Tourists who love the sea and cruising are choosing Turkey as their top choice. It is becoming a highly demanded destination for cruise ships because of beautiful ports like Marmaris, Bodrum and Kusadasi. Thousands of visitors reach these ports for a beautiful sea experience every year and the number is only increasing.
All the three cities have unique attractions that draw visitors towards them. Kusadasi has long sandy beaches where a stroll during sunrise and sunset is a remarkable sight. Marmaris has a modern attraction with waterparks for entertainment of both the young and the old. As for Bodrum, the city talks about the history of Turkey reflecting in the castles and museums.
Turkey is a fascinating country to visit, with incredible historical sites, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Its coastal cities like Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Antalya are popular stops for Mediterranean cruises. If your upcoming cruise includes a port call in Turkey, you may be wondering – do I need a visa to get off the ship and explore?
The visa requirements for Turkey depend on your nationality and length of stay. This guide will walk you through whether you need a visa, how to apply, and provide tips for a smooth visit. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Turkey on a cruise!
Visa Requirements for Cruise Passengers
Turkey’s visa policy is based on reciprocity, meaning the requirements are based on your home country. In general:
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Citizens of visa-exempt countries, like the USA, Canada, and Western Europe, do not need a visa if visiting Turkey for under 90 days.
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Citizens of countries that require visas to enter Turkey will need to apply for an e-Visa online prior to arrival
However there is an exception for cruise passengers on short visits
- Passengers who arrive by cruise ship can enter and stay in the port city for up to 72 hours without a visa, regardless of nationality.
So if your cruise only stops in Turkey for a day, you will not need a visa as long as you remain in the vicinity of the port. But if you plan to disembark and explore further or stay beyond 72 hours, you will likely need a visa.
When is a Visa Required for a Cruise Stop in Turkey?
Here are the main situations when you will need to obtain a visa before your cruise to Turkey:
- Your cruise spends more than 3 days (72 hours) docked at a Turkish port
- You plan to leave the city where the ship docks and travel elsewhere in Turkey
- Your nationality requires an e-Visa to enter Turkey, regardless of length of stay
So if your cruise only stops for a day in Istanbul, for example, and you plan to stay in the Istanbul area, you can visit visa-free. But if your cruise docks for 4 days or you want to take a side trip, you will need to apply for a visa.
Citizens of countries like India, China, and Russia need visas for any length of stay in Turkey, even on a cruise. Check the official visa requirements by country to confirm your status.
How to Apply for a Turkey E-Visa for a Cruise
Turkey offers an easy online e-Visa application for eligible nationalities. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Visit the official Turkey e-Visa website.
- Click ‘Apply Now’ and complete the online application form.
- Pay the visa fee by credit card. This is currently $60 USD for a single-entry visa.
- Submit your application and required documents like passport photos.
- Wait for approval. This usually takes 1-3 business days.
- Download your approved Turkey e-Visa to print out or use the mobile app.
Be sure to apply at least 4-5 days in advance to allow time for processing. For faster service, you can pay extra for the express 1-hour visa option. Just make sure to have your visa sorted before your cruise departs.
Tips for Visiting Turkey on a Cruise
Follow these tips to make the most of your cruise port visit to Turkey with or without a visa:
- If visa-exempt, bring your passport to show when disembarking at the port.
- If you have an e-Visa, print it out or have it accessible on your mobile device.
- Tour major sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace on an organized shore excursion.
- Haggle for souvenirs and carpets at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market.
- Take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus for scenic views of Istanbul.
- Indulge in Turkish delicacies like kebabs, baklava, Turkish coffee and tea.
- Respect local cultural norms by dressing modestly and avoiding excessive alcohol.
- Carry small bills and coins as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
With the proper visa if required, you’ll be ready to enjoy the wonders of Turkey on your cruise! This beautiful country offers amazing historic sites, culture, and cuisine for an unforgettable port visit.
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Entering Turkey through Sea:
Visitors who come to Turkey on a cruise ship will not require a Turkish eVisa on the following conditions:
If the tourists wish to stay longer than 3 days or to visit other cities may need to apply for an Turkey eVisa or a visa depending on the nationality. Nationals belonging to over 100 countries are eligible for an e-visa, which includes the United Kingdom, United States and Australia. Electronic visas are a great way to speed up the entire application process making it easier as well.
If you wish to apply for an e-visa while travelling to Turkey on a cruise, make sure you give yourself enough time to apply. Although it only takes a few minutes to fill the Turkey e-visa form of application, you must do it at least 24 hours prior to your visit. It takes some time for the application to be processed so considering this time is also important.
The validity of the e-visa depends on your nationality, which varies from 30 to 90 days. The visa will also vary, whether it is a multiple visit or a single entry e-visa. These conditions vary for all nationalities. Before you wish to apply for the Turkey e-visa, make sure you meet the following Turkey eVisa requirements:
How to get your Turkey Tourist E-Visa
FAQ
Can I travel to Turkey without visa?
Do cruise ship passengers need visas?
Do Australian cruise ship passengers need a visa for Turkey?
Do U.S. citizens get a visa on arrival in Turkey?
Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
First, it’s important to note that not all nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey. U.S. citizens, for example, can enter the country without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. For other nationalities, however, a visa is required. If you do need a visa, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to obtain one.
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey on a cruise ship?
There is a lot of confusion about whether cruise ship passengers visiting Turkey on a cruise ship and returning home from Istanbul immediately post-cruise need a visa. Here’s what Turkey’s evisa site says: Do I need an e-Visa if I am on a cruise ship? Go According to the Law on Foreigners and Int
Can a cruise ship passenger get a Turkey e-visa?
As a cruise ship passenger, you will need a Turkey e-Visa in order to disembark and explore the country. The process is simple and can be done entirely online. All you need is a passport that is valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Turkey, and a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee.
Do I need an e-visa to travel to Turkey?
If you are flying out of Turkey after a cruise, you NEED an e-visa. If you are flying into Turkey before a cruise, you NEED an e-visa. If you are arriving by cruise ship and leaving by cruise ship, even if you are staying overnight, you DO NOT NEED an e-visa. We are British and got our visas last week. The info in #4 is definately correct for us.