The Turkey eVisa is an official electronic travel document available through evisa.gov.tr that allows citizens of eligible countries to enter Turkiye for tourism or commerce within minutes of online application. Launched on April 17, 2013 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the eVisa system has replaced embassy visits for millions of travelers each year. This guide covers everything you need to know – eligibility, requirements, fees, validity, and how to apply.
What Is the Turkey eVisa?
The Turkey eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that replaces the traditional sticker visa for citizens of eligible countries traveling to Turkiye for tourism or commercial purposes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye launched this system in April 2013 to streamline the visa process and eliminate the need for in-person embassy visits.
The eVisa is available through the official portal at evisa.gov.tr, which is the only government-authorized website for Turkish e-Visa applications. The entire process takes approximately 3 minutes to complete online. Once approved, the eVisa arrives as a downloadable PDF document that you can store on your smartphone or print as a hard copy.
The Turkey eVisa is strictly limited to tourism and commerce purposes. If you plan to work, study, conduct research, or shoot a documentary in Turkiye, you must apply for a visa through a Turkish embassy or consulate instead. The eVisa does not authorize employment, academic enrollment, or journalistic activities.
Applicants can submit individual applications, family applications for 2 to 10 people, or group applications for 10 to 300 people through the same portal. Each traveler, including infants and children listed on a parent’s passport, must receive a separate eVisa.
Turkey eVisa Eligibility and Country List
Citizens of over 100 countries are eligible to apply for a Turkey eVisa, though the specific conditions – including fees, validity, and stay duration – vary by nationality. Eligibility depends on the type of travel document you hold and your country of citizenship.
To check your eligibility, visit evisa.gov.tr, click “Apply,” and select your country or region of travel document. The system will immediately display whether you qualify for an eVisa and what additional requirements apply.
United States citizens can obtain a Turkey eVisa for tourism or business visits. The eVisa for US citizens typically costs $50 USD and allows multiple entries with a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day validity period. See our Turkey visa for US citizens guide for detailed nationality-specific information.
United Kingdom citizens are also eligible for the Turkey eVisa, with similar conditions to US citizens. The fee is typically $20 USD for UK passport holders with multiple entry privileges. Our Turkey visa for UK citizens page has the complete breakdown.
Indian citizens can apply for the Turkey eVisa, though additional conditions may apply. Indian nationals should verify current eligibility on the official portal, as requirements can change based on diplomatic agreements.
Pakistani citizens may also be eligible depending on the type of passport held. Ordinary passport holders should check the portal for current conditions, as some nationalities require supporting documents such as a valid Schengen visa, US visa, or UK visa.
Some nationalities are visa-exempt and do not need an eVisa at all. Citizens of certain European, South American, and Central Asian countries can enter Turkiye with just a national ID card or passport for stays of 30 to 90 days. Always verify your specific status on the official portal before traveling.
Turkey eVisa Requirements
A valid passport, email address, and payment card are the core requirements for a Turkey eVisa application. The requirements are straightforward, but attention to detail prevents the most common application failures.
Passport Validity: In accordance with Article 7.1b of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458, your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay of your visa, eVisa, visa exemption, or residence permit. For example, if your eVisa allows a 90-day stay, your passport must be valid for at least 150 days (90 + 60) from your date of entry. If your stay is 30 days, your passport needs at least 90 days (30 + 60) of validity.
Email Address: A working email address is required to receive the verification link and the approved eVisa PDF. The verification email must be clicked within 1 hour, or the application will time out.
Payment Method: You need a credit or debit card to pay the eVisa fee. The card does not need to be in your name. Accepted payment networks include Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover, among others. The card must support 3D Secure authentication and be enabled for international transactions.
Additional Documents: Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide:
– A round-trip ticket or travel itinerary
– Proof of hotel reservation or accommodation
– Proof of sufficient funds (minimum $50 USD per day of stay)
– A valid Schengen, US, UK, or Ireland visa (for certain nationalities)
These additional requirements are displayed during the application process based on your selected nationality.
How to Apply for a Turkey eVisa
The Turkey eVisa application takes 3 simple steps online at evisa.gov.tr and completes in about 3 minutes. The process is designed to be fast and user-friendly, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere with internet access.
Step 1: Select Your Country and Travel Dates
Visit evisa.gov.tr and click “Apply.” Select your country or region of travel document and your travel document type (ordinary passport, diplomatic passport, etc.). Enter your planned arrival date. The system will display the eVisa fee, validity period, and any additional requirements for your nationality.
Step 2: Fill in Your Personal Information
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport, including:
– Full name (first name and surname)
– Date of birth
– Passport number
– Passport expiry date
– Nationality
– Email address
You will receive an email verification link. Click the “Approve” button within 1 hour to continue.
