Are you planning to visit Turkey in the near future? Before you book the flights and make other reservations, ensure that you have a proper visa and are aware of Turkey’s entry regulations for Americans. As Turkey does not come under the Schengen Agreement, there are different requirements for nationalities from different countries.
Each country has certain visa requirements and regulations that one needs to fulfill to enter the country. COVID pandemic has made those entries stricter, and the countries take all the essential measures for healthy flying. Those who wish to travel to Turkey should first ensure their eligibility to apply for the visa.
General Information regarding Turkey visa
Turkish Sticker Visa is an electronic variant of the visa, and the sticker is an official approval by Turkish immigration that allows you to travel into the country. The major advantage of the electronic Turkey visa is that the entire process can be completed online. Just s fill up an online application and submit the required documents.
Turkey e-Visa Fees can vary based on the nationality of the applicant and can range from €14 to €71. Visa fees are not refundable, and one can use their MasterCard, American Express, Visa, or PayPal to pay the visa fees.
Visit the government website to get an appointment with the Turkish Consular offices via Pre-Application System to get a Turkish Sticker Visa or E-visa. Apply for the visa at least one month in advance to avoid delays. Once the application is complete and submitted, just wait until you get a confirmation email. All you need to do is just print the confirmation and carry it with you on your trip to Turkey.
Turkey issues long-term and short-term visas based on the purpose and requirements. Short-term visas are applied for a maximum of 90 days and are granted for business, tourism, commercial activities, or to visit family and friends. Long-term visas exceed over 90 days and are given to students and those on diplomatic missions.
Make sure that you meet all the criteria and specifications to apply for a Turkish visa.
The Pre-Application System
Complete the pre-application system and gather all the documents needed by the Turkish authorities. The application form will need details such as name, date, and place of birth, country of residence, type of passport, the type of visa needed, requested duration of stay, and info regarding previous trips to turkey.
Essential documents are needed to complete the Turkey visa application process:
- All foreigners should carry valid documents to apply for the visa.
- Two identical photos, 5cm x 6cm in sharp focus with no marks, are needed.
- You must show your place of accommodation for the entire trip.
- Submit proof that you have enough money to support yourself.
- It is essential to have Travel Medical Insurance, and the minimum coverage is €30,000.
- Give a Police clearance certificate obtained in your country to show that you are not involved in any criminal activities.
- Show your bank statements for the last three months at least.
Applicants under 18 years old need to submit a birth certificate, consent letter by the parent, death certificate in case of death of one or both parents, and custody rights if the parents are divorced.
There is good news for those who are citizens of Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Georgia, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Luxemburg, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Ukraine, as they can enter Turkey just on their IDs.
If you are from Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Portugal, Bulgaria and have an expired passport, do not worry, as you will still be allowed to apply for the visa.
Getting a Turkey Visa on Arrival
Alternatively, you can always get a visa on arrival if you’re a citizen of different countries.
If you’re a citizen of the following countries, you’re eligible for a visa on arrival:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bermuda
- Canada
- Croatia
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Greek Cypriot
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Hong Kong
- Jamaica
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Oman
- Portugal
- Saint Lucia
- S.V. and the Grenadines
- Spain
- United States
If you’re from these countries, you can show up to any of the airports in Turkey and can purchase a visa stamp.
I’ve been to both of Istanbul’s airports (IST and SAW) and when you land, you’ll want to find the small offices that sell the visas on arrival before going through immigration. There will be clear signs that will lead you to these windows. If you can’t find it, just simply ask an airport agent.
Different countries have different prices
Depending on which country you’re from, you’ll have different prices to pay. For example, I have an American and Canadian passport. The prices for a Canadian when visiting in Oct 2021 was $70. The price for an American was $30. I have no idea why there is such a discrepancy in the prices but I didn’t ask any questions because I Just pulled out my American passport. Here is a picture of the prices below
They quote prices in USD, Euros, and pounds so you can pay in any currency. Payment has to be done in cash as far as I know. There are ATMs in the airport so if you don’t have cash, you will be okay.
I’m not sure how the prices are determined but it also appears that they can change at any moment.
