Turkey eVisa for Citizens of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan nationals who intend to travel to Turkey for tourism, business, or transit can apply for the Turkey eVisa scheme. In this visa system, travelers are allowed to obtain a visa without having to present themselves at an embassy or consulate. This eVisa system makes things easier and less time-consuming than applying for a regular visa. It provides an uncomplicated and efficient manner of issuing visas to qualified travelers.

Who Needs the Turkey eVisa?

The Turkey eVisa is open for Sri Lankan citizens who travel for either tourism or business. The Turkey eVisa is issued for a short stay of 90 days during a period of 180 days. In cases where visitors intend to work, study, or engage in activities not recognized as tourism, they have to apply for the appropriate type of visa, such as a work visa or student visa.

Eligibility for Sri Lankan Citizens

To be eligible for a Turkish e-Visa, Sri Lankan citizens must meet the following criteria:

Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
Supporting Document: You must have a valid visa or residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Ireland.
Purpose of Visit: Your visit must be for tourism or business purposes. For any other activities, such as to work or study in Turkey, different types of visas should be applied for.
Duration of Stay: The e-Visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days within a 180-day period.
Online Application: Sri Lankan citizens must apply for the eVisa through the official Turkey eVisa website. The process is quick and can be completed from the comfort of your home.

Required Documents for the Turkey eVisa Application

Sri Lankan citizens applying for a Turkey eVisa will need to provide the following documents:

Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
A Recent Passport-Size Photo: A clear and recent photo in the format prescribed in the Turkey eVisa portal.
Travel Itinerary: Details of your flights to and from Turkey, plus your accommodation details.
Payment: The application fee is to be paid online through the official website using a valid debit or credit card.

How to Apply for the Turkey eVisa

Application for the Turkey eVisa online is simple, easy, and can be done through a few steps:

Accessing the Official eVisa Website: Applicants can log in to the official website for the Turkey eVisa.
Application Form: Fill in your personal details, such as your full name, passport number, and dates of travel.
Document Uploads: Scan and upload your passport photo and other required documents, which include a travel itinerary and accommodation details.
Make the Payment: Make the required payment for the visa using a credit card/debit card. In this manner, you would get your eVisa on your given e-mail address, which you can either print out or save on your phone to show upon arrival in Turkey.

Turkey eVisa Processing Time and Fees

Here's a breakdown of the processing time and fees involved with Turkey eVisa for citizens of Sri Lanka:

Processing Option	Details	Ideal For
Standard Processing	This option typically takes ... for processing. It is suitable for travelers who plan ahead.	Travelers with flexible schedules, or those applying well in advance.
Rush Processing	For faster processing, applications are processed within .... This option incurs additional costs.	Travelers with urgent plans who need their visa quickly but still have a bit of time.
Super Rush Processing	The fastest option, providing an eVisa approval within .... This has the highest fee option in comparison.	Last-minute travelers or those with emergency travel situations.

Important Notes:

Standard Processing is the most affordable option and works best for those who don’t have immediate travel plans. It is the least costly but also the slowest.

Rush Processing is ideal for those who need their visa sooner but have more time than with the super rush. It offers a balance between cost and speed.

Super Rush Processing is the best option for travelers with very tight schedules. Although it’s the fastest, it comes with a higher processing fee to cover the expedited service.

Validity and Duration of the Turkey eVisa

The Turkey eVisa that is issued to Sri Lankan nationals for single entry has a validity period of 30 days within any 180-day period. This means that you will be able to stay in Turkey for up to 30 days within a period of 180 days, which you must not exceed.

Advantages of Turkey eVisa for Sri Lankan Citizens

Convenience: The eVisa facility for Turkey allows you to make an online application sans the requirement to be physically present at the Turkish embassy or consulate.

Quick and Speedy Processing: Most of the applications get processed within a few hours or days.

Easy Travel: With the electronic visa in your pocket, you wouldn't have to wait in long queues at the embassy or consulate. You can just produce the visa upon your arrival in Turkey.

What to Do If Your Turkey eVisa is Denied?

If your Turkey eVisa application is denied as a Sri Lankan citizen, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

Check the Reason for Denial: Look at the denial notice to understand why your application was rejected. Common reasons include missing information or incorrect documents.
Fix Any Mistakes: Review your application carefully and correct any errors. Ensure all required documents are provided and accurate.
Reapply: After fixing any mistakes, submit a new application with the correct details and documents.
Contact the Embassy: If you don’t understand why your eVisa was denied, reach out to the Turkish embassy for clarification.
Apply for a Sticker Visa: If your eVisa is denied, you can apply for a Sticker Visa at the Turkish embassy. This requires submitting extra documents.
Wait and Reapply: If the denial was due to an issue like passport validity, fix the problem and wait for the right time to reapply.
Ask for Help: If you're unsure what to do, consider contacting a visa expert or travel agent for advice.

Common Issues Sri Lankan Citizens Face When Applying for the Turkey eVisa

Application Rejection Reasons

Some common reasons Sri Lankan citizens' Turkey eVisa applications are rejected include:

Incorrect or missing information: Failing to provide accurate details such as passport numbers or travel dates can lead to rejection.
Ineligible for eVisa: Certain visa types, such as work or student visas, cannot be processed through the eVisa portal and require a Sticker Visa.
Expired passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Turkey.
Failure to meet requirements: If applicants don’t meet specific eligibility criteria, such as the type of passport or purpose of visit, their eVisa may be denied.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes During Application

To prevent delays or rejections:

Double-check all personal and passport information for accuracy.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended arrival in Turkey.
Review the requirements for your specific purpose of travel, as not all visa types are available via the eVisa system.
Upload clear, readable copies of all required documents.
Pay the visa fee through secure online payment methods to avoid any payment issues.

Turkey eVisa vs. Sticker Visa: Which is Better for Sri Lankan Citizens?

Main Differences Between eVisa and Sticker Visa:

Visa Type	Details	When to Apply
eVisa	An electronic travel authorization applied online. Suitable for short-term tourism or business visits. The process is quicker and more convenient for eligible citizens.	Apply if traveling for tourism, business, or transit and meet the eVisa requirements. It is faster and more convenient.
Sticker Visa	A traditional visa applied through an embassy or consulate. Required for purposes like working, studying, or if ineligible for an eVisa. More documents required and a longer processing time.	Apply if traveling for longer stays, studying, working, or if you don’t meet eVisa requirements. Also required for certain passports and travel histories.

Important Travel Tips for Sri Lankan Citizens

Here are some important travel tips for Sri Lankan citizens to keep in mind when applying for a Turkey eVisa:

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Make sure you have the necessary vaccinations, like for Yellow Fever, in case you come from a country where the disease is common.
Currency: The national currency is TRY (Turkish Lira), and you are advised to change currency prior to your arrival or withdraw cash at the airport through ATMs.
Language: The official language is Turkish, but English is spoken extensively throughout major cities, tourist areas, and hotels.
Safety: Generally speaking, Turkey is a very safe country for tourists, but then again it's always advisable to show common sense and inform yourself about recommendations regarding local safety.
Mobile Network: Purchase a local SIM card for convenient communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Egyptian citizens are allowed to apply for a Turkey eVisa either for Tourism or Business purposes through the official eVisa portal.

The Turkey eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible citizens to enter Turkey for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It is applied for online and approved quickly.

Standard processing for the Turkey eVisa usually takes ..., while rush processing can take ..., and super rush processing can take as little as ....

No, the Turkey eVisa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer than the permitted 30 days, you will need to apply for a different type of visa (like a Sticker Visa) while in Turkey.

The Turkey eVisa is only valid for tourism, business, or transit. It is not valid for other purposes such as working, studying, or staying for long durations. For such purposes, you would need a Sticker Visa.

If your eVisa application is rejected, you can apply for a Sticker Visa at the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. You may also review the reasons for rejection and address them before reapplying.

The cost of the Turkey eVisa depends on the processing speed chosen. Standard processing is typically the most affordable, while expedited processing options (rush and super rush) come with additional fees. Prices can vary, so it's essential to check the official website before applying.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules might change.