Before you travel to Türkiye, it is worth checking the entry requirements for your nationality. In this guide, updated for 2026, I explain the essentials: passport validity, who can travel without a visa, how the official e-Visa works and what to expect when you land.
Please note: entry rules can change at short notice and depend on your nationality and the passport you hold. Always check the official e-Visa website, evisa.gov.tr, and your own government's travel advice for Türkiye before you travel.
General requirements for entering Türkiye
- Passport: valid for at least 150 days from the day you arrive (in practice, many travellers aim for six months to be safe).
- A return or onward ticket.
- Proof of accommodation (a hotel booking, although it is rarely requested).
- Maximum stay: for visa-free visitors, usually 90 days within any 180-day period.
Do I need a visa for Türkiye?
Visa-free for tourism (up to 90 days)
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries can currently visit Türkiye without a visa for tourism, for up to 90 days (generally within any 180-day period). Citizens of some European countries can also enter with a national identity card instead of a passport; check with your airline before relying on this.
e-Visa or embassy visa
Other nationalities may need a visa. In many cases this is an e-Visa that you apply for online on the official website, evisa.gov.tr, in a few minutes. Some nationalities need to apply at a Turkish embassy or consulate instead. The e-Visa website tells you exactly what applies to your passport, including the fee, which varies by nationality.
How to get a Turkish e-Visa
- Go to evisa.gov.tr, the Turkish government's official website.
- Select your nationality and fill in the form.
- Pay by credit or debit card (the fee depends on your nationality).
- Receive your e-Visa by email, usually within minutes.
- Print it or keep it on your phone.
Important: apply ONLY through the official website. Some third-party websites charge unnecessary fees for exactly the same e-Visa.
Travel insurance
Türkiye does not require tourists to have travel insurance, but it is highly advisable. Healthcare in Türkiye is of a high standard, but as a tourist you will normally use private hospitals and pay up front. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment and any activities you plan, such as a balloon flight.
Do I need vaccinations?
No vaccinations are compulsory to enter Türkiye. The usual recommendations are routine vaccines (such as tetanus) and hepatitis A. Check with your doctor or a travel health clinic before you go.
Official sources to check before you travel
- evisa.gov.tr: the official Turkish e-Visa website, where you can see whether your nationality needs a visa.
- Your government's travel advice: for example GOV.UK foreign travel advice (UK), travel.state.gov (US), travel.gc.ca (Canada) or Smartraveller (Australia). They also cover passport validity and local laws.
- Your airline: it checks your documents before you board, so make sure it has nothing extra to ask for.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport (IST) is modern and efficient. Passport control usually takes 15–30 minutes. If you need an e-Visa, have it downloaded on your phone or printed. Once through immigration, you will find ATMs, mobile phone shops (Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom) and transfer desks for the city centre. Many travellers now simply set up an eSIM before they fly.
For more practical advice, read my Türkiye travel guide, the guide to money in Türkiye and is Türkiye safe to visit?
Any questions about your trip? As your English-speaking private guide in Türkiye, I am happy to help you prepare. Message me, with no obligation.