Arrival into Istanbul by flight.
I was in Turkey in November 2013 and I now believe the rules on a Visa on Arrival have changed for certain nationalities, so please try not to follow this guide which may not be current and do leave comments if you have any new updates for myself and other travellers to Turkey. Instead, I strongly recommend you to get the visa organised in advance on my easy link!:
Need your Turkey visa, you can get it online here!
Regards, Jonny (update August 2017)
The entire process from arriving in the airport to getting my visa and being officially in the country was about twenty minutes. Pretty smooth and easy!
There’s a long list of nationalities that need a visa to visit Turkey. I first arrived into Turkey at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul. Visas can be purchased and received easily on arrival for most nationalities. Here’s an overview of what is a very straight forward process, most of us won’t have any trouble whatsoever securing a Turkey Visa on arrival in “the Bul”.
Arrival in Istanbul, Turkey.
What Nationalities Need a Visa to visit Turkey?
Most EU countries need them, here’s the full list which is correct as of November 2013:
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Canada
Croatia
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Southern Cyprus (Bit of an “LOL” moment there)
Grenada
Haiti
Hungary
Republic of Ireland
Indonesia
Jamaica
Kuwait
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Netherlands
Norway
Oman
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Spain
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Yemen
Countries that require visas to visit Turkey
How Much Does a Turkish Visa Cost at Istanbul International Airport?
It costs 15 Euros or 20 US Dollars. This is payable in cash only. If you don’t have this cash on you – there are a few money changers and ATMs but take the hint and come prepared – bring the cash with you ready to go. Visa and Mastercard ain’t an option.
15 Euros and a passport is all you’ll need for a visa at Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey.
What do you need to get a Turkish Visa at Istanbul International Airport?
You will need your passport, yourself and the payment. There are no forms to fill in and no visa application process. This is one of the easiest passport visas you will ever get!
At Ataturk Airport in Istanbul with my Turkish Visa.
What is the Process for getting a Turkish Visa on Arrival at Istanbul Airport?
1. Get off your flight.
2. Head to the Visa payment counter to pay for the visa and get a sticker on your passport.
3. Head to immigration where they check you have the sticker and have paid for your visa. They stamp you in.
4. Get your bag and enjoy Turkey!
One of the TVs near the Visa Department at Istanbul Airport.
More Visa information TVs at Istanbul Airport in Turkey.
How Long is a Turkish Visa valid for?
On arrival at the airport, you will be granted a 90 day entry visa to be used within 180 days. This means you could leave Turkey after one day and still have 89 days to use out of the next 179 days. In essence it’s a limited conditions multiple entry visa.
A Turkish Visa complete with entry stamp.
Any Other Complications?
Yes, there is an extra counter you will need to head to if you come from one of these countries:
Extra conditions for these countries.
Iraq, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Angola, Gambia, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Congo, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Somaliland, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo.
I spent a long time in Turkey and I loved it. Safe travels!
hey what are the extra conditions for people who hold Pakistani Passport help me with it
Hi Annum, I’m a travel blogger, not an embassy – you’ll have to check for yourself on that one – try the Turkish embassy in Pakistan. Regards, Jonny
hi, i am Nelson Paulo. from Mozambique and want to travel to Turkey how can i get the visa upon arrival?
Hi Nelson, this is my lifestyle and travel site sadly so I’m no visa expert. Like I mentioned in 2013 when I landed in Turkey, those countries could get visas on arrival. Things change and you’ll need to check the Mozambique situation. Best wishes and safe travels. Jonny
How. We can get a vis for a Pakistani citizen a sticker visa in intebul airoport
How we can get a sticker visa in the Istanbul airport
Got a Pakistani citizen
Hi ALi, it depends what the visa rules are for Pakistani citizens. For Irish, I was able to pay money and get a visa on arrival. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Sultan, if you find out let me know too – I would love to get one! Safe travels! Jonny
I got a full uk passport but I can’t get evisa here for some reason how much will it on arrival do you know the price?
Hi Ali, as mentioned I am merely a tourist like you, so I don’t work at the airport or have any authority on it. In the worst case scenario, just stay in the airport until your next flight but I hope you get the visa sorted, it should be easy enough for British people. Safe travels. Jonny
i have pakistani passport comeing form america i have american visa can i get turkish visa on airport.
Hi Shahid, As mentioned (multiple times now!) I am only a tourist like you and I have a website. I do not issue visas, nor know the procedure for country to country. I only care about my own visa on each particular trip and even that can change. Safe travels. Jonny
Good info Jonny.
hahaha. u can be a part time immigration officer answering all those questions.
have a nice day dude.
Hi Fendi, thanks. Sometimes it feels like I am not a tourist or travel blogger but an immigration officer. The amount of emails and messages I get daily about asking for visas is ridiculous! Please – people – I am a tourist like you all, I just enjoy writing about it! Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jonny, regards from Drogheda Co. Louth here. but emm! Was thinking, why don’t you look into becoming an Immigration Officer coupled with your travel Blogging? Just messing lol, How are you keeping?
Hi Jeff, thanks for the comment – nice to hear from the Irish! I did once check passports on the Guernsey to England ferries but those days are gone. I am suffering from depression at present so thanks for your wishes and safe travels. Jonny
i have India passport require on arrival visa how to get it can anybody help.
Hi Ganesh, check with the Turkish embassy as to what their regulations are for Indians. I am just a tourist like you. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi. Is it possible get a visa on arrival being cuban?
What is that country you named Somaliland? are you sure!
Hi Guillermo, Thanks for the comment and sorry for the delay – I have been in depression a lot of the last 4 years and not been checking messages or emails. I appreciate you taking time to read my stories. However for visa stuff, I cannot help – I am just a tourist like you – please contact the relevant embassies. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Haddi, thanks for the comment. I don’t remember naming any countries. But Somaliland is here and I am sure – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somaliland It is north of Puntland and borders Ethiopia. Safe travels. Jonny