Turkey Visa: Visa Types and How to Apply 2025

Almosafer
May 14
6 min read

Updated: May 15

Planning a trip to Turkey in 2025? Whether you dream of wandering through Istanbul’s bazaars or relaxing along the Turquoise Coast, understanding how to secure your Turkey visa is your essential first step.

Thanks to digital innovation, the Turkish visa online process has become faster and more accessible than ever. However, there are multiple types of visas, and your path will depend on your nationality, travel purpose, and length of stay. This guide will help you make informed decisions, whether applying via an agency or through the official Turkey e-visa portal.

Types Of Turkey Visas Explained For Tourists & Travellers

Turkey offers several types of visas depending on your travel intent:

1. Tourist Visa: This is the most commonly issued visa for travellers visiting Turkey for leisure, holidays, or to see friends and family.

Validity: Usually allows a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days (depends on nationality).
How to Apply: Available as an e-Visa for eligible countries or as a sticker visa through Turkish embassies/consulates.
Conditions:
- No paid work is allowed.
- You must show proof of hotel bookings, return tickets, and financial means.

Ideal for: Sightseeing, cultural trips, short-term personal visits.

2. Business Visa: Designed for foreign nationals travelling to Turkey for professional purposes.

Purpose: Attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, market visits, or exploring business opportunities.
Validity: Generally short-term, similar to a tourist visa (up to 90 days).
Documents Required:
- Invitation letter from the Turkish business partner or event organiser
- Company documents from both the home and Turkish companies
- Evidence of commercial activities or intent

Restrictions: Not valid for employment or managing a business entity in Turkey.

3. Transit Visa:

A visa for travellers who are passing through Turkey en route to another country.

Who Needs It:
- Most travellers do not need a transit visa if they stay within the international transit zone and leave within 24 hours.
- Required only if exiting the airport or for layovers longer than 24 hours.
- Check with your airline or consulate whether your transit stay requires exiting the airport. Many travellers don’t need a visa even for longer layovers if they remain in transit zones.

Eligibility: Depends on nationality—some may be visa-exempt even for transits.

Advice: Always check with your airline or Turkish consulate if in doubt.

4. Student Visa: Issued to foreign students planning to study at a Turkish university or educational institution.

Duration: Long-term visa—granted for the duration of the academic programme.

Documents Required:
- Letter of acceptance from a Turkish university
- Valid passport and photos
- Proof of accommodation in Turkey
- Financial evidence or scholarship documents

Additional Requirement: You must register with the local immigration authority in Turkey within 30 days of arrival to obtain a residence permit.

5. Work Visa: For foreign nationals who intend to work legally in Turkey.

Issued to: Professionals, skilled workers, expatriates, and foreign hires.
Application Process:
- Begins with an employment offer from a Turkish company
- The employer must apply to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security, while the applicant submits a parallel application to the Turkish embassy

Documents Include:
- Work contract, passport, employer letter, and proof of qualifications
- After approval, the applicant must apply for a residence and work permit
  
  Note: Strictly regulated, and working without this visa is illegal.

6. Turkey e-Visa:

A convenient electronic visa system is available to passport holders from select countries.

Application: Online at evisa.gov.tr
Processing Time: Typically under 24 hours

Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Schengen, or Ireland (for conditionally eligible countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan)
- Payment via credit/debit card

Validity: Usually for 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality
Tip: Always double-check eligibility before applying, as rules can change.

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Eligibility & Required Documents

To qualify for a Turkey visa, your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of your intended stay. Other eligibility requirements depend on the type of visa and your nationality.

Basic Documents (Tourist & e-Visa):

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Passport-sized photograph
Flight and hotel bookings
Proof of funds (bank statement or payslips)
Travel insurance (recommended)

Some nationalities are only eligible for an e-Visa if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Schengen area, or Ireland. For example, Indian, Pakistani, and Afghan passport holders must meet this requirement to qualify for a Turkey e-visa.

Always check the official (e-Visa.eligibility.list) before applying.

Know more about:

Saudi Arabia passport visa-free countries

How To Apply For A Turkey Visa 2025: Online Or Through An Agency

There are two main ways to apply:

1. Online Application (Turkey e-Visa)

The easiest route for eligible nationalities. Visit the official.Turkish.e-Visa.portal and follow these steps:

Fill in personal and travel details
Upload documents (if required)
Pay the fee
Download the visa (usually issued within 24 hours)

Example: If you're from Saudi Arabia with a valid UK visa, you can get the Turkey e-visa in under 10 minutes.

2. Through a Travel Agency

Recommended if you're not eligible for the e-Visa or need assistance. The agency typically:

Submit your turkey visa application
Helps with documentation
Charges a service fee in addition to the visa cost

Also Read:

Canadian Visitor Visa for Saudi Citizens: Full Guide

Turkey Visa Fees & Processing Time: e-Visa Vs Agency Comparison

Embassy visa costs and timelines vary significantly depending on your nationality and local Turkish consulate capacity. Sometimes, appointments must be scheduled 3 to 6 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Always consult your nearest embassy for updated timelines and requirements.

Visa Route	Cost Range (USD)	Processing Time	Extra Fees
Turkey e-Visa	$50–$80	1–2 days	No
Through Agency	$90–$150	2–7 working days	Yes
Embassy/Consulate	Varies	7–15 working days	Sometimes

Note: Costs may fluctuate depending on nationality. Always check official sources or trusted agencies.

Common Reasons Why Your Turkey Visa Application Might Be Rejected

Understanding the pitfalls can help avoid unnecessary delays:

Mismatched or fake documents (e.g., fake hotel bookings)
Passport validity is less than six months
Incomplete forms
Lack of travel insurance or financial proof
Previous overstays or visa violations

Tip: Always double-check the spelling of names, passport numbers, and travel dates when applying.

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Tips To Ensure Your Turkey Tourist Visa Gets Approved

Apply at least 2–3 weeks in advance of your travel date
Use the official e-Visa portal whenever possible.
Ensure flight & hotel bookings match your travel dates
Keep backup copies of your application and visa email.

If you're applying via an agency, choose one with good reviews and transparent pricing.

Who Can Enter Turkey Without A Visa? Visa-Free Entry Explained

Citizens from over 70 countries can enter Turkey visa-free for tourism or short business visits.

Examples include:

UK (up to 90 days)
Germany
Japan
South Korea

Check the official Turkish MFA site for an updated list relevant to your nationality.

FAQS About How To Get A Turkey Visa In 2025

How to apply for a Turkey visa?

Visit the official e-Visa website if you're eligible. If not, apply via a Turkish embassy or a trusted agency. You'll need a passport, travel itinerary, and proof of funds. The process is fast, especially for Turkey e-visas.

How to get a Turkey visa from Saudi Arabia?

Saudi nationals can apply for an e-Visa if they have a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen, the UK, the USA, or Ireland. Otherwise, they need to apply via the Turkish embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah. Documents include a valid passport, bookings, and financial proof.

What is the cost of a Turkey visa?

The Turkey e-visa cost ranges between $50 to $80, depending on nationality. Agency-assisted visas cost more due to service fees. Embassy visas may vary.

Is flight and hotel booking required for a Turkey visa?

Yes, confirmed flight and hotel bookings are usually required for both e-Visa and sticker visa applications. Refundable bookings are safer in case your travel plans change.

Can I apply for a Turkish visa online?

Yes, if you're from an eligible country. Visit evisa.gov.tr to complete your Turkish visa online application in just a few steps.

Final Thoughts

Securing a Turkey visa in 2025 is straightforward if you follow the right steps and prepare your documents well. Whether you’re jetting off from Saudi Arabia or anywhere else, this guide ensures you’re one step closer to that Turkish adventure.

If you’re eligible for the Turkey e-visa, the process can be done in under an hour, making your holiday planning that much easier.

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