How To Get A Turkish Visa
Ever since 2013, when Turkey decided to replace their sticker visas issued at border crossing with electronic visas, there has been much confusion over the process. Yes, technically you can still obtain a visa at the border, but I would highly recommend you get your electronic visa before you go. The Turkey e-Visa website instructions are not exactly straightforward, so here is a step by step guide to walk you through the process.
1. Head to www.evisa.gov.tr - you should see the website pictured top.
2. Click on the Apply Now button.
3. The biggest confusion seems to be with the Country/Region box. This is the country or region that you come from—the country that issued your passport. Many people think they should chose Turkey here as that is the country they want to visit but that is not correct. So if you hold an American passport, choose U.S.A.
4. Enter the date you plan to arrive in Turkey. Note that you do not actually have to be in Turkey on that exact date—your visa will be valid for 180 days from the date you specify. You will receive a multiple entry visa, meaning you can come and go to Turkey as many times as you like within that 180 day period. You will be allowed to remain within Turkey for 90 days at a time before you need to leave or apply for residency. This information is for U.S. citizens—details may vary according to your country of origin.
5. Fill out all your personal information. If you are traveling with your family, you can add up to 10 family members by clicking on the "Add a New Person" button at the bottom of the page.
6. Once you click "Save and Continue", you will be asked to verify that all the information is correct. If you are happy with the information you entered, click "Verify" and an email with be sent to the address you entered.
7. You must respond to this email within 1 hour or your visa application will be cancelled. Click on the link in the email, and you will be taken to the payment screen.
8. Fill out all your payment information, then you will be sent a confirmation email with a link to download your e-Visa. The visa comes in PDF form so can be printed or saved on your computer to print later. Be sure to print out the e-Visa before you go and make sure you have it with you when you reach the border. The immigration officer will need to scan the barcode.
