Turkish visas explained.

Last year Turkey introduced the e-visa system and there still seems to be a lot of confusion so I thought I would summarise the situation for you.

If you are travelling on a cruise that does not start or finish in Turkey, but only calls there as a port of call you do NOT need to purchase an e-visa. This is as long as the cruise does not stay in port for more than 72 hours. If you’re ship is in a port of call for more than 72 hours you will require an e-visa.

If your cruise embarks or disembarks in Turkey you DO require an e-visa.

If you are on a non cruise holiday in Turkey you will require an e-visa.

E-visa’s for UK passport holders and residents cost $20 per person and are valid for up to 180 days. Your visit must be no longer than 90 days and they can be purchased up to 3 months before departure, they will cover you for multiple entry within this period.

The visa can be purchased from the official site www.evisa.gov.tr/en. There are visa services agencies who will charge you extra for applying on your behalf but the official site is quick and easy to use.

Now it is also possible to still purchase your visa upon arrival however the charge for this is now £20pp so more expensive than pre-paying and it involves lengthy queues so the e-visa is definitely recommended. The Turkish authorities have advised that purchase upon arrival will be ‘phased out at anypoint in the future’ so it is best not to get caught out. However if you do find yourself arriving in Turkey without a visa and faced with a long queue the e-visa is an instant purchase visa so can be bought via your smart phone at the airport.

Please note that the above information is for British passport holders only. For other nationalities please go to www.evisa.gov.tr/en

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