How South Africans Can Easily Apply for a Turkey eVisa

Updated on Jan 06, 2025 | Turkey e-Visa

Do you live in any of the South African countries? Do you have any current plans of visiting the Asian-European country, Turkey? Then, you will have to get a Turkey eVisa for South Africans. This will act like your permit to enter the borders of Turkey. This is a simple process that will just take a day or two but gives you easy access to explore Turkey.

That being said, even though this process looks fairly simple it can sometimes bring in a few challenges. This is why it will be best for you if you first understand the process before starting it. This is honestly the best way in which you can guarantee that you do not face any problems while getting your Turkey eVisa as a South African.

Basics of the Turkey eVisa

It will be best if we start by discussing the basics of this permit. This way you can assure yourself that you will be able to understand the rest of the Turkey eVisa application process.

What is the Turkey eVisa?

An eVisa is a form of travel authorization but in an electronic form. The Turkey eVisa for South Africans is the one that is specially designed for the southern continent. This electronic permit automatically simplifies the rest of the journey of any South African traveling to Turkey. For instance, they can get this visa for tourism reasons and also for business or other short-term purposes.

If you are a South African trying to enter Turkey, then you will have to get this in the first place. On top of that getting an eVisa will automatically make things simple for you. This way you will be able to eliminate the whole process of searching for an embassy near you, going there, and applying for the eVisa.

The eVisa comes with a total validity of 180 days. This is counted from the day on which the visa is issued from. But please keep this in mind that the maximum period that you can stay with this visa is 30 to 90 days. You will easily be able to find these details on the Government Immigration website of Turkey. After that, you will again have to enter the country. The total number of days in the stay-up period in Turkey eVisa depends on the country of your origin place that you are coming from.

However, the best part of the Turkey eVisa for South Africans is that it is fast and convenient. It generally takes just a day, which is way less in comparison to the struggle of standing in long lines at the embassy. Even in the worst scenario, you will still get the Turkey eVisa for South Africans under 3 days.

Why do South Africans Need an eVisa to Visit Turkey?

It is common knowledge that everyone needs an eVisa or just a traditional visa to enter a country. So, that is definitely not an exception in the case of the ones who are visiting Turkey from South Africa. But even then if you have some confusion behind its need then let us work on clearing that up for you.

Getting the Turkey eVisa is just having the perfect key to visiting the Asian-European country. Irrespective of whether you are visiting the country for tourism or business, the eVisa is there at your rescue. This is what makes the eVisa a must for all guests of Turkey. That is definitely except you fall under the category of visa-exempt travelers. Then, you will be able to fly to Turkey without any visa.

Reasons why you can get the Turkey eVisa

Well, you can get the Turkey eVisa for a wide variety of reasons. Some of these reasons are:

  • You can get this for exploring Turkey.
  • Many people get the eVisa to attend conferences in Turkey.
  • You can also get this visa if you are visiting Turkey on the way to your destination.

Eligibility Requirements for the Turkey eVisa

Getting a Turkey eVisa comes with a few criteria. So, it is a must for all South Africans to match these standards if they want the visa. Some of these requirements are:

  • You should have a passport. Your South African passport should definitely have a validity of at least 6 months which should be counted from the day you enter.
  • Your passport should have blank pages for stamping (minimum two).
  • You should not have a criminal history in your name.

Documents that you will need

You will have to provide a few documents to get the Turkey eVisa for South Africans. So, make sure you keep these arranged before you start applying.

Passport

The main piece of document that you will need for this application process is a soft copy of your passport. So, make sure you keep a scanned copy of your active passport prepared for the process. Moreover, you are also required to add your personal details like name, birthdate, and nationality while submitting the application.

Other Documents

You might be asked to provide some other documents at Immigration. This totally depends on the purpose of your visit, so it is not the same for everyone.

  • You must furnish an invitation letter from a Turkish company if you are traveling for business.
  • You might have to add your accommodation details if you are traveling to explore the country.

Steps to apply for a Turkey eVisa for South Africans

There is a process that all South Africans should follow when they are getting a Turkey eVisa. Some of these steps are:

  • Fill up the entire application form for Turkey eVisa. Make sure you do not miss filling out any of the fields on the Turkey eVisa application.
  • Add your scanned copy of your photographs. (please check the internet once to know about the specifications of the photograph)
  • Make sure you add all your documents and necessary details.
  • Pay the cost of the eVisa application with your preferred payment method. Your valid credit or debit card will be enough for the process.
  • Submit the application form for Turkey eVisa for South Africans.
  • Wait for around 24 to 72 hours to get the approval.

Tips to not miss out on any section

  • Make sure you double-check all your passport details. This will help you in avoiding any chances of making a mistake during the Turkey eVisa application.
  • Use your full name in the application. It should be an exact match of the one on the passport.
  • Check if you have added your correct email address. You will get the eVisa approval on that very email.

Things to do after receiving the eVisa approval

There are a few things that you will be required to do after you get the eVisa approval. Some of these things are:

Printing the eVisa

When your visa application gets accepted, you will automatically get a confirmation email. This will be sent to the provided email address. The eVisa will come in a PDF format. Moreover, this will also have your personal details, passport number, and validity dates.

Bring the printed copy

The Turkey eVisa for South Africans automatically gets linked to your passport. But even then, we would suggest you carry the printout to the airport. This way you will not have to face any difficulty.

Do you feel prepared to get Turkey eVisa for South Africans?

Getting the Turkey eVisa for South Africa is very easy. But you will still have to understand the process properly to have a stress-free experience. If you fail to do so then things might get awry.

On top of that you should apply for a visa days before your trip. Otherwise, you will be troubled by last-minute hiccups. But even then you have the HelpDesk ready at your reach to help you.

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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. Discover more at Complete Guide to eVisa for Istanbul.

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

 
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