Complete Guide to eVisa for Istanbul: Requirements & Process
Istanbul is a land of cultural confluence being the capital for the four historic empires. Explore the city to enjoy its unique cuisine, nightlife, and shopping district, along with visiting its historic landmarks. In addition to being a top tourist destination for people who want to experience Mediterranean culture, Istanbul is a site of economic importance as well. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, opt for an eVisa and visit Istanbul today.
Introduction to eVisa for Istanbul
When traveling to Istanbul for trade and tourism, you will have to apply online for an eVisa to Istanbul, more accurately Turkiye. With a record high of 17.4 million visitors in 2023, Istanbul is one of the top tourist destinations. To effectively boost tourism, the Turkiye government launched the eVisa application portal in 2017.
What is Turkey eVisa?
The eVisa for Turkiye is an electronic travel authorisation tool that allows you to visit and travel across Turkiye. Using the authorized portal, do the following:
- Apply online
- Pay the fees
- Get your eVisa to Istanbul approved.
The traditional visa application route involved visiting the Consulate or applying at the entry port (for eligible nationalities only). Not only did this have a longer wait time but also in case of a cancellation at the entry port, you would have been sent back to your country of origin. Using the eVisa, you will receive an approval against your application in a short time.
Why You Need an eVisa to Istanbul?
We do not need an eVisa to Istanbul per se, but Turkiye. However, being the largest, most prominent city, most people traveling to Turkiye will visit Istanbul. The eVisa to Turkiye uses a user-friendly platform to ensure that all visitors can apply with ease.
Types of Travel Allowed Under an eVisa
Tourism and short business trips are the only visa categories that you can opt for when applying for an e-visa. If you are visiting Istanbul with your family or a tour group, you need not apply separately. Simply opt for a family visa that allows up to 10 people or a group visa that allows up to 300 people.
When to opt for the Consulate Visa?
The eVisa to Istanbul is limited in its scope in terms of the availability of visa categories. In the below scenarios, you will have to opt for a Consulate Visa:
- For a purpose of visit except tourism or business
- If you are from a country that is not allowed an eVisa
When opting for the eVisa to Turkiye, make sure to apply at least one month prior to visiting, due to its longer wait time.
Exemptions when traveling to Turkiye
To encourage tourism, the Turkiye government allows travelers from certain countries of Europe to visit with a government ID and even an expired passport. When belonging to a visa-exempt country, you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days for every 6 month period. However, these norms vary with respect to each country.
If you hail from a European country, check the official website to see if you are eligible for travel.
Eligibility and Requirements for the Istanbul eVisa
49 countries have a bilateral agreement with Turkiye that allows their citizens to travel using the electronic authorization (eVisa). 23 nations can get multiple-entry eVisa to Istanbul. You also need to have a few documents arranged in place before you apply.
Arrange for the following documents before you apply:
- A valid passport (as per immigration norms)
- A recent photograph
- Proof of funds (showing you can support your travel plans)
- Confirmed return tickets
- Proof of accommodation and contact details
- A detailed travel itinerary
- Clearance certificate given by the police that speaks in favor of your character
Apply for an eVisa to Istanbul
There are a few countries that do not require a visa to enter Turkey. Every other country must hold a visa (traditional or eVisa). Thanks to a lower processing time, an eVisa is the preferred route.
Visit the Website
The first step of an eVisa application is going to an online portal. Create an account using your email ID on the official site. Visa portals have instructions to guide the users through the process. Gather all documents to complete the form successfully.
Complete the eVisa Form
Start working on your form by hitting the "apply button" on the eVisa portal. Information supplied should be accurate and double-checked. Upload the documents as instructed and complete your application.
Pay the fees
The completion of the form is followed by making the digital payment. However, the fee will vary according to the type of visa you have applied for, for how long you are staying, and whether it is a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa.
Submit your eVisa form
Once the payment is done, your visa form will be processed. A reference number will be given with respect to your visa application. Retain this along with a copy of your submitted visa form.
You will get an email to confirm your visa approval once the processing is complete. To add, you can also track the status of your application from the official website using your visa reference number, passport number, and email ID.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
The following inaccuracies may result in the eVisa getting denied:
Not being transparent about personal details
Even the slightest discrepancy like spelling errors or typos can get the visa application denied. Check every detail meticulously as you fill out the form.
Not paying attention to the passport validity
The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your duration of stay. In case your passport is set to expire before this, apply for a renewal before getting started on your visa application.
Choosing the wrong visa type
Select your visa type based on your reason for visiting the country. Further, if traveling in a group, make sure to opt for the family visa for 10 people or less only. If your group is any larger, opt for the group visa that allows up to 300 people.
Uploading incorrect documents in a hurry
Make sure that each document uploaded is as requested, and in the correct format.
eVisa Processing Time and Validity
The Turkiye Immigration Department requests travelers to apply for an eVisa at least 48 hours prior to traveling. However, our advice for you is to apply early enough so that you have ample time in hand in case of delays.
A validity of 180 days from the issue is given for every new Turkiye eVisa approved. It allows people to stay in the country for 30 - 90 days depending on their country of origin.
For a longer stay in case of an emergency, apply for an extension at the Immigration Office, also called the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in Turkiye. But make sure to not stay beyond the given duration, as that will lead to unpleasant situations.
Anyone wanting to revisit the country must do so after returning to their homeland. All you have to do is reapply for a new eVisa after completing 3 months from the first time you had entered the country.
Ready to Book a Flight to Istanbul?
All said and done, the time has come for you to fly to the country to explore its breathtaking beauty. Anyone looking for a smooth vacation will take the online route and not the traditional route. The eVisa lets you enter the country for a specific period of time and explore its rich landscape. Just be mindful at the time of application to keep visa rejection off the grid.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Bahamas citizens, Australian citizens, Jamaican citizens and Mexican citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.