Applying for a Turkey Visa for US Citizens no longer means going in-person to a national embassy or consulate or obtaining a visa on arrival at the border.
To travel to Türkiye from the US, American passport holders can now get an electronic visa (e-Visa) instead of the traditional ‘stamp’ or ‘sticker’ visa. This modern and convenient system makes it easy to apply for a Turkey visa online from the US.
The Turkey e-Visa for US citizens can be used for both tourist visits and business travel. The e-Visa grants US Travelers a stay of up to 3 months, with multiple entries.
American citizens may need to obtain additional documents to visit Türkiye:
- COVID-19 Form for Entry to Turkey—mandatory for all passengers
- US Embassy Registration service—recommended when visiting Turkey
- Other entry requirements—depending on the traveler
DO AMERICANS NEED AN EVISA FOR TURKEY?
Turkey’s visa policy states that US passport holders need a visa to enter Türkiye, even for short stays.
There are 3 ways to get a visa for Turkey from the USA: online (recommended), on arrival, or at an embassy.
US citizens are encouraged to use the eVisa system as it is the fastest and most convenient way to apply for a visa. Turkey eVisa applicants with a US passport do not need to attend an interview at the embassy or wait in line for a visa on arrival at the airport.
Instead, the application is entirely online. Americans fill out the form on their smartphone or computer and receive the approved Turkish eVisa by email.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TURKISH EVISA FOR U.S. CITIZENS
There are single and multiple-entry visas for Turkey. American passport holders are eligible for the multiple-entry permit: they can visit Türkiye more than once while the visa remains valid.
Other important information about the electronic Urgent Visa for Turkey from the US:
- Length of stay—up to 90 days
- Visa validity—180 days from the arrival date
- Purpose of visit—tourism, business, transit
An embassy visa is required to stay in Türkiye for longer than 3 months, or for purposes not listed above.
Turkey e-Visa Application for US Citizens
TURKEY E-VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS
To get a Turkey visa for US citizens, applicants need:
- A passport with a minimum validity of 150 days from the date of arrival
- An email address where notifications and the e-Visa will be sent
- A debit or credit card to pay for the visa fee
Travelers also need to meet the eVisa eligibility criteria. Questions on the eVisa form verify the US citizen can travel with an electronic visa, they cover the purpose of visit, availability of funds, and passport validity.
HOW TO GET A TURKEY VISA FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS
American travelers can get a Turkish visa for US citizens in 3 steps:
Complete the Turkey eVisa form
Pay the application fee
Receive the approved visa
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A VISA TO TÜRKIYE FROM THE USA?
It takes just a few minutes to fill out the Turkey eVisa application form. Travelers only have to provide basic personal details, passport data, and some travel information.
Turkish visa applications are processed quickly. Most travelers receive the approved permit in 48 hours. Americans are advised to allow extra time in case of any unexpected delays.
Americans who need a visa urgently can apply using the priority service. The priority application service guarantees visa processing in 1 hour.
Each application is reviewed by the Turkish immigration department, and applicants are advised not to book flights or accommodation until they have received confirmation of visa approval.
The e-Visa will be sent directly to the applicant’s email once it has been approved. Passport control officers will be able to verify the validity of the e-Visa using their online system. However, it is advisable to keep an electronic copy of the Turkey visa for US citizens on the traveler’s tablet or phone, or bring a printed copy, to show immigration officials if necessary.
APPLYING ONLINE FOR A TURKISH VISA FOR US CITIZENS
All eligible travelers must fill in the Turkish e-Visa application form with their personal details and passport information.
Travelers must provide the following details on the Turkey e-Visa application:
Personal information
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Contact details
Passport data
- Issuing country
- Passport number
- Issue and expiry date
Travel details
- Date of arrival in Türkiye
- Purpose of visit (tourism/business)
They then need to answer a series of eligibility questions. Applicants should check all the information carefully before submitting the request.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for US citizens visiting Türkiye
Americans traveling to Türkiye are advised to use the embassy registration service known as the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).
STEP registration is recommended when traveling anywhere outside the US. By providing the US embassy in Türkiye with their detail, travelers can be contacted in the unlikely event of an emergency at home or abroad. They can also receive relevant information about their destination.
Registering with the STEP is simple: US citizens can simply sign up via an online form. This can be done when applying for a Turkey e-Visa through this site. The process typically takes a few minutes.
TÜRKIYE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS
Passengers must carry the following documents when traveling to Türkiye from the USA:
- Valid visa to Turkey from the USA
Apply Now for a Turkey e-Visa - Passport valid for at least 150 days (6 months recommended)
- COVID-19 Form for Entry to Turkey
Americans should check the latest entry requirements for Turkey before their trip.
Visa requirements to transit through a Turkish airport
American citizens do not need a Turkey transit visa if they are changing flights within a Turkish airport. They just need a valid passport and an onward ticket.
Nevertheless, an approved visa is a mandatory requirement for onward travel to another country via road, rail or sea.
Traveling in Europe after visiting Türkiye
Türkiye is not a member of the European Union. It is a separate national entity with its own immigration requirements.
This means that US citizens who are planning to visit an EU destination after exploring Türkiye must hold the correct travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area, in addition to a valid Turkish visa.
TRAVEL TO TURKEY FROM THE USA
Most Americans travel to the United States by plane. Direct flights to Istanbul Airport (IST) depart from several US cities such as Boston, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
There are also flights with one or more stops to other popular tourist destinations including Adana, Bodum, and Dalaman.
Air passengers need to present their travel documents to Turkish immigration officers on arrival at the airport.
A Turkish visa does not guarantee entry, border authorities verify each visitor’s eligibility to enter the country.
