Guide to Obtaining A Turkish Visa On Arrival For Foreigners

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

A Turkish visa on arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers from certain countries to enter Turkey without having to obtain a visa before landing. Here is how to get one if you are eligible.

Turkey Travel Blog_Getting A Turkish Visa Upon Arrival

Travelers from the Canada, and the European Union are among those who are eligible for this type of visa. Obtaining a visa on arrival in Turkey is relatively simple.

Upon arrival at a Turkish airport, travelers must present their passports and fill out a short application form. They will then be fingerprinted and photographed. The fee for the visa starts at $25 (For Armenians) and goes up to $70 (for Australians), and it is valid for 90 days.

While a Turkish visa on arrival may be convenient for some travelers, it should be noted that there are some restrictions. For example, those who intend to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days or who plan to work or study in the country will need to obtain a different type of visa in advance.

Overall, Turkey’s visa on arrival can be a helpful option for those looking to visit the country without completing an online form and paying by credit card beforehand.

Comparison The Turkish Visa On Arrival Vs. An E-Visa

Convenience

  • Visa On Arrival. Grab your visa right when you land, no fuss with pre-applications. It’s the go-to for impromptu trips
  • E-Visa. Apply from the comfort of your home before setting off, ensuring you’re all set for entry upon landing

Time to Process

  • Visa On Arrival. Expect some downtime waiting in airport lines
  • E-Visa. A breeze to apply with a quick turnaround, usually sorted within 24 hours

Pricing

  • Visa On Arrival. Tends to cost a tad more than its electronic counterpart (see below)
  • E-Visa. More wallet-friendly

Approval Odds

  • Visa On Arrival. Landing without a guarantee might mean no entry
  • E-Visa. Rest easy knowing your entry is confirmed before you’ve even packed

Entry Flexibility

  • Both let you come and go a few times over while they’re valid

Duration of Stay

  • Visa On Arrival: Choose from 30, 60, or 90 days of travel freedom
  • E-Visa: Some travelers can opt for up to 180 days, depending on the plan

Extra Paperwork

  • Visa On Arrival. You may need to rustle up some more documents based on your country
  • E-Visa:.Land with confidence, knowing there’s nothing else to show

Who It’s For

  • Visa-On-Arrival. Perfect for spontaneous souls who like keeping plans flexible
  • E-Visa:. Ideal for those who prefer knowing everything’s sorted well before the journey begins, avoiding any airport hang-ups

Who Can Get A Turkish Visa On Arrival At The Airport In Turkey

Visa on arrival - This is a photo taken at the Istanbul Airport
This is a photo taken at the Istanbul Airport November 2023

Turkey is a beautiful country with so much to offer visitors. From its stunning landscape and architecture to its delicious food and friendly people, there’s something for everyone in Turkey. And now, with the introduction of visas on arrival for certain nationalities, it’s easier than ever to visit this wonderful country.

ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES FOR A TURKISH VISA ON ARRIVAL

So, who can get a Turkish visa on arrival?

Currently, nationals of the following countries are eligible for a visa on arrival (as per official table)

 

 

Look For Your Nationality To See The Countries Eligible

COUNTRY FEES FOR E-VISA VIA E-VISA APPLICATION SYSTEM (www.evisa.gov.tr) TURKEY VISA ON ARRIVAL FEE TO TURKISH AIRPORTS 
1. ANTIGUA-BARBUDA 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
2. ARMENIA 15 $ 25 $ / 20 € / 15 £
3. AUSTRALIA 60 $ 70 $ / 50 € / 45 £
4. AUSTRIA 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
5. BAHAMAS 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
6. BAHRAIN 80 $ 70 $ / 50 € / 45 £
7. BARBADOS 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
8. BELGIUM 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
9. CANADA 60 $ 70 $ / 50 € / 45 £
10. CROATIA 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
11. DOMINICA 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
12. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
13. GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION OF SOUTHERN CYPRUS 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
14. GRENADA 60 $ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
15. HAITI 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
16. HONG KONG (BN(O)) 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
17. INDONESIA 25 $ 35 $ / 27 € / 22 £
18. IRELAND 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
19. JAMAICA 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
20. KUWAIT No fee No fee
21. MALDIVES 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
22. MALTA No fee No fee
23. MAURITIUS 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
24. MEXICO No fee 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
25. NETHERLANDS 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
26. NORWAY 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
27. OMAN 60 $ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
28. POLAND 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
29. PORTUGAL 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
30. QATAR 28 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
31. SAUDI ARABIA 60 $ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
32. SPAIN 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
33. ST. LUCIA 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
34. ST. VINCENT VE THE GRENADINES 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
35. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 60 $ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
36. UNITED KINGDOM 20 $ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
37. U.S.A no longer need – visa-free entry is available no longer need – visa-free entry is available

As you can see from this list of countries eligible for a Turkish visa on arrival, many different nationalities can now enjoy the ease and convenience of getting their visa upon arrival in Turkey. So, if you’re planning a trip to Turkey anytime soon and have been wondering about the visa process – fret no more! A visa on arrival may be the perfect option for you.

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Turkey Visa On Arrival Requirements

Turkey is a country located in both Europe and Asia. Because of this, it is a popular destination for travelers. If you are planning to visit Turkey, there are a few requirements you will need to meet to obtain a Turkish visa on arrival.

  1. Valid Passport. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of the intended stay
  2. Proof of Return or Onward Journey. Evidence of a return ticket, hotel reservation, and financial means (around $50 per day)
  3. Visa Fee. Payment of the visa fee, which varies depending on the traveler’s nationality
  4. Travel Insurance. Some nationalities may be required to show proof of travel insurance.

