In recent years, Turkey has been one of the most popular destinations for South Africans, with good reason. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the country boasts a rich culture and history that is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and arts. Turkey also offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the coastal regions to the mountainous interior. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, historic sights or an action-packed adventure, Turkey has something to offer everyone.
The United Nations has recently changed the Republic of Turkey’s name from “Turkey” to “Türkiye” however I will still use the old name here as the new name will take some getting used to.
Getting the visa was an easy, painless process whereby South Africans could apply online at least 48 hours before departure, and receive an e-visa by email. On 6 July, the Turkish government announced that the e-visa online system had been disabled for South Africans and a visit to the Turkish embassy was now required. The new Turkish visa requirements would be much more onerous for South Africans considering how long it will take to arrange some of the required documents.
After a huge outcry, this new system was revoked. It was blamed on a "temporary glitch". The e-visa online system is now back. Apply here.
Note: e-Visas are only issued for tourism and trade purposes. You will need to apply at least 48 hours before your departure. The e-visa is issued for a maximum of 30 days and is free. You will need a passport with an expiration date at least 60 days beyond the “duration of stay” of your visa. South African citizens can get a multiple entry visa which is handy if you are planning to visit other countries then return to Turkey. If you want a visa for a longer period than 30 days, you will need to visit the embassy.
Celsius Library
For visa applications, please visit www.visa.gov.tr and follow the visa process. You are required to complete and follow the steps by filling in personal information, passport information, upload documents, submitting and then downloading the completed pre-application form. After completing and submitting the application online, you will need to go to the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria along with the documentation as uploaded and originals of the required documents which include your passport, and two 5*5 biometric photos.
The list of required documents required to apply for a Turkish tourist visa can be found on the website and are as follows.
The cost of the visa will be R954 per person payable in cash at the embassy.
The Turkish Embassy in Pretoria serves the following countries: Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Eswatini, Kingdom of Lesotho
It is located at: Turkish Embassy, 573 Fehrsen Street, Nieuw Mucklenuck, Pretoria, South Africa
Contact +27 12 342 60 55-56 or embassy.pretoria@mfa.gov.tr
Visa applications are accepted between 09:30-11:00 only. It takes 10-15 working days to process the visa.
Read about my visits to Istanbul , Ephesus and Kusadasi.
"Turkey is a European country, an Asian country, a Middle Eastern country, a Balkan country, a Caucasian country, a neighbor to Africa, Black Sea country, Caspian Sea, all these."
-Ahmet Davutoglu
My friend and I are visiting Turkey in September, her passport is not valid for 180days from the start of the visa, does anyone know how to get the single entry point which requires 90days validity period, we are only going one week. I got my visa but hers is a problem. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Please ask the embassy. You can email them on embassy.pretoria@mfa.gov.tr
I have just done my visa it cost nothing.
Log on to website
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/
updated details
and with in minutes I had a visa.
Yes, they have reverted to the old system.
I applies online free of charge. So what i understand isnthat this can be uae as before. Did mine amonth ago online
They changed the system for 2 days but it's gone back to the online visa again.
It was just a glitch in the system and e-visas are active again. I have just had mine issued successfully.
This is ridiculous 😭 booked for 20th July a whiiiile ago but now how and where will I find the time to do this before then. So sad
That's unfortunate. Good luck getting all the documents in time.
Breaking News: After a huge outcry, they have very quickly scrapped the new requirements - so the online E-Visa system is back to normal - South Africans, go ahead and get your E-Visas and enjoy Turkiye.
Thank goodness they've realised that it won't work.
The e-visa system is now back, thank goodness.
south africa is not eevn listed here in the countries . so this is so confusing as at 8 July 2022. So how do we proceed
From what I saw, it says that citizens of the listed countries should apply months in advance however South Africans still need to apply too. I confirmed with the embassy.
The e-visa system is now back again, thankfully.
Definitely a bad decision, probably didn’t think it through … logistical nightmare for most South Africans that will have to travel in to Pretoria from other parts of the Country … I’d rather holiday somewhere else .
It's a great deterrent to travelling to Turkey. Getting all the required documnts will be a mission in itself.
They've brought the e-visa system back again!
This won't work for some people it's just too far too get too the embassy.Turkey will loose lots of tourist from South Africa
I agree, definitely. It's so sad.
They've now realised this and brought the e-visa system back again.