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 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.
Traveling from South Africa to Turkey requires a visa for both business and tourist purposes. Luckily, the Turkish government has simplified the process through the e-Visa system. This online method of obtaining a visa replaces the old 'sticker visa' that was previously issued at the border crossings.
To begin the Turkey eVisa application process, ensure that you have a valid South African passport. It should be valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Turkey. Moreover, you'll need a valid email address to receive notifications about your application and the e-Visa itself.
Once you have this on hand, follow these steps:
A few points to remember:
Celsius Library
There is no cost for the Turkish e-visa for South Africans.
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
Read about my visits to Istanbul , Ephesus and Kusadasi.
In conclusion, applying for a Turkish visa as a South African citizen has been made quite simple with the online e-Visa application system. It's a convenient process that allows you to apply from the comfort of your home and receive the visa electronically, eliminating the need for any physical application or visit to the embassy. Happy travels!
See how to apply for a Turkey eVisa for Americans.
"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
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
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.
Please how much does it take you to work your visa to turkey
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.