How To Obtain A Turkish Visa On Arrival

Shopping at Istanbul Airport - People in the departure hall of the airport

Assuming you are a citizen of a country eligible for a visa on arrival, the process of getting a Turkish visa upon arrival is quite simple. After landing at the airport, simply look for the Visa on Arrival counter and present your passport.

You must fill out a short application form and present it along with your passport and travel documents. The visa fee ranges from $25-$70. Most countries cost USD 30 for single entry visas, payable in cash or by credit card. Once your application is processed, you will receive your visa sticker, which allows you to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

How Long Are Turkish Visas On Arrival Valid For?

Your Turkish visa is valid for 180 days, but you can spend no more than 90 days in Turkey. The visa is multiple-entry, meaning you can come and go as many times as you wish so long as you stick to the 90/180 regulation.

Alternatives To Applying For A Turkish Visa On Arrival

There are a few different ways that you can go about getting a Turkish visa. The most common way is to apply for a visa on arrival, but there are also a few alternatives that you might want to consider. One alternative is to apply for an e-Visa in advance. This can be done online and is quite simple.

You must fill out some basic information and pay the visa fee. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an electronic visa that you can use to enter Turkey. 

Turkish Visa On Arrival Costs

The cost of a visa on arrival for Turkey varies depending on your nationality. The below prices were correct at the time of publishing – but it is crucial to verify the current visa fees and requirements before your travel as they change often.

COUNTRY

FEES FOR E-VISA 

VOA FEE

1. ANTIGUA-BARBUDA 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
2. ARMENIA 15$ 25 $ / 20 € / 15£
3. AUSTRALIA 60$ 70 $/ 50 € / 45 £
4. AUSTRIA 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
5. BAHAMAS 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
6. BAHRAIN 80$ 70 $ / 50 € / 45 £
7. BARBADOS 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
8. BELGIUM 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
9. CANADA 60$ 70 $/ 50 € / 45 £
10. CROATIA 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
11. DOMINICA 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
12. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
13. GCAOS CYPRUS 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
14. GRENADA 60$ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
15. HAITI 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
16. HONG KONG (BN(O) ) 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
17. INDONESIA 25$ 35 $ / 27 € / 22 £
18. IRELAND 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
19. JAMAICA 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
20. KUWAIT No fee No fee
21. MALDIVES 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
22. MALTA No fee No fee
23. MAURITIUS 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
24. MEXICO No fee 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
25. NETHERLANDS 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
26. NORWAY 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
27. OMAN 60$ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
28. POLAND 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
29. PORTUGAL 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
30. QATAR 28$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
31. SAUDI ARABIA 60$ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
32. SPAIN 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
33. ST. LUCIA 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
34. ST. VINCENT VE THE GRENADINES 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
35. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 60$ 60 $ / 45 € / 35 £
36. UNITED KINGDOM 20$ 30 $ / 25 € / 20 £
37. U.S.A no longer need – visa-free entry is available no longer need – visa-free entry is available

 


What Is Better, A Turkish Visa On Arrival Or Getting A Turkish E-Visa In Advance?

One of the key considerations is whether you want the flexibility and spontaneity that comes with having a visa on arrival or the peace of mind that comes with having everything sorted in advance.

Another thing to think about is the cost. A Turkish visa on arrival costs a little more to get a Turkish visa on arrival than it does if you preplan and do it online.

TURKISH VISA ON ARRIVAL FAQs

What is a Turkish Visa on Arrival?

A Turkish Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa upon their arrival in Turkey, at select entry points, without the need to apply for a visa in advance.

Which nationalities are eligible for a Turkish Visa on Arrival?

Citizens of several countries are eligible for a Turkish Visa on Arrival. The list of eligible nationalities can change, so it’s important to check with Turkish authorities or the Turkish embassy/consulate in your country for the latest information.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Turkish Visa on Arrival?

Requirements for a Turkish Visa on Arrival may vary based on your nationality. Generally, you will need a valid passport, a return ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay in Turkey.

How long is the validity of a Turkish Visa on Arrival?

The validity of a Turkish Visa on Arrival depends on your nationality and the type of visa issued. It may allow for a short stay (e.g., 30 days) or a longer duration. Be sure to check the specific conditions of your visa upon arrival.

Can I extend my stay in Turkey if I have a Visa on Arrival?

It may be possible to extend your stay in Turkey if you have a Visa on Arrival. However, you should check the visa regulations and visit a local immigration office or authorities for the necessary extension procedures.

Can I work or study in Turkey with a Visa on Arrival?

No, a Turkish Visa on Arrival is generally for short-term tourism purposes only. If you plan to work, study, or engage in any other activities beyond tourism, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit in advance.

What if my country is not eligible for a Turkish Visa on Arrival?

If your country is not eligible for a Turkish Visa on Arrival, you will need to apply for a visa through the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip to Turkey.

Are there any fees associated with a Turkish Visa on Arrival?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining a Turkish Visa on Arrival. The fees may vary based on your nationality and the type of visa issued. Make sure to have the required amount in the accepted currency (usually Euros or Turkish Lira) for the payment.

Comments (6)

  1. Actually you have it backward. Visa on arrival is cheaper than evisa. For Americans a Turkish VOA is $30 and an evisa is $50. I’ve never figured out why people get the evisas. I’ve never had to wait long to get a VOA in Istanbul.

    1. From the official Turkish website the prices are not that way. Also, last time I was there (Feb) the line for the visa was long – I am to impatient for queues.

  2. Good information. I am a U.S. citizen visiting Turkey soon. Does the VOA involve a special stamp or something that you would not get with the e-visa?

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