How Many Days Does It Take To Get A Turkey Visa? A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Turkey can be an exciting endeavor. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine it’s no wonder Turkey is such a popular destination. However, before you start packing your bags, it’s important to understand the visa requirements for Turkey. One key question travelers need to ask is how many days does it take to get a Turkey visa?

The answer depends on a few factors, including your nationality the type of visa you need, and your purpose for visiting Turkey. Here’s a complete guide on Turkey visa processing times to help you plan accordingly.

Overview of Turkey Visa Types

There are two main types of visas for entry to Turkey:

Turkey e-Visa: This online visa allows stays of up to 90 days and is usually processed within 1-2 days. It’s valid for tourism and business trips.

Turkey Sticker Visa: Obtained by application at a Turkish consulate, this visa allows longer stays for purposes like work or study. Processing can take 15-25 days.

So the first step is determining if you need an e-visa or sticker visa, as this impacts the processing timeline.

Turkey E-Visa Processing Time

The Turkey e-visa is the fastest and most convenient way for many travelers to obtain a visa. The entire application process is done online via Turkey’s government website.

Here are some key facts on Turkey e-visa processing:

• Available to citizens of 100+ countries, including the USA, Canada, UK and EU states.

• Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

• Valid for tourism and business visits.

• Processing time is typically 1-2 days. Some applications are approved within minutes.

• Costs $60 USD and is valid for multiple entries within the validity period.

So if you hold a passport from an eligible country and plan a short trip to Turkey, the e-visa only takes a day or two to obtain.

Applying at least 2 weeks in advance is recommended in case extra documentation is needed. But rest assured your Turkey e-visa will be issued rapidly in most cases.

Turkey Sticker Visa Processing Time

For those who need to stay over 90 days in Turkey, or who plan to work or study there, a sticker visa obtained from a Turkish consulate is required.

The processing time for a Turkey sticker visa is longer than the e-visa route:

• Applicants must submit physical paperwork and attend an interview at the consulate.

• Processing can take 15-25 business days or longer. The Turkish consulate will advise of timelines.

• Costs vary by visa type, ranging from $50-500 USD.

So be sure to apply for your Turkey sticker visa well in advance of your planned trip. Do not expect to obtain this type of visa rapidly. Allow several weeks to complete the visa process via the consulate.

Factors That Impact Turkey Visa Processing Time

Several factors can influence how long it takes to get a visa approved for Turkey:

• Nationality – Applicants from some countries may require extra screening.

• Visa type – Sticker visas take longer than e-visas.

• Purpose of visit – Tourism visas are faster; student or work visas require more processing.

• Time of year – Applications peak during summer and holidays. Avoid these busy times.

• Consulate location – Some Turkish consulates have higher volumes, slowing processing.

• Documentation errors – Mistakes can delay verification and approval.

• Payment issues – Failed payments will hold up an application.

To save time, double check you have the right visa type and submit a complete, accurate application with proper payment. Avoid applying during peak seasons if possible. Allow ample margin for delays.

Average Turkey Visa Processing Timeline

To summarize average processing times:

• Turkey e-visa: 1-2 days
• Turkey tourist sticker visa: 15 business days
• Turkey work or student sticker visa: 25+ business days

Again, these are general estimates only. Individual timelines may vary. Check government websites for official visa processing updates.

Tips for Hassle-Free Turkey Visa Application

Follow these tips for the smoothest visa application process:

• Apply early – Leave room for delays and complications.
• Double check requirements – Ensure you have all needed documents.
• Use online systems – Where available, e-visas are fastest.
• Check application status – Follow up if your visa is delayed.
• Have application proof – Carry printouts and receipts when traveling.

With proper planning and preparation, obtaining your Turkey visa doesn’t have to be a hassle, even if it takes a couple of weeks to process.

Do I Need a Visa for a Layover in Turkey?

If you are transiting through Turkey on your way to another destination, you may need a transit visa. The requirements depend on your nationality and airport connections:

• Citizens of some countries can transit without a visa.

• Otherwise, you need an e-visa if staying under 24 hours and leaving the airport.

• Stays over 24 hours require a regular short-stay visa.

Check government visa pages to see if you need a Turkey transit visa during your layover. The e-visa transit visa only takes 1-2 days to receive if required.

Hopefully this breakdown gives you a better understanding of how long it takes to obtain a visa for your trip to Turkey. The Turkey e-visa can be secured in just a day or two, while sticker visas require several weeks of processing time.

Careful planning, applying early, and double checking you have the right visa type for your travel purpose will all help ensure a smooth visa application process. Do your research before your Turkey trip so you can spend your time enjoying this incredible country, not worrying about visa delays.

Sources

• https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/how-long-before-my-travel-date-should-i-apply-for-e-visa/
• https://tr.usembassy.gov/visas/
• https://www.mfa.gov.tr/consular-info.en.mfa
• https://visaguide.world/europe/turkey-visa/