June 19, 2023
Turkish Visa for US Citizens
Are you a US citizen looking to explore the beauty of Turkey? Naturally, you need to book the flight tickets and make the reservation at the selected accommodation. But when it comes to travel documents, packing your passport is not enough – you also need a Turkey visa.
The visa application doesn’t need to feel complicated and overwhelming. Once you have completed the simple registration procedure online, print out your approved visa and enjoy problem-free travel.
Can US citizens apply for a visa to Turkey?
All citizens of the United States should obtain a suitable visa if they wish to visit Turkey. If they plan on pursuing travel related to tourism, leisure, and business, they are allowed to apply online for the Turkey e-Visa. The electronic application may be conducted from home and should not take more than 15 minutes.
Nevertheless, American citizens that would prefer to enjoy a longer trip to Turkey, should apply for a regular Turkish visa in person at the nearest Embassy. This visa may be issued for purposes of education, employment, or temporary residence. To obtain the essential visa, visit the Embassy office and submit the required documents.
What is a Turkey e-Visa?
The Turkey e-Visa is a type of online Tourist Visa. Introduced by the Turkish authorities in 2013, it allows eligible foreigners to enter Turkey as long as they are traveling for purposes of tourism and business. The Turkish electronic visa application is very easy – fill in the registration form, upload the required documents, and cover the visa fee.
When your visa application is approved, it will be sent directly to your e-mail address. Do not forget to print it out before leaving for the journey, as only paper copies are accepted on arrival. Once you enter Turkey, immigration officers will ask you to present your visa.
The Turkish e-Visa for US citizens is issued for 180 days. It allows them to visit the country once for 30 days or multiple times for 90 days. Overstaying is strictly forbidden.
What are the available types of Turkish e-Visa?
If you wish to apply for a Turkey visa online, you may choose between two available visa types. Depedning on your nationality, you will be considered eligible for one selected type of for both of them.
- Single-entry Tourist Visa – 30-day stay within its 180-day validity period
- Multiple-entry Tourist Visa – 90-day stays within its 180-day validity period
Citizens of the United States may request both single-entry and multiple-entry Turkish online visas. Select a suitable visa depending on the time you wish to spend abroad.
What are the requirements for a Turkey e-Visa for US citizens?
As a citizen of the United States, you need to comply with entry rules while traveling to Turkey. Moreover, if you do not meet the necessary visa requirements, you will not be considered eligible for a Turkey visa.
The Turkish visa requirements for US citizens include the following:
- American passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the planned travel date
- Formal, biometric photograph of the applicant’s face
Keep in mind that all four corners of your passport should be visible on the uploaded image. What is more, the bio-data page with important information should be legible.
How can I apply for a Turkey e-Visa?
The Turkey visa online application is uncomplicated and effortless. Before you proceed with the registration, make sure the electronic device of your choice (laptop, tablet, smartphone) is working correctly and has a good Internet connection.
In order to complete the Turkey e-Visa application, follow these three easy steps:
- Fill in the online visa application form with personal data and travel details
- Upload the required documentation in digital form (PDF, PNG, JPG)
- Cover the visa processing fee using a selected online payment method
When your visa is approved, it will be delivered to your e-mail inbox. Upon arrival in Turkey, you should present the customs border officers with a paper copy of your authorized Turkish visa, so do not forget to print it out before travel.
How long is the waiting time for a Turkey e-Visa?
The online application for your Turkish e-Visa should not take more than 15 minutes of your free time. Nevertheless, you must be patient while waiting for your inquiry to be approved.
The average processing time for a Turkish online visa is around a few working days but it may be prolonged as the visa approval depends on the Government of Turkey.
How long does the Turkey e-Visa remain valid?
The authorized Turkish e-Visa remains valid for 180 days from the issuing date. During this time period, you may enjoy traveling abroad for tourism and business purpose
With a single-entry e-Visa, you can spend up to 30 days in Turkey. However, if you are a holder of the multiple-entry Turkish e-Visa, your stay may last 90 days maximum.
Do American citizens need a visa to transit through Turkey?
The Turkish e-Visa is issued for US citizens for tourism and business purposes. But the officials of Turkey do not plan on launching a Transit Visa program.
There is no need to apply for a Turkey visa in case of transit as long as you do not leave the airport’s transit zone. But you are required to have a valid visa if you plan to leave the port. You must carry all your documents on hand.