Turkey Visa for Canadian Citizens: Are they required to apply?

Canada passport holders must know that they are not required to apply for Turkey eVisa or any other visa if they are planning to visit Turkey for a stay period of 90 days. Visa-free entry for Canadian citizens, can easily enter the country without applying for the visa.

This means that Canadian passport holders are eligible to visit Turkey for a stay up to 90 days without applying for any visa, this facility was introduced by the government of Turkey in early 2024.

Summary:

  • Visa requirement: No visa required for short-term stays (up to 90 days)
  • Maximum stay allowed: Up to 90 days.

We all know how exciting it is to explore Turkey, famous around the world for its natural wonders, historical sites, ancient ruins, traditional Turkish cuisines and rich culture and heritage. Canadian passport holders can now add Turkey in their bucket list, without having to worry about visa.

For which purpose can the visa-free, 90 days stay be used?

This free-visa for Canadian citizens, opting for 90 days stay can be used for:

  • Tourism
  • Business

This significant update has helped the Canadian passport holders to visit this beautiful nation for tourism and business related activities without having to worry about applying for a visa. If you are still confused, whether visa-free is available or not for a 90-day stay, you can see the updated details about Turkey's Electronic Visa at the official government website.

With this exemption of requirement to obtain the Turkey eVisa for short-term visits, Canadian passport holders can enjoy smooth entry and exit from Turkey for purposes related to tourism and business, for stays up to 90 days.

Canadian citizens planning to visit Turkey, do they need a Turkey visa to enter?

As mentioned above Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa, if they are planning to visit the country for short stays (90 days period) related to activities like business and tourism. This facility was introduced recently in early 2024.

Even for transiting through the international airports in Turkey, Canada passport holders don't need the Transit visa for Turkey.

Note: If you are not a citizen of Canada but have a valid Canada passport, and makes you eligible for Turkey eVisa, you are requested to apply online for the Turkey eVisa.

Preparing for your trip to Turkey: Required documents for Canadian travelers

Even though Canadian citizens are eligible for visa-free entry for 90 days stay, they must have the required information and documents. Here is a list of the important documents that Canada citizens must have, when visiting Turkey from Canada:

Valid passport

The traveler must have a passport which must be valid for at least six months or beyond, till the time you return from the country. It must have blank pages to get a visa stamp on arrival and exit from the airport in Turkey at the passport control checkpoints. This is important, as it is the main document for entry into the nation, failing to comply might lead to decline of entry.

Personal Information

Provide personal information like valid passport, full name, date of birth, nationality, and gender, etc, the details must match as they are in the passport.

Contact Information

The traveler must provide details of current residence address, mobile number, and email address. This is important in case of any necessary communications required. Also, provide the address you will be staying in Turkey.

Travel itinerary

With the Visa-free entry for Canadian citizens for short stays, up to 90 days, you have to provide details of your stay in Turkey, entry and exit date, return or onward ticket, accommodation, places you will be visiting, if visiting for tourism purpose. And for business activities, documents supporting it.

Health and safety

Always stay updated related to the latest travel advisories and vaccinations required, it is better to have an International Certificate of Vaccination. Also, be alert all the time, it is good to follow safety practices, like monitoring your belongings and looking after your safety.

Travel insurance

Whenever you are traveling to a foreign nation, it is important that you have a travel insurance policy, which covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings. With the travel insurance policy, enjoy a stress-free holiday, without having to worry about anything related to your trip.

Local customs

As a foreigner, whenever you travel to an international destination, it is important that you know about the local culture and respect the local customs. Whenever you are visiting religious sites, dress modestly and follow the rules.

Currency

The currency of Turkey is Turkish Lira (TRY), you can bring cash and credit cards (accepted in tourist areas). You can exchange the cash at the international airports, you will easily locate it.

What is the list of international airports in Turkey through which you can enter the country?

Here is a list of the international airports through which Canadian passport holders can enter Turkey:

  • Istanbul Airport (IST)
  • Antalya Airport (AYT)
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
  • Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
  • Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB)

Canadian citizens having plans to visit Turkey, what is the maximum stay period allowed?

The maximum stay allowed is 90-days, your entry will be recorded and you will have to leave the country within the duration of stay allotted, extending will lead to fines and penalties. So make sure you do not extend 90 days.

Are Canadian citizens allowed to extend their stay in Turkey?

Canadian citizens are allowed to stay in Turkey for a period of 90 days and not more than that, which means you are not allowed to extend your stay. If you want to stay for a longer period, you have to return to your country, and re-enter later.

Canadian citizens who wish to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days? What to do?

If you are planning for a stay for more than 90 days, then you have to apply for Turkey eVisa online. This eVisa offers a stay period of 180 days and will take around 1-2 working days for processing it. In case of urgent travel, there is an option for rush processing which requires 30-minutes to process, you will have to pay extra for it. The processing fees for the Turkey eVisa for 180 days varies from one country to another.

Canadian citizens with a stay of up to 90 days, what happens on arrival in Turkey?

With visa-free entry for Canadian citizens, for stays up to 90 days, visiting the country for tourism or business activities, here is what you need to furnish to exit from the airport:

  • Show your Canada passport: On arrival in the airport at the checkpoint, show your Canada passport which must be valid and have blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Passenger Arrival Card: Before you land in the airport, on the flight you will have to fill the arrival card, asking some basic questions.
  • Customs and Immigration: Follow the immigration line, show your passport at the passport control, your face will be scanned and biometric fingerprints will be taken, and a visa stamp on your passport.
  • Evidence of Funds: Travelers might require to show proof that they can support themselves financially during their stay in the country.
  • Return Ticket:This is proof that you will be leaving the country before the due date.
  • Health and Security Screening: Depending on the current health scenarios, there might be health screening, to make sure that you do not have any communicable diseases.

Note: It is always important that you check the latest travel norms before traveling to the country.

What are the Consequences a traveler might face for Overstaying in Turkey?

Canadian passport holders who have entered the country for 90-days, if they are found to overstay, they are going to face the following consequences:

Travel restrictions: Future trips to Turkey and other nations which have a negative impact.

Fines and penalties: You might need to face consequences like ban on future travel, fines, penalties, travel restrictions, legal procedures, deportation from the country, impact your eligibility for future visa-free entries, etc.

Deportation and ban on re-entering: In case of severe cases, you might be deported from Turkey, and will be banned from entering the country.

Note: It is important that you plan your trip to Turkey, according to the time allotted to you.

Have plans to travel to Turkey? Need information?

If you are confused about your visa requirement to Turkey, why not get in touch with us, we will be more than happy to assist you and answer your queries. Simply reach us through our helpdesk.

Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Maldivian citizens, Australian citizens, Filipino citizens and Mexican citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.

 
Online Turkey Visa Application