Step 3: Pay and Download
Complete the payment using a Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, or other accepted card. You have 48 hours from the email verification to complete payment, or your application will expire and you will need to start over. After successful payment, the eVisa PDF will be emailed to you and available for download on the portal.
Important: Once the eVisa is processed, none of the information can be changed. The details on your eVisa must exactly match your travel document. Any discrepancy renders the eVisa invalid with no refund.
For a complete step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, see our Turkey visa application guide.
Turkey eVisa Fees and Payment
Turkey eVisa fees range from free to $60 USD depending on nationality, payable by 16+ card types. The fee is charged in US Dollars only, though you do not need a USD account – your bank will deduct the equivalent amount in your local currency.
Fee Tiers by Nationality:
| Fee (USD) | Example Nationalities |
|---|---|
| Free | Some visa-exempt countries |
| $20 | UK, many European countries |
| $25 | Various nationalities |
| $50 | United States, Canada, Australia |
| $60 | Selected nationalities with additional conditions |
The eVisa fee obtained through evisa.gov.tr is typically lower than the visa fee for arrival visas at Turkish airports. Applying online in advance saves both money and time at the border.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Visa (credit and debit)
- Mastercard (credit and debit)
- UnionPay
- American Express
- JCB
- Diners Club
- Discover
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
- iDEAL
- EPS
- Bancontact
- P24
- Cartes Bancaires
- SOFORT
- KNET
- PayU
The card must have 3D Secure enabled and be open to international transactions. Third-party cards (not in your name) are accepted.
For detailed fee information by nationality, visit our Turkey visa fee page.
Turkey eVisa Validity and Duration of Stay
The Turkey eVisa is valid for 180 days from issue, with 30 or 90 days of permitted stay. Understanding the difference between validity period and duration of stay is essential for planning your trip.
Validity Period: Your eVisa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue. This means you must enter Turkiye within this 180-day window. If your travel plans change and you need to enter after the validity period expires, you must apply for a new eVisa.
Duration of Stay: Once you enter Turkiye, you can stay for up to 30 or 90 days depending on your nationality. This is the maximum consecutive stay permitted on a single entry.
Entry Type: The Turkey eVisa can be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on nationality:
– Single-entry eVisa: Allows one entry into Turkiye. Once you leave, you cannot re-enter on the same eVisa.
– Multiple-entry eVisa: Allows unlimited entries within the 180-day validity period, with each stay limited to 30 or 90 days.
Most nationalities eligible for the eVisa receive multiple-entry authorization. US and UK citizens, for example, receive multiple-entry eVisas allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit.
You may enter Turkiye at any time within the validity period. However, if you wish to enter earlier than the date specified on your eVisa, you must create a new application. The eVisa cannot be used before its start date.
For processing time details, see our Turkey visa processing time page.
Turkey eVisa vs Embassy Visa
The Turkey eVisa is faster and cheaper than embassy visas, but limited to tourism and commerce purposes. Understanding when each option applies helps you choose the right path.
Turkey eVisa:
- Processing: 3 minutes online
- Cost: $20-$60 USD (varies by nationality)
- Availability: 24/7, from anywhere with internet
- Purpose: Tourism and commerce only
- Format: Electronic PDF
Embassy/Consulate Visa:
- Processing: Several days to weeks
- Cost: Higher fees, plus potential service charges
- Availability: Business hours, by appointment
- Purpose: All purposes including work, study, research
- Format: Sticker in passport
When You Need an Embassy Visa:
- Work: Employment in Turkiye requires a work permit and visa from the nearest Turkish mission
- Study: Academic enrollment requires a student visa from the embassy
- Research: Documentary filming, archaeological excavation, or field research requires special permission from Turkish authorities
- Long-term stay: Stays exceeding your eVisa duration require a residence permit
If you hold a diplomatic, service, special, or official passport, your visa regime may differ from ordinary passport holders. Check with the nearest Turkish mission for official passport requirements.
The eVisa has no connection with Turkish Embassies or Consulates General. For questions about the eVisa, contact the e-Visa Support Desk through the portal, not the embassy.
Common Turkey eVisa Mistakes and Rejection
Turkey eVisa applications are rarely rejected, but passport validity and wrong nationality selection cause most failures. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures a smooth application process.
Top Application Mistakes:
1. Passport validity insufficient
The most common failure. Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay. Many applicants check only that their passport is current, not accounting for the 60-day buffer. Calculate: (stay duration) + 60 days = minimum passport validity from entry date.
2. Information mismatch
The eVisa must match your passport exactly. A misspelled name, wrong passport number, or incorrect date of birth renders the eVisa invalid. Once processed, no changes are possible and no refund is issued.
