(EN) Travel & Visa Information – Istanbul, Türkiye
Timeframes and the need for a visa for a visitor’s stay in Türkiye:
The permitted duration of stay and whether a visa is required depend on the visitor’s nationality and the type of travel document held. Under Turkish rules, the stay granted by a visa or visa exemption generally cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. Visitors should check the official country-by-country visa regime and confirm whether they are eligible for an e-Visa or whether a consular (sticker) visa is required before planning their travel.
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/general-information-about-turkish-visas.en.mfa?utm_source
Visa application process:
If a visa is required, visitors should obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to Türkiye. For eligible nationalities, applications can be made via the official Türkiye e-Visa system (e-Visa is typically issued for tourism and business purposes). If the visitor is not eligible for an e-Visa (or needs another visa type), they should apply through the nearest Turkish diplomatic/consular mission using the official pre-application system and follow the relevant consulate’s instructions.
Staying beyond the visa-free/visa duration (extension):
Türkiye does not treat “extension” the same way as some destinations. Visitors who plan to stay beyond the duration of their visa/visa exemption or longer than 90 days should obtain a residence permit and follow the official application process (online application is made through the Presidency of Migration Management’s e-Residence system).
https://en.goc.gov.tr/general-information41?utm_source
Transit via Istanbul (airport transit / leaving the transit area):
If you do not leave the international transit lounge at the airport, you are generally not required to have a transit visa. If you will leave the transit area (e.g., overnight in the city), you may need a visa and should apply through the nearest Turkish representation in advance.
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/frequently-asked-questions.en.mfa?utm_source
Important note (passport validity):
At entry, passports/travel documents are expected to have at least 60 days validity beyond the expiry of the visa/visa exemption/residence permit period.
https://en.goc.gov.tr/frequently-asked-questions-about-foreigners?utm_source
For enquiries:
For questions on entry/residence procedures, you may contact the official Foreigners Communication Center (YİMER 157) under the Presidency of Migration Management (inside Türkiye: 157; from abroad: +90 312 157 11 22).
