Do you need a visa for Turkey?

Visa-free (90 days in 180)

Citizens of EU countries (most), UK, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, and Ukraine can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Bring a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry.

e-Visa required ($35–50)

US, Canada, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and many others need an e-Visa. Apply at the official site: evisa.gov.tr. Fill in passport details, pay by card, get a PDF within minutes.

Important: only use the official evisa.gov.tr site. Third-party 'visa services' charge 2–4x more for the same form.

Sticker visa on arrival

A small number of nationalities (including Nigeria, some African countries) may still need a sticker visa. Check your country's Turkish consulate page — or apply for the e-Visa first; it covers more countries than people realize.

Common rejections

• Passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date → renew first.
• Passport has less than 2 blank pages → may be refused at arrival.
• Trying to use a copy of the e-Visa PDF without paying → scam; will be caught.

If you're transiting

Airside transit in Istanbul (IST or SAW) doesn't require a visa. Leaving the airport does.

What you need at the border

• Valid passport (6 months, 2 blank pages)
• Printed or phone-screen copy of e-Visa
• Proof of onward travel (rarely asked but sometimes)
• Accommodation address (first night)

This is a practical guide, not legal advice. Always check your own government's travel page and the Turkish consulate site before booking non-refundable flights.