Turkey Visa Guide 2026

Turkey Visa Overview 2026

Turkey maintains one of the most generous tourist visa policies in the wider Eurasian region. Visa-free entry for 90 days within any 180-day period for nationals of 70+ countries. The e-visa at evisa.gov.tr covers non-exempt nationalities at USD 50-80.

The 90/180 Visa-Free Rule

Citizens of 70+ countries (US, UK, EU members, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and many others) can stay in Turkey 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. Free.

The 90/180 rule means: across one or multiple visits, you can spend a total of 90 days in Turkey within any 180-day window. Once you've used 90 days, you must wait until 180 days have passed from your first entry before re-entering visa-free. The rule applies cumulatively; a 60-day trip followed by a 30-day trip 60 days later counts as 90 days used.

E-Visa for Non-Exempt Nationalities

The e-visa at evisa.gov.tr covers around 50 nationalities not on the visa-free list. USD 50-80 depending on nationality. Apply with passport scan, basic application, intended dates. Processing 24-48 hours. The e-visa is electronic; print and present at immigration.

Eligible nationalities for the e-visa include Australian, Canadian, Russian, Chinese, Indian, and most African and Middle Eastern citizens. Always check the eligibility list at evisa.gov.tr before assuming e-visa availability for your nationality.

Embassy Tourist Visa

For longer stays (beyond 90 days) or for nationalities not on either the visa-free or e-visa lists, the Embassy Tourist Visa is the option. USD 50-160 depending on nationality. Apply at any Turkish embassy or consulate. Processing 5-15 business days. Up to 6 months single-entry duration possible.

Extending Your Stay

If you need to stay beyond the 90-day window, apply for a Short-Term Residence Permit (Kisa Donem Ikamet Izni) at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Apply at least 30 days before your visa expires. Cost USD 80-160 for a 6-month or 1-year extension. Required: passport, photo, financial proof, accommodation address, biometric appointment.

Many travelers use a visa agent (around USD 150-300 total) for minimum hassle. Turkish bureaucracy in residence-permit applications can be slow; an agent typically reduces the timeline from 30-60 days to 14-21 days.

Practical Notes

Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs site is mfa.gov.tr. The e-visa portal is evisa.gov.tr (official; avoid commercial sites that markup the fee). The Directorate General of Migration Management site is goc.gov.tr. UK nationals continue to enjoy 90-day visa-free entry through 2026 despite ongoing EU-Turkey visa negotiations.

Turkey requires a passport with at least 60 days validity beyond your intended departure (the previous 6-month requirement was relaxed). Children under 18 traveling without both parents may require additional documentation. The Turkish customs office permits up to USD 5,000 cash without declaration; declarations required above this amount.