Istanbul is a magical city, and we believe that visiting Istanbul has been on your bucket list for so long! Understanding the visa rules at first seems like a difficult chore while planning a trip to Istanbul; but, you need not worry as we are here to assist you in simplifying the procedure! The process is really far simpler than you might think.
Our aim is to give you the most current and official information available to help you understand exactly what you need to visit Turkey free of stress or worry. Your trip starts with getting the correct visa, whether your dreams are of seeing ancient sites, enjoying stunning views of the Bosphorus, or savoring great Turkish food. We will support you all the way, let's begin!
General Information About the Visa Requirements to Visit Istanbul in 2025
It is absolutely vital to have a complete knowledge of the visa requirements required to enter Turkey before you start packing your luggage and heading to the magical city of Istanbul. Fortunately, the Turkish government has especially for visitors streamlined the process. Whether your journey is short or long, this article will provide you all the information you need to make sure your papers are in order.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Turkey?
Your nationality is one of the criteria for getting a visa. While some travelers might have to apply for an electronic visa or get a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate, others can enter Turkey without a visa. here is a complete list of the nations whose citizens can enter Turkey with only their National ID Cards instead of a passport.
Countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Türkiye with their national ID’s
- Germany (can enter with Passports or IDs expired within the last year)
- Belgium (can enter with Passports expired within the last 5 years)
- France (can enter with Passports expired within the last 5 years)
- Georgia
- The Netherlands
- Spain (can enter with Passports expired within the last 5 years)
- Switzerland (can enter with Passports expired within the last 5 years)
- Italy
- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg (can enter with Passports expired within the last 5 years)
- Malta
- Portugal
- Ukraine
- Greece
- Poland
- Bulgaria
- Hungary
- Moldova
- Azerbaijan
- Romania
What is an Electronic Visa, And Who Qualifies to Get One?
Travelers who qualify can apply for a tourist or business visa electronically using the Electronic Visa (e-Visa) system from anywhere and at any time they have internet access. Usually, the process is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to complete.
A digital travel permission, the Electronic Visa (e-Visa) lets qualified tourists or business travelers enter Türkiye without visiting a Turkish embassy or consulate. For those who wish to save time and manage all online, it's a really practical choice. Applying for it is simple via the official website www.evisa.gov.tr; there you'll complete a short form with your passport and trip information and securely pay the visa charge using credit or debit card.
Usually, your e-Visa is sent directly to your email within minutes. Though it's always advisable to verify your country's status on the official website before you visit, citizens of numerous nations qualify for the e-Visa. Your good to go if your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
The Length of Stay and the Visa's Validity
Most tourist e-Visas are valid for up to 90 days; but, the validity duration differs depending on the traveler's nationality within 180 days. Always verify the exact requirements relevant to your local country.
Significant Comments on Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the day you land in Turkey. It should also be valid for sixty days beyond the duration of your visa or stay in particular situations.
Countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Türkiye with their expired passports
- Germany – Passports expired within the last year / ID’s expired within the last year
- Belgium - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- France - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Spain - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Switzerland - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Luxemburg - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
- Portugal - Passports expired within the last 5 years.
Travelers for Other Purposes
If your visit is for any purpose other than vacation or business—including job, study, or any other reason—you must apply for the requisite visa via a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Some Rules Just for Diplomatic or Official Passports
People with diplomatic, service, or government passports could find odd visa rules; in some situations, they might not even need a visa.
Tips to Simplify Visa Application Procedure Go More Easily
Though it may seem like a major task, applying for a visa is really relatively easy with little planning, especially with Turkey's user-friendly computerized visa system. Here are some useful tips to simplify the whole process even more: