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Visa for Turkey from UK: Requirements, Costs, and How To Apply

14 Nov 2022

7 min read

Turkey is a famous tourist destination in Europe, home to the stunning capital city of Istanbul. The country is also rich in history and cuisine, and almost everyone wants to visit this country.

This blog will look at how travelers from the United Kingdom can visit Turkey, including Turkey Visa requirements, costs, and how to apply.


Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Turkey?

No. Fortunately, people from the United Kingdom can enjoy traveling to Turkey without a visa, but only for a limited time which is 90 days maximum.

If you are from the UK, you don’t need a visa for tourism or business purposes.

There is a way to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days which will be discussed as well in this blog.

Turkey seaside

What You Need To Know Before Going To Turkey

What Is The Turkey Visa, And Why Do I Need One?

The Turkey Visa is a travel document that the Turkish government issues. It often comes in the form of an electronic visa. The Turkey Visa allows foreigners to visit Turkey for tourism, business, employment, and other activities.

UK citizens do not need a visa for Turkey. However, there are travel requirements that must be met, such as having certain documents.

Can UK Citizens Apply For A Turkey Visa On Arrival?

No. UK citizens are not eligible to apply for the Turkey Visa on Arrival. Instead, you will need to present certain documents upon arrival at the airport if your trip is only for a maximum of 90 days.

How Long Can I Stay In Turkey?

You can stay in Turkey for 90 days within any 180-day period.

This can be extended by applying for a short-term Residence Permit.

hot air balloons in Turkey

How Can I Stay In Turkey For Longer Than 90 Days?

To stay in Turkey for more than 90 days as a British citizen, you will need to apply for a long-stay Tourist Visa or a Residence Permit.

It is important that you apply for the Resident Permit before the end of the 90 days online through the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration of Turkey.

How Long Is The Residence Permit Valid For?

The Turkey Resident Permit is valid for 1 to 2 years for any foreigner who seeks to stay in Turkey longer than 90 days.

What Is The Turkey Visa Fee?

There is no fee for the Turkey Visa for British Nationals. However, some costs need to be covered when applying for the Turkey Residence Permit.

The Turkey Residence Permit, in place of the Turkey Visa, costs 67,54 GBP

What Is The Processing Time For The Residence Permit?

The processing time for the Turkey Residence Permit is between *1 and 3 months. How long you wait for the permit depends on when you apply, the total number of applicants, and other factors like how busy Turkish authorities are.

What Are The Financial Requirements For Staying In Turkey?

The financial requirements for staying in Turkey are not entirely set in stone and will differ based on how long you will be in Turkey for. Nonetheless, let's highlight the basic financial requirements for staying in Turkey:

  • Daily average costs per person: 21 GBP
  • Weekly costs per person: 144 GBP
  • Monthly costs per person: 616 GBP

Turkey Visa Requirements For British Nationals

Since UK citizens do not need a Turkey Visa to enter Turkey initially, there are no visa requirements that need to be followed.

But you need to meet their requirements to make it past the border and enter Turkey from the UK. Let us take a look at these requirements.


How To Apply For The Turkey Residence Permit

By now, you know that UK passport holders do not require a Turkey Visa when visiting the country for up to 90 days.

Yet I’m sure that there are some of you that would like to travel to Turkey for longer than this, which is why I will now discuss how you can apply for the Residence Permit, which allows you to stay in Turkey for much longer.

The Required Documents For The Residence Permit

Since UK citizens do not need a Turkey Visa to enter Turkey initially, no visa requirements need to be followed.

But their requirements you need to meet in order to make it passed the border and enter Turkey from the UK. Let us take a look at these requirements.

  • A passport with 6 months validity and blank pages available.
  • Proof of income(you must have at least 440 GBP for each month you spend in Turkey).
  • Health insurance
  • Previous residence permit (if applicable)
  • A completed application form
  • Proof of owned property in Turkey (if applicable)
  • Between 2-4 passport-sized photos of yourself
  • A declaration stating that you have the resources to stay in Turkey long-term

Atlys is here to also help you with your documents.

How To Apply For Residence Permit

Once you have gathered your documents, you can apply for the Turkey Residence Permit for UK citizens.

Step 1: Arrive In Turkey

You will not be able to apply for the Residence Permit prior to your trip or online. Therefore you will need to do it in person.

Once you arrive in Turkey, you have a month to apply for the permit.

You cannot apply for the permit after 90 days of your arrival.

Step 2: Make Your Application

You will need to head over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration either in person or online.

Turkey residence permit application

Once you have entered the website, select the options to start a new application. Next, you will need to fill in your personal details, including your parent's details, your passport information, and communication details.

Turkey residence permit application form

Once you start your application, you have 30 days to complete it and submit it; otherwise, it will be erased from the system.

Step 3: Attend An Appointment In Turkey

Next, you will be required to go to the “Central Appointment System” website, where you will need to make an appointment at the nearest Directorate General of Migration Management office.

You will also need to complete another form there, which will ask for your address in Turkey and personal details.

At the appointment, you will need to pay the fee for the Resident Permit with a working credit card or with whatever available payment methods are available at the appointment.

Before you attend your appointment, you will receive a list of documents you need to bring with you, plus the date and times of your appointment. So make sure you are early for it.

Step 4: Receive Your Permit

It will take anywhere between 1 and 3 months to receive your Turkey Residence Permit, but once you do, you are free to stay in Turkey for up to 2 years.


What Can I Expect When I Arrive In Turkey?

The first thing you can expect when arriving in Turkey is to provide your documents, such as your passport, to the authorities at Immigration, where you will also receive a stamp. Once you have been cleared, you will be free to enter Turkey.


What Can I Do While In Turkey?

Turkey is very much a versatile country and therefore there is lots to do; you will find something in Turkey for everyone and anyone.

If you are outdoorsy, you can go sightseeing, gazing at the landscape from a hot air balloon, visit the travertines in Pamukkale also known as the Cotton Castle in English, or you can just explore Turkey's natural wonders.

There is also lots of art, history and culture to immerse yourself in whether is visiting mosques, museums, or looking at the country's unique architecture.


Happy Travels!

We have covered the basics about the Turkey Visa, including what you need to travel to Turkey as a UK citizen. You're now ready to have an amazing trip, especially after reading this blog.

Also, check out the FAQ section below for more questions you may have!

Scenery in Turkey
Written By: Vida Owusu

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Countries Do Not Need A Visa For Turkey?

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

Which Countries Need A Visa For Turkey?

Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bermuda, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Jamaica Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Vietnam, and Yemen.

What Are The Types Of Visas For Turkey?

There are different kinds of visas that the Turkish Embassy avails to foreigners. The type of visa you apply for depends on your nationality and the purpose of your travel.

  • Turkey e-Visa or Entry Visa
  • Transit Visa
  • Tourist Visa
  • Work Visa
  • Student Visa
  • Film Visa
  • Business Visa
Is Turkey Safe?

Yes. Turkey is a relatively safe country to visit, but it is always best to practice caution and have common sense as you would in any other country. It's best that you follow rules like not traveling at night especially alone or to secluded areas,

The border between Turkey and Syria is restricted for traveling.

What Are The COVID-19 Requirements For Turkey?

All travel restrictions in Turkey have been lifted. There is no need for travelers to present proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results.

Yet, this is subject to change so it's always a good idea to keep up to date with the latest information

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