3. Wrong nationality selected
Selecting the wrong country of travel document can result in incorrect fee assessment or eligibility determination. Double-check your selection before proceeding.
4. Email verification timeout
You have 1 hour to click the email verification link and 48 hours to complete payment. Missing either deadline requires starting a new application.
5. Payment card issues
Cards without 3D Secure or international transaction capability will fail. Contact your bank before applying if you are unsure about your card’s international permissions.
What If Your eVisa Is Rejected?
If your application is denied, do not create multiple new applications. Contact the e-Visa Support Desk through the portal’s “Contact Us” form. Creating duplicate applications or payments can result in additional charges with no refund. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not responsible for duplicate payments from unresolved transactions.
Tips for a Smooth Turkey eVisa Application
Apply 48 hours before travel, verify passport validity, and carry both soft and hard copies of the eVisa. These practical tips help you avoid border issues and travel with confidence.
Apply Early: While the eVisa processes in about 3 minutes, apply at least 48 hours before departure. This buffer accounts for email delays, payment processing issues, or the need to resolve any problems with the e-Visa Support Desk.
Verify Passport Validity: Before applying, confirm your passport validity meets the 60-day rule. Use this formula: (planned stay in days) + 60 = minimum passport validity from your entry date.
Keep Multiple Copies: Passport control officers at Turkish ports of entry can verify your eVisa in their system. However, carry your eVisa as both a softcopy (on your phone or tablet) and a hardcopy (printed PDF) in case of system failures at the border.
Check the Official Website: Numerous third-party websites claim to assist with Turkish eVisas in return for service charges. These websites are not endorsed by or associated with the Turkish government. Always use evisa.gov.tr for official applications.
Payment Preparation: Ensure your card supports 3D Secure and international transactions before starting the application. Having a backup card ready prevents delays if your primary card fails.
Accurate Travel Dates: If your eVisa specifies a start date and you wish to enter Turkiye earlier, you must create a new application. Plan your application around your earliest possible entry date.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does a Turkey eVisa cost?
The Turkey eVisa fee ranges from $20 to $60 USD depending on your nationality. UK citizens typically pay $20, while US citizens pay $50. Some nationalities may qualify for free entry. Check the exact fee by selecting your country on evisa.gov.tr.
How long does it take to get a Turkey eVisa?
The Turkey eVisa application takes approximately 3 minutes to complete online. After payment, the approved eVisa is emailed to you and available for download. The entire process from application to receiving your eVisa typically takes under 24 hours.
Do US citizens need an eVisa for Turkey in 2026?
Yes, US citizens need an eVisa or visa to enter Turkiye in 2026. US passport holders can apply for the Turkey eVisa online at evisa.gov.tr for $50 USD with multiple-entry privileges and up to 90 days of stay per visit.
Is Turkey eVisa single or multiple entry?
Most nationalities receive a multiple-entry Turkey eVisa, allowing unlimited entries within the 180-day validity period. Some nationalities may receive single-entry eVisas. Check your specific conditions during the application process.
How long can I stay in Turkey with an eVisa?
The permitted stay is 30 or 90 days depending on your nationality. US and UK citizens can stay up to 90 days per visit. The eVisa itself is valid for 180 days from the date of issue.
What passport validity do I need for a Turkey eVisa?
Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay specified on your eVisa. For a 90-day stay, you need 150 days of passport validity from your entry date. For a 30-day stay, you need 90 days.
Can I work in Turkey with an eVisa?
No. The Turkey eVisa is valid for tourism and commerce only. Working in Turkiye requires a separate work permit and visa obtained through a Turkish embassy or consulate before arrival.
Do children need their own Turkey eVisa?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children listed on a parent’s passport, must obtain a separate eVisa. Family applications for 2 to 10 people can be submitted together on evisa.gov.tr.
What happens if my Turkey eVisa expires before I travel?
If your eVisa expires before you enter Turkiye, you must apply for a new eVisa. The validity period cannot be extended. Apply for your eVisa close enough to your travel dates to ensure it remains valid upon arrival.
Can I extend my stay in Turkey beyond the eVisa duration?
The eVisa itself cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit at the nearest local police department in Turkiye before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Is the Turkey eVisa the same as a visa on arrival?
No. The Turkey eVisa is obtained before travel through evisa.gov.tr. While some nationalities can obtain visas at Turkish airports, the eVisa is cheaper and faster than arrival visas. Applying online in advance is strongly recommended.
What payment methods are accepted for the Turkey eVisa?
The Turkey eVisa accepts 16+ payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, Alipay, WeChat Pay, iDEAL, EPS, Bancontact, P24, Cartes Bancaires, SOFORT, KNET, and PayU. Payment is processed in USD.
