With more than 60 million visitors visiting the country in 2024, traveling to Turkey for work or leisure is a common part of today’s world. Just by booking an international flight and getting a travel permit like a visa, one can easily travel to this part of the world. On top of that, the option of eVisa has made the process even easier.
However, the option to fill out a Turkish eVisa online application might not be available for all countries. This is what gives rise to questions like “Can all nationalities apply for a Turkey eVisa?” So, all individuals must have a clear understanding of their eligibility before they start applying for the eVisa. This way, you will be able to understand if there are restrictions on who can apply for a Turkey eVisa and from which countries.
What is a Turkey eVisa?
Before understanding the Turkey eVisa eligibility, it is important that you understand the basics of this. This way, it will create a better foundation for your understanding.
A Turkey eVisa is a travel permit that is required by all individuals who are traveling to Turkey from a foreign country. Similar to a traditional visa, this also opens the door for the country. The only difference between the two is that this type of visa is applied for through an online portal.
An eVisa comes with an added convenience as it can be applied for in a faster way than a traditional visa. Other than that, the process is majorly paperless and doesn’t even require you to stand in line for hours.
A Turkey eVisa can be of a few different types depending on the purpose for which it is applied. The different types of Turkey eVisa that one can apply for are:
Tourist eVisa
This visa is applied for by people who are entering the country simply to explore the culture and different landmarks of the country. The Turkey tourist eVisa is of two types, one of which is a single-entry visa that allows only one entry and stays active for 30 days. The other type is a multiple-entry visa that allows you more than one entry and stays valid for 180 days. However, the maximum stay period on it is 90 days.
Business eVisa
This visa is applied for by people who are coming to Turkey for any business-related purpose. This can either be for attending a meeting, a conference, or even for starting a new company or investing in a new one. Business eVisa comes with a validity of 180 days, but has a maximum stay period of 30 days.
General Eligibility for Turkey eVisa
Applying for a Turkey eVisa requires you to meet a few eligibility criteria. Some of the general eligibility parameters for filling out a Turkish eVisa online application are:
Basic Requirements for Application
Some of the basic requirements that you will be required to meet when applying for the Turkey eVisa are:
A Valid Passport
A passport is the biggest proof of identity during international visits. So, make sure you have a valid passport for the process. Your passport should come with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your travel date and at least two blank pages. Other than this, the passport should also be in a machine-readable condition, and all your information should be visible on the passport.
Access to the Internet
The entire Turkish eVisa online application is carried out online. So, it is a must for you to ensure your internet connection is stable and won’t get disrupted during the middle of the process.
Payment via Credit/debit Card
Similar to a traditional visa, an eVisa also requires you to pay a fee for the application process. So, make sure you have a debit or credit card with a sufficient balance on it, ready for the payment.
Visa-Exempt Countries
There are a few countries that do not require a visa to enter Turkey. Rather, they are allowed to explore the country with just a valid passport. Some of the countries that are a part of this list are the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and others.
Can You Apply for a Turkey eVisa From Any Country?
Not all countries might be eligible to get a Turkey eVisa, even if they have the Turkey visa document requirements. This depends on a few things, like:
Global Accessibility
It is important to understand that the Turkey eVisa can only be applied for if one meets the eligibility criteria. Once they have cleared then they can easily apply for the visa from anywhere in the world. The criteria are simple: have a valid passport and do not be from one of the countries that are denied entry to the country. On top of that, the eVisa system is available online, so anyone with an internet connection, regardless of location.
Exceptions to Applying
Certain countries and regions may have restrictions based on political or diplomatic reasons. Other than that, there might be specific limitations for residents of conflict zones or who have a criminal history.
Turkey eVisa Application Process: How to Apply from Any Country
The process to apply for a Turkey eVisa is quite easy. This involves a few simple steps, all of which play an important role in the entire thing. Some of the steps that you will be required to follow are:
- Visit the online portal to start your Turkish eVisa online application process.
- Find the application form and start filling it out with accurate details related to you and your travel purpose.
- Understand the Turkey visa document requirements and add scanned copies of those documents. This includes copies of your passport, recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, return flight tickets, and documents related to the travel purpose.
- Pay the fee for your Turkey eVisa through a debit or credit card.
After this, you will usually receive your eVisa approval email on the email ID that you provided on the application form within 1-3 business days. Next, you will be required to get a few printed copies of the letter and bring them to the airport. However, if you do not receive the email during this time, then you must contact the Helpdesk.
How Do People from Countries Where the Turkey eVisa is Not Available Visit the Country?
If you are planning to travel from a country ineligible for a Turkey eVisa, then you will be required to apply for a traditional visa. This visa is applied for through an embassy or consulate, and you will be required to physically visit the place. The steps for this application are:
- Visit the embassy or consulate near you.
- Get the application and fill it out.
- Submit the necessary documents and their printed copies. (This is the same as that for eVisa)
- Pay the application fee through a credit or debit card.
- Get your visa from the embassy or consulate after 3 to 7 days.
Common Issues When Applying for a Turkey eVisa from Abroad
Making mistakes is common in all processes. However, making even the smallest of mistakes during the Turkish eVisa online application will delay your entire process, so it is a must to avoid them at all costs. Some of these mistakes are:
- Applying the wrong type of visa and as a result failing to provide the necessary documents for it.
- Making spelling mistakes or mixing up numbers when filling out the eVisa application form.
- Applying too close to the travel date.
- Not matching the necessary Turkey visa document requirements.
This is why one should double-check every detail in each step of the application process. This will improve the accuracy and eliminate any chance of making mistakes.
Can You Extend Your Turkey eVisa or Change the Terms after Approval?
A Turkey eVisa does not come with an extension facility. So, one who gets this visa cannot get an extension through the online portal or the embassy. In case you wish to stay longer in the country, then you will have to make an exit from the country and enter a second time with a new visa. Most importantly, you should remember that overstaying your visa limit is an offence. You might have to pay a hefty fine or serve jail time for staying in the country beyond your visa’s validity.
Feeling Confident Regarding Who Can Apply for a Turkey eVisa?
Although most countries in the world are allowed to complete the Turkish eVisa online application, there are definitely some exceptions. This is why all visa applicants need to verify their eligibility before applying. Other than that, they should apply for the eVisa ahead of time to avoid last-minute issues and contact the Helpdesk in case of issues. However, if you are ineligible for the eVisa, then you must get the traditional visa options.
