A Guide to Turkey Visa on Arrival

Last updated: September 2024`

Turkey is a country of fascination for tourists, business travelers, and even transit passengers because of its bridge between the East and West, rich history, and bustling cities. The process of getting or sorting out Turkey visa requirements is a big part of travel planning for most travelers. While various options for visas are available in Turkey, one convenient entry method for some people is availing themselves of the Visa on Arrival. It will enable certain nationalities to obtain their visa upon actual arrival in Turkey without prior application.

Meaning of a Turkey Visa on Arrival

A Visa on Arrival is a category of visa issued upon arrival in the country for which it was issued, rather than in advance through an application via the consulate or online. This visa is generally issued for short-term visits, tourism, or business, and it allows temporary entry for travelers in Turkey. The period of stay usually allows for 30 or 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on the traveler's nationality. Furthermore, the entry type for the same is single or multiple, again at the discretion of the visa-issuing authority and depending on the visa regime in force.

Who is Eligible for the VOA to Turkey?

Visa on Arrival is available only to citizens of a few countries. However, most of those entitled to a Visa on Arrival must now obtain an e-Visa in advance. The very selective list of countries entitled to receive a Visa on Arrival encourages most travelers to take advantage of the e-Visa system, which is very convenient and often faster.

Currently, the following citizens are eligible for a Turkey Visa on Arrival:

For most of the travelers, especially from the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, going for an e-Visa online is a better option that a person can have for entering Turkey.

How to Get Turkey Visa on Arrival

If you are eligible to get a Visa on Arrival in Turkey, then it is relatively very easy. Here's how you can get one:

1. Arrive at an Eligible Airport

To apply for a Turkish Visa on Arrival, arrive at one of the designated airports: Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, or Antalya Airport. Once you've arrived, go directly to the Visa on Arrival counter before proceeding to immigration.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Before arriving at the Visa on Arrival counter, ensure you have a valid passport for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and the necessary visa fee in cash (USD, EUR, or Turkish lira).

3. Pay the Visa Fee and Receive Visa

Once you've presented your documents, pay the visa fee in cash at the counter. Your documents will then be verified, and the visa will be stamped into your passport. After that, you can proceed through immigration control and enter Turkey.

Documents Required for a Turkey Visa on Arrival

Although a Visa on Arrival is a smooth process, you have to prepare all the necessary documents so that your processing will not be delayed. Here's what you will need:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay.
• Return/Onward Flight Ticket: Proof of your departure from Turkey before the expiry of the visa.
• Proof of accommodation: hotel reservations, private accommodation contracts, or a letter of invitation from a host in Turkey.
• Proof of adequate funds: This is often not required, but you may be asked to prove you have enough money to look after yourself during your stay in Turkey.
• Visa Fee: The fee is to be paid at the Visa on Arrival counter. Carry cash with you, as card payment facilities might not always be available.

Turkey Visa on Arrival versus E-Visa

The Visa on Arrival, though convenient for some, has many travelers using the e-Visa system, since it is more convenient to apply online before traveling. This is the comparison of both systems:

Applying for an e-Visa in advance is much more convenient for most travelers since this will save them from any delays and long lines at the airport.

Length of Stay and Validity of the Turkish Visa on Arrival

Depending on your nationality, how long you get to stay in the country and what kind of visa (single or multiple entries) you are granted via the Visa on Arrival system varies. The most common lengths of stay include:

• 30 Days: A visa on arrival from many nationalities has a 30 days stay in Turkey; this is often issued as a single entry.
• 90 Days: Others have 90 days within 180 days, usually for multiple entries.

Always verify from authorities or your local consulate to determine the specific conditions under which your nationality obtains a visa.

Fees for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival to Turkey

The fees at the Turkey Visa on Arrival continue with your nationality and the period of stay. Common fees vary depending on your nationality and some other factors. Remember to bring some cash in USD or EUR, as not all visa counters may accept card payments.

Useful Tips for Travelers Using Visa on Arrival

Here are things you should keep in mind when you want to apply for a Turkey Visa on Arrival:

• Carry Cash:Turkey Visa fees at the airport are in cash, so make sure you have enough in either USD, EUR, or Turkish lira.
• Check Eligibility: Visa on Arrival doesn't apply to all nationalities. Check your eligibility for this before traveling by consulting with your country's embassy or consulate or checking the official website.
• E-Visa: If you are eligible, obtain an e-Visa online before arrival; this helps you evade the long and frustrating queues at the airport in your country.
• Have Your Documents Ready: These will help accelerate most processes, such as your passport with its six month's validity, return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation.

Is the Visa on Arrival for Turkey Applicable?

The Turkish Visa on Arrival has its conveniences, especially for some travelers who may not have had time to apply in advance. For most visitors, though-especially those who can get an e-Visa-applying online before arrival will avoid wait times at the airport and make the entry process smoother.

If you are thinking about a visit to Turkey and considering an option such as Visa on Arrival, in most cases, it is worth checking well in advance of travel whether you are eligible and preparing the documents. If planned well, entry into Turkey could be rather smooth and hassle-free, so that you can then enjoy every single moment in this beautiful, culturally rich country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites or the official Turkish e-Visa portal before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in September 2024; thus, some visa rules might change.