Turkey is a magical country with an abundance of historical sites, natural wonders, stunning architecture and delicious food. It is constantly listed as one of the top countries in the world to visit – with good reason. I’ve been to Istanbul, Ephesus and Kusadasi but there are many more places in Turkey that I still want to visit. If you haven’t been there yet, then now’s a good time to start planning your trip.
This post does not apply to South African passport-holders as the visa is free for them. See the Turkey visa requirements for South Africans here.
Turkey previously operated on a visa-on-arrival system. This system was terminated at the end of October 2018. You now have to apply for a Turkish visa online prior to entering the country. You can obtain your Turkey visa from e-visums.co.uk . It’s quick and easy.
An e-Visa is an official document issued online by the Government of a country which authorises a foreign passport-holder to enter the country and travel within the country. It is a convenient alternative to a paper-based visa that is issued by the embassy. No stamp or other evidence is placed in your passport. When entering the country, you are required to show your e-Visa at the passport control immigration checkpoint for verification purposes. A Turkish e-Visa is valid for business and tourist trips to Turkey. You will receive your e-Visa by e-mail and are advised to print it out and keep it with you when travelling.
There are few countries in the world that don’t have to pay for the Turkish e-visa. South Africa is one of them. But if you hold a passport from the United Kingdom, Spain, France or many other European countries, you have to pay a fee for the e-Visa.
To be eligible for a Turkish e-visa, the following conditions apply.
Hagia Sofia
A Turkey tourist visa application can be easy. You can apply for the visa yourself at the official Turkish government’s website. You will need a credit card in order to do it and each document type must be completed separately. Or you can do it via E-Visum (Rates do differ.)
Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to get a Turkish visa, here is some more information to help you plan your trip.
The best time to visit Turkey is during their spring and autumn seasons, as the winters tend to be too cold and the summers too hot. Spring is from April to May and Autumn is from September to mid-November.
Istanbul is the only city in the world that is perched on two continents, Europe and Asia. It is home to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and a myriad of other attractions.
Antalya is a classically beautiful and elegantly modern city on the Mediterranean. It is known as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera but is definitely a destination in its own right too. It has a wonderful collection of beaches, historical sites including an old city, and other exciting attractions.
Celsius Library
Ephesus was an ancient port city that was considered to be the most important Greek city and most important Mediterranean trading center. Today, you can still see its well-preserved ruins.
Cappadocia is a delightful region known for its distinctive fairy chimneys, which are actually unique rock formations.
Pamukkale is known for its mineral-rich thermal waters that flow down white travertine terraces.
With so much to see and do in Turkey, what are you waiting for?
Disclosure: 13
I may like to travel to turkey
To further my studies
Turkey is a beautiful country. All the best.
I wish to travel and work in Turkey - what are the requirements? my passport is valid.
Hi there. What passport do you have - from which country?
I mean how to secure the Turkish visa... please simplify it more , thanks.
gooday i love to travel to Turkey for tourism
Good day please I want to travel to Turkey to work and live there and I don't have much money now....what can I do?
Please contact the Turkish embassy
Hi.i wish to travel to Turkey and work there .my passport is valid.wath can I do
Hi Musiliu. Where are you based?
I which to travel to Turkey to live and work,but my international passport will expire on October 2019,how can you help me out...secondly I don't have any money for now please help me out.
Please contact Home Affairs.