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pre-trip · 5 min read

Turkey visa guide for tourists (2026)

Most Western travellers enter Turkey either visa-free or via the e-Visa (online, 5 minutes, $50). This guide covers who needs what, how to apply, and common pitfalls — updated for 2026.

Visa-free entry

All EU member-state passports enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Same applies to most European non-EU countries (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, UK*). Russian Federation citizens enter visa-free for up to 60 days. Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan also visa-free. Always confirm at mfa.gov.tr.

e-Visa: who and how

The e-Visa is Turkey's online tourist visa for travellers from a defined list of countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, China, India, others). Apply at the official portal evisa.gov.tr — never via third-party sites that charge a markup. Takes 5 minutes; payment in USD/EUR by card; visa is emailed as a PDF.

e-Visa costs (2026)

  • US passport: $51.50 (single entry)
  • UK passport: e-Visa free (covered by visa-free arrangement)
  • India: $43
  • China: $43
  • Australia: $60
  • Most others: $20-50

Visa validity

Tourist e-Visa is valid for 90 days within a 180-day window from the date of first entry. Multiple entries allowed within the validity period. Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your departure from Turkey.

Common pitfalls

  • Buying e-Visa from third-party sites — always use evisa.gov.tr
  • Forgetting the 60-day passport-validity rule (longer than the 6-month rule of many countries)
  • Confusing e-Visa with the discontinued visa-on-arrival sticker (no longer issued)
  • Russian travellers exceeding 60 days — fines apply for overstay
💡 Travelling on multiple passports? Use the passport you booked your flight with — Turkish border officers cross-check the booking name.
FAQ

Frequently asked

Do US citizens need a visa for Turkey?

Yes — US passport holders need an e-Visa, applied online at evisa.gov.tr for $51.50. Takes 5 minutes; valid for 90 days within a 180-day window.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Turkey?

No — UK passport holders enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days. No e-Visa needed.

Do EU citizens need a visa for Turkey?

No — all EU passports get visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

How long is the Turkey e-Visa valid?

90 days within a 180-day window from your first entry. Multiple entries allowed within validity.

How long does the e-Visa take?

5 minutes to apply at evisa.gov.tr. Approval usually within minutes; allow 24 hours for safety.