkey’s main international hub
- Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) — Istanbul’s second airport
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)
- Antalya Airport (AYT) — main gateway for Mediterranean tourism
- İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
- Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV)
- Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Land Border Crossing Points
The Turkey eVisa is accepted at the following major land border crossings:| Border Crossing | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kapıkule | Bulgaria | Busiest land border; main route from Europe |
| İpsala | Greece | Popular crossing for travelers from Greece |
| Habur | Iraq | Main crossing point from northern Iraq |
| Gürbulak | Iran | Main crossing point from Iran |
⚠️ Important: Not all land border crossings accept the eVisa. Always verify that your specific crossing point accepts eVisa holders before traveling overland. Check the official list at evisa.gov.tr or contact the Turkish embassy in your country.
After Applying — Status Check & What to Do If Rejected
How to Check Your Turkey eVisa Status
After submitting your application, you can check its status at any time:- Go to evisa.gov.tr.
- Click “Enquire My Application Status”.
- Enter your reference number (provided after payment) and email address.
- Your current status will be displayed.
- Pending — Application received, under review
- Under Review — Additional verification in progress
- Approved — eVisa issued; check your email for the PDF
- Cannot be processed — Application denied; see below
Why Turkey eVisas Get Rejected — and How to Reapply
If your eVisa application “cannot be processed,” here are the most common reasons:| Rejection Reason | How to Fix | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passport expires too soon (less than 60 days beyond stay duration) | Renew your passport before applying |
| 2 | Incorrect personal data (name, date of birth, passport number) | Reapply with corrected information |
| 3 | Incomplete application form | Ensure all required fields are filled correctly |
| 4 | Payment failure | Use a different card or contact your bank |
| 5 | Previous visa violations in Turkey | Contact the Turkish embassy for guidance |
| 6 | Conditional eVisa conditions not met (for 63-country nationals) | Ensure you have valid Schengen/US/UK visa and qualifying airline |
- You can submit a new application immediately after rejection
- There is no mandatory waiting period
- Correct the issue that caused the rejection before reapplying
- The rejected application fee is non-refundable
⚠️ Important: A rejected eVisa does not automatically mean you cannot enter Turkey. If your eVisa is rejected, you may still be able to apply for a sticker visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate.