Last updated: January 2025
In recent years, Turkey has been recognized as one of the most visited countries for medical treatment due to its high-class modern medical facilities and reasonable prices. Every year, thousands of patients from other countries visit Turkey for various medical needs, from simple cosmetic surgeries to more complicated, complex treatments. If you plan to travel for health purposes to Turkey, you may be asked to obtain a Turkish Visa. Here, you will be provided with an overview of the application process, requirements, and some tips useful with regard to a Turkish Medical Visa.
The Turkish Medical Visa is a class of short-stay visa, representing an entry into Turkey by foreign nationals for medical treatment or healthcare purposes. This visa will grant you admission to Turkey for cosmetic surgery, dental care, organ transplants, or other specialized medical procedures. As such, this visa can be availed of on trips aimed at cosmetic surgery, dental care, organ transplants, and other specialized medical procedures.
Not all visitors require a medical visa for Turkish treatment. Visitors from some countries could enter without a visa for up to 90 days, such as Japan, Germany, France, and South Korea, for any purpose, including medical visits. The US, Canadian, Australian, and some EU country citizens would be able to get an e-visa for medical visits in Turkey. This involves a medical visa application at the relevant Embassy or Consulate in countries like India, Pakistan, and several countries of Africa.
First, check whether you need a medical visa to visit Turkey for treatment. Visitors from most nationalities are exempt from the visa formalities in Turkey, including visits for medical treatment. The e-visa is available for some nationalities. On the other hand, some countries such as India, Pakistan, and a few African countries need to apply for a medical visa.
The process further depends on your nationality, whether applying through the facility of an e-Visa or by approaching the embassy/consulate in person.
To begin your e-visa application, visit the official e-visa website and check if your nationality is eligible for this visa type.
After verifying your eligibility, fill out the online Turkey visa application form with your personal details and specify "medical treatment" as your purpose of visit. Then, pay the processing fee using a credit or debit card.
Once you've completed the application and payment, you'll receive your e-visa via email. Download and print a copy. Remember to present this e-visa along with your treatment information when you arrive in Turkey.
For other nationals whose countries fall into the category of a consular visa, the following will describe the procedure:
Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate to book an appointment to attend an interview for your medical visa application.
Download or access the relevant form from the consulate website or the office for your type of visa and get it completed.
Subsequently, submit your documents, which will be detailed below, along with all other documents required at the consulate or the embassy.
Some applicants are also required to attend a visa interview to explain the purpose of their visit.
It usually takes 5-15 business days, though the time does vary on the consulate and other factors.
The documentation required for a medical visa for Turkey is basic; however, it is very crucial to have all types of documents ready to avoid any inconvenience during the time of application. Typically, the following documents are required:
Requirement |
Details |
Valid Passport |
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Turkey. |
Completed Visa Application Form |
Submit the form online or at the consulate. |
Passport-Sized Photos |
Recent, colored passport photos according to visa requirements. |
Medical Invitation Letter |
A letter from a Turkish healthcare provider detailing the treatment sought, expected duration, and scheduled appointments. |
Medical Treatment Documentation |
Documents from a medical professional outlining the treatment plan, diagnosis, and any relevant medical reports. |
Accommodation Documentation |
Confirmation of your hotel reservation or accommodation near the treatment facility. |
Travel Arrangements |
Proof of round-trip flight bookings or travel plans. |
Proof of Financial Means |
Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating your ability to cover medical expenses and your stay in Turkey. |
Travel Insurance |
Health insurance covering medical treatment and travel disruptions (optional but recommended). |
Other Documents |
Additional documents may be required depending on nationality and specific medical needs. |
Costs of a medical visa to Turkey vary, depending on your country of citizenship and how you apply. While generally, Turkey E-Visa fees differ based on nationality, consular visa fees may further differ in nationality and single/multiple entry type. It would be best to check first with the consulate in your country for the most accurate fee and current before making an application.
The international patients prefer the following treatments at internationally accredited hospitals and clinics in Turkey, offering a variety of medical treatments. A few are as follows:
Treatment Type |
Details |
Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery |
Hair transplantation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, face lifting. |
Dental Treatments |
Dental implants, veneers, and other cosmetic dental treatments. |
Eye Surgery |
LASIK and other vision correction surgeries. |
Orthopedic Surgery |
Knee and hip replacement surgeries. |
Cancer Treatment |
Advanced cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. |
Organ Transplants |
Renowned for liver and kidney transplants. |
Fertility Treatments |
IVF and other fertility-related treatments. |
Documentation Required |
Each treatment requires specific documentation and a treatment plan from the Turkish medical provider for the visa application. |
Ordinarily, this Turkish Medical Visa is issued with a validity of up to 90 days in a period of 180 days. If your treatment requires you to stay longer than that, you may apply for a visa extension or residence permit on medical grounds.
Validity: For the most part, visas on medical grounds are single-entry; depending on the nature of treatment and nationality, some cases allow multiple entries into Turkey.
Here are some tips to help to help during your medical trip to Turkey:
A Turkish medical visa offers affordable, high-quality healthcare with a simple application process. It's a great choice for international patients seeking various treatments in top-notch facilities. By ensuring you meet all visa requirements, you can minimize stress and focus on your recovery. Turkey is renowned for its world-class healthcare services, making it a popular destination for medical tourism.
Citizens of specific countries, such as India, Pakistan, and some African nations, are required to apply for the medical visa in order to enter the country for treatment, while others may be eligible for an e-Visa. This depends on updated information based on your nationality.
You can apply online for an e-Visa or through a Consulate in your country, depending on your eligibility. The application process consists of the submission of required documents with the payment of the applicable fee.
The time one is allowed to stay under a medical visa varies, with the specific type of visa issued to you and your nationality. Generally, they can be 30 to 90 days, and they can be extended under special circumstances.
Yes, in certain circumstances, you may be able to apply for an extension from Turkish immigration authorities in case you may need an extended period of time for your treatment. This will, however, be discreetly approved.
No, the fee for both e-Visa and consular visas is nonrefundable, even in the case of a denial or if the applicant decides to cancel their trip.
Yes, you can bring one companion, but they will have to apply for a separate visa unless they are exempted from paying visa fees or entitled to an e-Visa.
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 January 2025; thus, some visa rules might change.
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