The Turkey visa on arrival (VOA) is a type of short-stay visa that can be obtained by eligible travelers at designated ports of entry to Turkey. However, it is important to note that not all travelers are eligible for this visa, and most visitors are required to obtain a visa in advance.
To apply for a Turkey visa on arrival, travelers must queue up, fill out the necessary paperwork, and pay the visa fee at the airport upon arrival. It is worth noting that this process can be time-consuming and may lead to long waiting times, especially during peak travel seasons.
In order to save time and hassle, it is generally recommended that travelers obtain a Turkey e-Visa before their arrival. This electronic visa can be obtained online by submitting an application and paying the relevant fee. The e-Visa is typically processed within a few days and can be used for multiple entries within its validity period.
The Turkey visa on arrival is available for certain eligible travelers, but most visitors must obtain a visa in advance or opt for the more convenient e-Visa option.
Can I Get a Turkish Visa On Arrival?
While it is possible for some passengers to obtain a visa on arrival for Turkey, it is advisable to apply for a visa in advance whenever possible. To be eligible for the Turkish visa on arrival, you must meet certain criteria, including possessing a passport issued by an eligible country, traveling for tourism or business, and undertaking a short-term visit (the maximum length of stay varies depending on your nationality).
However, it is worth noting that there are some disadvantages to applying for the visa on arrival. For instance, it can take longer to clear immigration, which can be frustrating if you are eager to begin your trip.
On the other hand, applying for the online e-Visa is much simpler and quicker, and it eliminates the need to wait in line at border control to apply for a Turkish visa on arrival. This is highly recommended for those who want to save time and streamline their travel experience.
Nationalities That Can Get a Turkish Visa On Arrival
Several nationalities can obtain a Turkish visa on arrival. These include:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bermuda
- Canada
- Croatia
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Greek Cypriot
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Hong Kong
- Jamaica
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Oman
- Portugal
- Saint Lucia
- S.V. and the Grenadines
- Spain
- United States
In addition to the Turkish visa on arrival, all of the nationalities mentioned in the previous section are also eligible for the Turkey e-Visa. This convenient option can be obtained in advance and entirely online, making it an attractive choice for travelers who want to save time and hassle.
However, it's worth noting that citizens of North Korea have slightly different eligibility criteria for obtaining a visa on arrival. They can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days if they also hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by Schengen area countries, Ireland, or the United Kingdom. If they do not hold such documentation, they will need to apply for a visa in advance. It's always a good idea to double-check visa requirements and eligibility criteria before making travel plans to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
How to Apply for a Turkish Visa On Arrival
If you are eligible for a Turkish visa on arrival, you can apply for it upon arrival at any of the designated entry points in Turkey. Here is the step-by-step process for applying for a Turkish visa on arrival:
- Locate the designated visa on arrival area at the airport or border crossing where you will be entering Turkey.
- Complete the visa application form that will be provided to you upon arrival. You will need to fill out basic personal information, including your name, passport details, and purpose of visit.
- Pay the visa fee. The fee may vary depending on your nationality, so be sure to check the latest visa fees before your trip. The fee can be paid in cash or by credit card.
- Wait for the visa to be processed. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the volume of passengers and the efficiency of the immigration officials.
- Once your visa is processed, you will receive a stamp in your passport indicating the length of your stay in Turkey.
It's important to note that applying for a visa on arrival can take longer than applying for an e-Visa in advance. If you have the option, it's recommended to apply for an e-Visa instead, as it can save you time and minimize the risk of complications or delays.
Required Documents for Turkish Visa On Arrival
If you are eligible for a Turkish visa on arrival, you will need to have the following documents with you in order to apply:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey
- A return ticket or onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Turkish host
- Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Turkey, such as cash, credit card, or traveler's checks
- It's important to note that the required documents may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. For example, if you are traveling to Turkey for business purposes, you may need to provide additional documents such as a letter from your employer or a copy of your business license.
It's always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements and necessary documents before your trip to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Fees for Turkish Visa On Arrival
The fees for a Turkish visa on arrival vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. Here are some general guidelines:
- For visits up to 90 days, the visa fee for most nationalities is 35 USD or the equivalent in local currency.
- For visits up to 30 days, the visa fee for citizens of some countries is waived, while for others, it may be lower or higher than the standard fee.
- For visits longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a different type of visa in advance.
It's important to note that visa fees may change without notice, so it's always a good idea to check the latest fees before your trip. Additionally, payment can be made in cash or by credit card, but it's recommended to have local currency on hand to avoid any complications.
