Guide to obtaining a Turkey tourist e-Visa, covering eligible nationalities, the online application process, required documents, alternative sticker visas, and entry procedures.
Check if your nationality allows visa-free entry to Turkey
Citizens of 90+ countries can enter Turkey without any visa for stays of 30 to 90 days. German, Brazilian, Japanese, South Korean, and most South American citizens qualify for visa-free entry for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Verify if you are eligible for the e-Visa system
Citizens of about 100 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and India) can apply for an e-Visa online at evisa.gov.tr. The e-Visa costs $50 for most nationalities and takes 3-5 minutes to complete. Some nationalities have additional conditions (see next item).
Check if your nationality has conditional e-Visa requirements
Citizens of some countries (including certain African and Asian nations) can only get a Turkey e-Visa if they hold a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Ireland visa or residence permit. Without one of these supporting documents, they must apply for a sticker visa at a Turkish consulate.
If not eligible for e-Visa or visa-free entry, plan for a consular sticker visa
Sticker visas are processed at Turkish consulates in 7-15 business days and cost $30-$60 depending on nationality. Citizens of a few countries (Syria, Armenia, and others with diplomatic restrictions) face additional requirements and longer processing.
e-Visa Application Process
Go to the official e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.tr
Only use evisa.gov.tr — this is the only official Turkish e-Visa website. Dozens of unofficial sites charge $70-$150 for the same $50 e-Visa. Some fake sites even provide invalid e-Visas that result in denied entry at Turkish airports.
Select your nationality, travel dates, and passport type
The system immediately shows your visa fee, allowed stay duration, and any conditions. US and UK citizens receive a multiple-entry e-Visa valid for 180 days with stays of up to 90 days. Canadian and Australian citizens get single-entry visas for 30 days.
Enter your passport details and contact information
Double-check your passport number, expiration date, and name spelling before submitting. The e-Visa is linked to your passport number — a single digit error means the e-Visa is useless and you must apply again with a new payment.
Upload supporting documents if your nationality has conditions
Conditional e-Visa applicants must upload a copy of their valid Schengen, US, UK, or Ireland visa/residence permit. The supporting document must be valid on the date you enter Turkey — expired visas are not accepted even if your flight is already booked.
Pay the e-Visa fee with a credit or debit card
The fee is $50 for US, UK, and most other eligible nationalities. A few nationalities pay $20 or $60. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay. The fee is non-refundable, but you can modify travel dates on an issued e-Visa before using it.
Download and print your e-Visa immediately after payment
The e-Visa PDF is generated instantly and emailed to you within minutes. Print at least 2 copies — one for the airline at check-in and one for Turkish immigration. Save the PDF on your phone as well. The e-Visa looks like a single-page document with a QR code.
Sticker Visa Application (If e-Visa Not Available)
Locate the Turkish consulate or embassy with jurisdiction over your area
Turkey has 13 consulates in the US (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Boston, Miami, Washington DC, and others). Most accept applications by mail in addition to in-person. Check your consulate's website for submission options and hours.
Requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months, completed application form, biometric photo (50mm x 60mm), flight and hotel bookings, and bank statements from the last 3 months. Some consulates also require travel insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Submit your application and pay the visa fee
Sticker visa fees range from $30-$60 for single entry. Processing takes 7-15 business days standard. Some consulates offer express processing in 3-5 days for an additional $20. Mail-in applications should include a prepaid return envelope.
Collect your passport with the visa sticker or receive it by mail
Verify the visa dates, number of entries, and your personal details. The sticker visa typically allows a 3-month validity window with a 30 or 90-day stay depending on the visa type issued.
Before Your Flight
Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date
Turkey requires 6 months of passport validity for visa holders and at least 60 days beyond your visa expiry for visa-exempt travelers. Airlines enforce this at check-in — you will be denied boarding if your passport does not meet the requirement.
Print your e-Visa and keep it with your passport
While Turkey's immigration system is electronic, airlines at your departure airport will check your e-Visa at the gate. Not having a printed copy can cause delays or require you to find a printer at the airport before boarding.
Carry proof of accommodation and return flight
Turkish immigration officers occasionally ask for hotel bookings and return ticket proof, especially for travelers from certain nationalities. Having these ready on your phone or as printouts speeds up the process.
Arrival and Entry into Turkey
Present your passport and e-Visa (printed) at the immigration counter
Istanbul Airport (IST) has e-Gates for EU, UK, US, and several other passport holders with valid e-Visas. The e-Gate scans your passport and e-Visa QR code — processing takes about 15 seconds compared to 2-5 minutes at the manned counter.
Get your passport stamped with the entry date and allowed stay
The immigration officer stamps your passport with the entry date. Your allowed stay (30 or 90 days, depending on your e-Visa type and nationality) runs from this date. There is no separate exit card or form to fill out in Turkey.
Declare if carrying more than EUR 15,000 or $10,000 equivalent in cash
Turkey requires declaration of cash and valuables exceeding EUR 15,000 upon entry. Undeclared amounts over this threshold can be confiscated. High-value electronics (laptops, cameras) should be declared to avoid issues when leaving the country.
Note your departure deadline to avoid overstay penalties
Overstaying in Turkey results in a fine of approximately $50-$100 at the airport when departing, plus a potential entry ban. Overstays under 15 days typically incur only a fine. Overstays over 3 months trigger a 1-5 year re-entry ban depending on duration.
Apply for a residence permit if you plan to stay beyond your visa duration
Short-term residence permits can be applied for online at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr within 10 days of arrival. The permit costs $50-$200 plus a residence card fee of approximately $100. Processing takes 30-60 days, but you can remain legally while the application is pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Turkey e-Visa?
Apply through the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website (evisa.gov.tr) at least 48 hours before your trip. The application takes about 5 minutes, and approval is usually instant or within 24 hours. You need a valid passport, an email address, and a credit/debit card for payment. Print or save the e-Visa PDF to your phone, as airlines may check it before boarding. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge inflated fees for the same service.
How much does a Turkey e-Visa cost?
The e-Visa fee varies by nationality. US citizens pay $50 for a multiple-entry e-Visa valid for 180 days (up to 90 days per visit). UK citizens pay $20 for a multiple-entry visa. Citizens of some countries (like Germany, France, and Japan) are visa-exempt and do not need an e-Visa for stays up to 90 days. Canadian citizens pay $60. Check evisa.gov.tr for your specific nationality's fee and eligibility.
How long can I stay in Turkey on a tourist visa?
Most e-Visa holders can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some nationalities receive 30-day or 60-day allowances. Turkish residency permits are available for longer stays and can be applied for after arrival at the local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Overstaying your visa results in fines, a potential entry ban, and complications with future Turkish visa applications. Check your specific e-Visa for the authorized duration.
Is Turkey safe for tourists in 2026?
Turkey receives over 50 million tourists annually and is generally safe for visitors in popular tourist areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and the Aegean coast. The eastern border regions near Syria and Iraq have travel advisories from most Western governments. Standard urban safety precautions apply in Istanbul and other major cities. Check your government's travel advisory (travel.state.gov for US citizens) for the most current safety information before traveling.