Planning trips might not be the same as it once was. As of August 2021, most countries started to reopen their borders and ease border restrictions for tourists. This also includes Turkey, and you will need to apply for a Turkey Visa to visit this country from the US.
In this blog, we'll discuss everything you need to know before you travel to Turkey as a US citizen, including Turkey eVisa costs, requirements, and how to complete the Turkey Visa application form.
How To Get A Turkey eVisa With Atlys
You can now get a Turkey eVisa in under 10 minutes with the Atlys app. With Atlys, you can apply now without worrying about the application process.
All you need to do is download the app, enter your travel details, and let Atlys do the rest. Applying for a Turkey eVisa can't get any easier.
What You Need To Know About the Turkey eVisa
Before we get to the Turkey Visa requirements for the eVisa and how to apply, you must know some specific things about the visa and travel to Turkey.
What Is A Turkey eVisa?
The Turkey eVisa, or electronic visa, is the digital version of the usual travel visa that allows you to enter Turkey. If you can't print the approved e-Visa, the officers at the port of entry accept downloaded eVisa confirmation through your phone, laptop, or tablet.
A Turkey eVisa holder is eligible to stay up to 30 days for a total of 90 days, depending on your nationality. It's worth mentioning that the stay validity period may depend on the country you're from. Citizens from eligible countries can apply for a multiple-entry eVisa.
This new system made visa processing for business and tourism travel to Turkey effortlessly and cost-effective as long as you complete your application.
Is The Turkey Tourist Visa The Same As The eVisa?
The only difference between the two is how you apply for the visa. If you apply for the Turkey Tourist Visa, you must apply at a Turkish Embassy. However, if you apply for the Turkey eVisa, you can apply online.
One thing these visas have in common is that the Tourist Visa is for tourism purposes, and the eVisa can also be for tourism purposes.
How Much Does A Turkey eVisa Cost?
The Turkey eVisa cost depends on your nationality. Once you put your arrival date - you'll be able to see the duration of your visa, the type (single entry or multiple entry), and the cost.
The fees vary based on your nationality and type of travel document. For example, Americans have to pay a $50 fee, but Chinese nationals have to pay $60. The fees hover around $50. Turkey does not process refunds, so if your trip gets canceled, this is a sunk cost. We recommend getting a Turkey e-visa a day before your trip.
When paying for your online eVisa, you can use your debit card, credit card, or any of the methods seen above.
What Is The Processing Time For The Turkey eVisa?
Another big benefit of the Turkey eVisa is its short processing time. After completing the online application, you'll receive a confirmation email within a few hours.
Note that during the online application process, you'll be able to decide how urgently you need your visa. However, remember that you'll need to pay an extra fee for more urgent applications.
- For Standard Processing: the visa application is processed within 24 hours.
- For Urgent Processing: the visa application is processed within 1 to 4 hours.
- For Super Fast Processing: the visa application will be processed within 30 minutes.
How Long Is The Turkey eVisa Valid For?
The Turkey Tourist Visa is valid for 180 days, or 6 months, from the date you arrive in Turkey. Therefore, you can stay in Turkey for 90 days while on this visa.
How Can I Make A Family Application?
Normally, making visa applications for family members would require you to add your family members individually. But suppose you apply via Atlys. In that case, the process will go much smoother, and you can simply add a family member to your application instead of continuously starting the application process from scratch.
The 90-Day Turkey eVisa Rule
If the duration of a 90-day-stay on your eVisa expires within 180 days of your first entry date, you can reapply for an e-visa 180 days later, starting from the first entry date. Likewise, if you spent some part of the duration of a 90-day-stay on a multiple-entry e-visa within 180 days as of your first entry date and the rest expired after 180 days elapsed as of the first entry date, it is possible to reapply for an e-visa.
The important thing to remember is that you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days every 180 days starting from the first entry date. If you overstay your visa, you might be asked to pay fines, be deported, or be banned from future travel to Turkey for a specific time.
What Should I Do If I Cannot Pay My Visa Fee?
Unfortunately, there have been some complaints about people being unable to pay their Turkey eVisa fee. People seem to get an error message whenever they try to pay for their visas.