Duration and Validity of Turkish Visa On Arrival
The duration and validity of a Turkish visa on arrival depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here are some general guidelines:
- For most nationalities, a Turkish visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days, but you cannot exceed a total of 90 days within a period of 180 days.
- For citizens of some countries, the visa on arrival may be valid for up to 30 days, with the option to extend it for an additional 30 days upon application.
- The visa on arrival is usually a single-entry visa, which means that you can enter Turkey only once during the validity period of your visa.
It's important to note that the maximum duration and validity of your visa may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. It's always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements before your trip to ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free journey. Additionally, if you need to stay in Turkey for a longer period or make multiple trips, you may need to apply for a different type of visa in advance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Turkish Visa On Arrival
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of getting a Turkish visa on arrival:
Advantages:
- Convenience: If you are eligible for a Turkish visa on arrival, it can be a convenient option, as you don't need to apply for a visa in advance.
- Quick processing: The processing time for a Turkish visa on arrival is usually shorter than for a traditional visa application.
- Flexibility: The visa on arrival allows for short-term stays of up to 90 days (depending on nationality), which can be helpful for those who are not sure of their exact travel plans.
Disadvantages:
- Uncertainty: While you may be eligible for a Turkish visa on arrival, there is no guarantee that you will be granted one. If you are denied entry, you will need to return to your home country at your own expense.
- Waiting times: Depending on the time of day and the number of passengers, waiting times to obtain a visa on arrival can be long, which can be frustrating for travelers.
- Higher fees: The fees for a Turkish visa on arrival are usually higher than for an e-visa obtained online in advance.
- Single-entry only: A Turkish visa on arrival is usually a single-entry visa, which means that if you leave Turkey during the validity period of your visa, you will need to obtain a new visa to re-enter.
Overall, while a Turkish visa on arrival can be a convenient option for some travelers, it's always a good idea to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and consider other visa options as well.
Advantages of Getting the e-Visa Instead of the Visa On Arrival for Turkey
Here are some advantages of getting an e-Visa instead of a visa on arrival for Turkey:
- Convenience: The e-Visa can be obtained completely online, which means you don't have to spend time waiting in line at the airport to apply for a visa on arrival.
- Speed: The processing time for an e-Visa is usually much quicker than for a visa on arrival, which means you can get your visa approved and start your trip without any delays.
- Cost: The fees for an e-Visa are generally lower than for a visa on arrival, and you can pay using a credit or debit card, which can be more convenient than carrying cash.
- Multiple entry: An e-Visa is usually valid for multiple entries within a specific period, which means you can enter and exit Turkey as many times as you like within the validity period of your visa.
- Flexibility: The e-Visa allows for short-term stays of up to 90 days (depending on nationality), which can be helpful for those who are not sure of their exact travel plans.
- Peace of mind: With an e-Visa, you can have peace of mind knowing that your visa has been approved before you arrive in Turkey, and you won't be denied entry at the airport.
Overall, the e-Visa can be a more convenient, faster, and cost-effective option for obtaining a Turkish visa compared to the visa on arrival. However, it's important to note that the e-Visa is not available for all nationalities, and the application process may require additional supporting documents. It's always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements before your trip to ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Turkey Ports of Entry for Visa On Arrival
If you are eligible for a Turkish visa on arrival, you can obtain the visa at the following ports of entry:
- Istanbul Ataturk Airport
- Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport
- Ankara Esenboga Airport
- Antalya Airport
- Bodrum - Milas Airport
- Dalaman Airport
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Some FAQs About Turkish e-Visas:
A Turkish Visa On Arrival is a type of visa that can be obtained by eligible foreign nationals upon their arrival in Turkey.
Nationals of certain countries, including but not limited to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most EU countries, are eligible for a Turkish Visa On Arrival.
The maximum length of stay with a Turkish Visa On Arrival depends on your nationality and can range from 30 to 90 days.
Some advantages of getting a Turkish Visa On Arrival include the ability to obtain the visa quickly and easily upon arrival, and not having to go through the lengthy e-Visa application process.
Some disadvantages of getting a Turkish Visa On Arrival include the possibility of longer waiting times at the airport, the requirement to pay in cash, and the risk of being denied entry if your documents are not in order.
No, if you are not eligible for a Turkish Visa On Arrival, you will need to obtain a visa in advance through the e-Visa system or the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
In most cases, it is not possible to extend your stay with a Turkish Visa On Arrival. If you wish to stay longer in Turkey, you will need to obtain a different type of visa or leave the country and re-enter with a new visa.
Yes, a Turkish Visa On Arrival can be used for both tourism and business purposes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. However, if you are planning to conduct business activities in Turkey, it's recommended to obtain a business visa in advance.