Travel

#Tourist Visas - Consulate General of the United States Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul.Turkey

Tourist Visas

New E-Visa Regulations beginning April 10, 2014:

Beginning April 11, 2014. the Turkish authorities will start to phase out the practice of providing visas upon arrival at points of entry in Turkey. Once this program is phased out, all foreigners must obtain their Turkish visas from Turkish missions aboard or from the e-visa application system, depending on eligibility. For a transitional period during the 2014 tourism season, before the program is phased out, foreigners arriving in Turkey without visas will be able to obtain e-visas via interactive kiosks at Turkish airports. The fee for an e-visa upon arrival, for Americans, is US$30.00. The fee for e-visas obtained prior to arrival in Turkey is US$20. Additional information about e-Visas can be found at the official website www.evisa.gov.tr . PLEASE NOTE: The e-visa system is only usable for travelers entering Turkey for tourism or commerce. For any other purpose of travel, the applicant must obtain a Turkish visa in advance from a Turkish diplomatic or consular post.

Visas obtained at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate cost more and have different validity periods: $60 for single entry visas valid for one year and $200 for multiple entry visas valid for five years. For all tourism and commerce-related entries the traveler is allowed to remain in Turkey for 90 days within a 180 day period. More information can be found at the Turkish Consular Information website and at the Frequently Asked Questions page of the website. U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey at 2525 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 612-6700, or the Turkish consulates general in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York. Information may also be found at Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC . Overseas, travelers may contact a Turkish embassy or consulate.

If you are planning to stay more than three months for any purpose, you must obtain a visa from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate before entering Turkey. You must also apply for a residence/work permit or Turkish ID card within the first month of your arrival in Turkey. This includes anyone who plans to spend more than three months doing research, studying, or working in Turkey.

Effective February 1, 2012. the Turkish authorities implemented new regulations allowing a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180 day period. The new regulation will not make any changes to the visa requirements for travel to Turkey but it will affect how long U.S. citizens can remain in Turkey. The new regulation affects all foreigners who travel to Turkey, whether they travel with a tourist visa obtained at a Turkish Consulate or buy a tourist visa stamp at an airport or other port of entry or are exempt from getting tourist visas.

E-Visas: As of May 2013, Turkish visas can now be obtained online for citizens of certain countries. For more information, please visit: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en .

Residence Permit: If you are planning to stay in Turkey more than 90 days within a 180 day period, you must get a Turkish residence permit. In order to obtain a residence permit, please contact the Foreigners Police in your area. The U.S. Mission in Turkey strongly urges U.S Citizens to not overstay their visas and to maintain valid residency permits at all times. Turkish authorities do enforce the laws, including those stipulating fines, deportation, and bans on future travel to Turkey for people who overstay their visas or do not maintain valid residency permits.

Offical/Diplomatic: Holders of official and diplomatic passports on official business must obtain a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate before arrival in Turkey.

All travelers planning to stay more than three months for any purpose are required to obtain a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate. Such travelers must also apply for a residence permit within the first month of their arrival in Turkey. This includes anyone who plans to spend more than three months doing research, studying, or working in Turkey.

The Embassy is unable to provide any information regarding the renewal or extension of Turkish visas or residence permits. Holders of these documents are encouraged to contact Turkish authorities.

Please visit the Turkish Security Directorate's website to learn more about living in Turkey for a longer period.