Some things you can do to overcome this issue are:
- Apply through Atlys: If you apply through this app, you won't have any issues with the visa payment. In addition, Atlys takes different payment methods, which means you don't have to pay with just a credit or debit card.
- Call your bank: Suppose you got past the error, but the portal declined your charge; then you need to contact your bank. It's possible that your bank declined it because it's a foreign charge.
- Check your internet connection: If you don't have a good internet connection, it could cause problems on the portal, which can cause payment issues.
There are more solutions to this problem. If you'd like to find out more, you can read our blog dedicated to the Turkey eVisa payment problems.
Can I Extend My Turkey E-Visa?
Yes, you can. If you wish to stay in Turkey longer than your eVisa allows, you can apply for a visa extension.
You can do this by going to the nearest Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. You'll need to submit certain documents and pay a visa fee to extend your stay in Turkey.
What Are The Requirements For The Turkey Visa?
Before starting your application, ensure you meet the criteria to be eligible for a Turkey eVisa. Next, you'll find the basic Turkey Visa requirements:
You Need A Valid Passport
The passport used should be at least 6 months, counting from the day you intend to visit Turkey. Particular countries can visit Turkey with their national identity card with them. However, other countries must have supporting documents like visas and residence permits from Schengen, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Your Purpose Of Travel Must Be Business Or Tourism
You must explain that your purpose of travel is for tourism, trade, or business purposes. Certain nationalities must have a round-trip ticket, hotel reservation, and financial means (their monthly salary or at least $50/day). In addition, the traveler must declare that they do not intend to enter Turkey for employment or study purposes.
Your Nationality Must Be Eligible For An eVisa
If you're from the US, you can apply for an eVisa. To see if your country of nationality is eligible for the eVisa, check out the FAQ section of the post. For everyone else, the only other option is to get a Turkey visa stamp through the local Turkish consulate or embassy.
You Must Have A Credit Or Debit Card
You will need to have a working credit card or debit card to pay the visa fee online. Unfortunately, no other payment options are available when making an online visa application.
You Must Have A Valid Email Address
You must have a working email address because you will receive notifications and updates on your Turkey Visa application form. Since this is an electronic visa, you will receive it via email.
How Do I Apply For A Turkey eVisa?
There are two ways you can apply for your Turkey eVisa. The first option is through Turkey's official website, and the second is to use Atlys. Let's look at both options:
Apply Through Atlys
At the beginning of this post, I mentioned the Atlys app. But I don't think you understand just how easy it is.
All you need to do is provide your passport details, travel date, the country you're traveling to, and your address in Turkey. Then, you need to upload your documents like your passport, passport photo, and your flight ticket.
The best part is that Atlys has free hotel itinerary, flight itinerary, that generates free itinerary, and visa photo tools that'll turn any photo into a passport photo.
Lastly, you just pay your visa fee and submit your application. Atlys even safes your information the next time you apply, making the next application even faster.
Apply Online
The Turkey Tourist Visa application process is split into 4 steps.
Step 1: Application Creation
As soon as you start a new online application, you'll need to complete the Turkey eVisa application form. Provide the name of your country and the type of travel document. Select your travel document as 'Ordinary Passport' because you are visiting Turkey for tourism purposes. The country is your nationality, not where you live.
For instance, a Chinese national living in the United States should select China. The visa fees vary by country.
Step 2: Personal and Trip Information
You must provide personal details about yourself, such as passport details, parents' names, and addresses. Then, review your information, and click 'Verify' to initiate a verification email.
Go to your email, and click on the verification link.
You will also be required to upload scanned copies of your valid documents.
Step 3: Payment
From the verification email, you'll be redirected to a payment gateway. Pay online, and get your visa instantly. Your visa is also sent via email to you.
Step 4: Receive Your Visa
After completing the above 4 steps, you will finally complete your Turkey eVisa application form and pay the visa fee. After that, you will have to wait a few hours (the latest being 24 hours) for your application to be processed.
Once visa processing is successful, you will receive confirmation via email and your official Turkey Tourist Visa in electronic format.
Happy Travels!
Congratulations on completing your visa application. You are now more than ready to travel to Turkey and have the best trip. Check out the FAQ section below for any more questions you may have.