Australians have long had an affinity with Turkey and a desire to visit the country that straddles both Europe and Asia. From the majestic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, to the World Heritage site of Cappadocia and the WWI landing site of Gallipoli, Turkey offers something special for everyone.
Unlike most other European countries, Australian passport holders (and most foreign nationals) require a visa to visit Turkey, however applying for a Turkish visa online is easy.
In the past, a visit to the Turkish Embassy was the only way to obtain a visa but in recent times the Turkish government have embraced technology and it is now possible to apply for a Turkish visa online.
Some travellers may see the need to obtain a visa for Turkey as a hassle but it’s a really simple process and you can even use your smartphone to apply for a visa. (Click HERE for more info or add your nationality and destination to the box below by scrolling on the banner.)
Being able to obtain a Turkish visa online has many benefits for Australians – and other nationals – as it reduces the cost and makes it much easier for those that don’t live close to a Turkish Embassy.
After completing your Turkish Visa application form online, the visa is sent in PDF format via email. As the visa is electronically linked to your passport, you will no longer receive a visa sticker.
How long is a Turkey eTourist Visa valid for?
The validity of your Turkish visa will only begin on the day that you arrive in Turkey and Australians are required to apply for their eVisa at least 24 hours before their arrival date.
For example, if you apply for your Turkish eVisa on November 1 then your visa will be valid for 180 days – until April 29. You may enter Turkey any time during that six month period but you can only stay for a maximum of 90 days.
The Turkey eTourist visa is a multiple-entry visa which allows you to come and go from Turkey multiple times as long as you don’t stay in the country longer than three months (90 days) in total.
Should you wish to stay in Turkey longer than 90* days then you will have to contact the Turkish embassy for more details to obtain the Turkish visa applicable to the duration of your intended stay.
(*Nationals of countries other than Australia may have a shorter maximum stay period.)
The eVisa validities are set (at a 90 day limit) for all Australians travelling to Turkey.
What does the Turkish Visa look like?
The Turkey eTourist visa will be sent to you via email in PDF format and you’ll need to present it to Immigration on arrival into Turkey.
Where to get your Tourist visa for Turkey
I recommend that you use iVisa.com to apply for your Turkey eTourist visa. They do charge a service fee (currently AUD$27/USD$20) but in my opinion it is money well spent as they offer a hassle-free way to obtain your visa.
Most Turkey visas are processed by iVisa.com within 6 hours which gives you more time to ponder just how you’ll spend your time in Turkey.
What will you need for your online visa to Turkey application?
Applying for your Turkey eTourist Visa is a simple three-step process.
Step 1
To apply for your Turkey Tourist visa online you will need a valid Australian passport (valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Turkey).
Step 2
Pay the visa fee (currently AUD$100) using a credit card or Paypal account, and answer a few simple questions.
Step 3
After payment, you will receive an email confirmation (check your spam folder) and then another email with your Turkish visa attached in PDF format.
Are you planning to visit Turkey? Answer these questions to determine if you require a Turkey tourist visa:
- Do Australians need a visa for Turkey? Yes.
- Will a regular Turkey tourist visa be sufficient for your visit? Yes, providing you don’t intend to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days.
- I’m not an Australian passport holder and/or won’t be travelling to Turkey from Australia. Do I also require a visa for Turkey? Most foreign nationals will need a tourist visa for Turkey. Click here to check which countries the visa rules apply to.
Further reading: Istanbul’s 10 most important historic sites
Top Image © dudlajzov / Adobe Stock Photo
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