Turkey’s visa process is changing – How this will affect British holidaymakers?

From Monday 29th October 2018, Brits travelling to Turkey will have to apply for an e-visa BEFORE travelling.

Until now if you were travelling on holiday or business to Turkey, you could pick up an e-Visa on arrival in Turkish airports, or designated WI-FI areas. However, from Monday 29th October these designated areas will no longer be available – so you must apply for your e-visa before you travel.

It’s also worth noting that the Turkish government advise that your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Turkey. If you don’t hold a British passport, there may be additional requirements).

How much do they cost?

The cost of an e-visa to Turkey is significantly lower than those for many other countries.

Priced at $20, this visa must be paid in dollars, but this can still be done using a UK credit or debit card – conversion rates are applied.

When can I apply?

You can apply for an e-Visa to Turkey up to three months in advance of your travel date.

The Turkey visa allows you to make multiple visits up to a maximum of 90 days in a 180 day period.

Where can I get a Visa?

The foreign office advises that you should apply for documents ONLY through an official channel. You can find out more and apply for your Turkey e-Visa on the Official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website here: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

Avoid unauthorised websites as they may charge an additional fee. Some unauthorised sites have issued fake e-Visas.

As well as the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website, you can also apply for a visa before you travel from the Turkish Consulate General in London.

You will have to apply through the General in London if you hold, what the Turkish e-Visa system deems, a “UK Special Passport”.

These are passports of those who aren’t ‘British Citizens’ but hold a different type of British nationality – such as British Overseas Citizens, British Protected Persons or British Subjects.

Travelling on a Cruise?

Those travelling to Turkey on a cruise may not require a visa, as long as they hold a ‘British nationality – such as British Overseas Citizens, British Protected Persons or British Subjects.

Passengers who hold British Citizen passports and arrive at seaports to visit the port city or nearby cities are exempt from the e-Visa requirements – provided you visit there won’t exceed 72 hours, in which case you will need the visa.

It’s best to check visa requirements before applying to travel in order to ensure you receive the correct visa.

If you have any doubts, contact your travel firm or tour operator.

Read the Foreign Office updated Turkey travel advice.