Scroll down to see the latest update on Turkey visa requirements for South African citizens
Turkey has become an ideal destination for vacations of many travelers thanks to its rich culture, architecture, scrumptious cuisine, dramatic landscapes, and shopping galore. That is the reason why Turkey is becoming a favorite amongst South African travelers.
In this article, we will provide you with the latest information about Turkey visa requirements for South Africa as well as the cost. By reading this information, South African nationals are ready for a trip to Turkey in the near future.
1. Turkey visa requirements for South African citizens
The Turkish Government currently issues e-Visas to citizens of more than 90 countries and South Africa is one of them. Nowadays, South African passport holders no longer need to visit the Turkish embassy. In exchange, you can apply online and have your e-Visa in a faster way.
What is Turkey e-Visa?
In 2013, the Turkish government launched an electronic visa (which is called Turkey e-Visa). This is an easy online visa system that issues an e-Visa instead of the old “sticker visa”.
With the eVisa, the applicants no longer go to local embassies or wait in line at the airport to obtain a visa.
The applicants just need to fill out the application form on the website and make online payments. Once the application is submitted, the visa will be emailed to the traveler.
The Turkish eVisa should be shown to airport and Turkish e-visa holders officials in Turkey and kept safe for the duration of the stay.

South African passport holders need a visa for Turkey
South African citizens need a Turkish visit visa to enter Turkey. For Turkey tourist visas, the maximum stay for South African nationals is 30 days in total, with multiple entries. This e visa is valid for 180 days from the day South Africans arrive in the country.
South African citizens can apply for an e-visa for tourism, sightseeing or commercial purposes.
Most of these visas do not give the holder the right to work or start engaging in any business activity in Turkey.
2. How to apply Turkey online visa for South African citizens
Applying for a Turkey eVisa by GIS services is easier than travelers may think. It should only take some minutes or less to complete filling in an online form.
There is also a professional support service that can assist you 24/7 in case you need help.
Step by step to apply Turkish e-Visa
South African citizens can get a Turkey tourist visa in 04 simple steps:
- Step 1: Fill out the safe online application form . In this step, you need to provide such information as visa details (number of visa, type of visa, the processing time), and personal information (Full name, Date of birth, Nationality, Passport number, Date of arrival/departure).
- Step 2: Making online payments for e visa service. You should double-check all the information provided in the previous step, since any errors may result in a delay in the application process. There are 02 payment methods: electronic transactions (Visa, Master Card, PayPal or American Express) or wire transfer (HSBC transaction) for the visa processing fee.
- Step 3: Wait for the result of your e visa. The Turkish e-visa will be processed and issued electronically and sent to you via email.
- Step 4: On arrival, have your visa stamped in your passport.
Besides, South African citizens can also apply for a visa at the Turkish embassy in South Africa, as the traditional way.

Documents required
South African nationals must make sure they fulfill the eVisa requirements set by the Turkish government. So, the processing is quick and smooth. Here are some documents that South African applicants need to prepare:
- A South African passport is valid for at least 06 months from the arrival date in Turkey.
- A valid email address to receive the visa
- Debit or credit card, to pay the visa processing.
In addition, South African applicants need to have a stable internet connection and connected internet devices such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer to fill in the application form.
Tracking Turkey visa status
GIS provides a feature to “ check visa status ” for customers using its Turkey visa service. Customers fill in their visa information according to the form, within 30 minutes, the processing results will be emailed.
3. What is the processing time and cost of a Turkey visa?
The Turkish visa processing time and service fees are common concerns for all travelers to apply. Do not worry, Turkey visa service at GIS is quickly affordable. We provide three different processing times with different fees:
- Normal service: You can get the approval of the visa in 03 business days
- Urgent Visa: This service is for those who would like to get a Turkey visa within 24 hours.
- Super urgent: If you pay a higher fee for this service, you can expect to receive an e visa within 05 business hours.
Visa fee for Turkey for South African citizens includes a visa service fee. The Government Fee is free to South African nationals.
In addition, South Africans can add a small fee for travel insurance which helps you feel more secure during your journey. It offers a lot of benefits for medical services and transportation.
Hope the above article has brought you the necessary information Turkey visa requirements for South African citizens. If you want to book our services, please contact us to support you fastest. Online 24/7 by platform website, chat, hotline and email is available for you.
Turkey Visa Requirements for South Africa Citizens FAQs
Do South Africans need a visa for Turkey?
South Africa is not among the exempt countries listed for Turkey visas. Therefore, South African citizens must obtain a valid visa to travel to Turkey. Nowadays, there are various methods to acquire a visitor's visa. South Africans have the option to apply for a traditional visa by visiting the Turkey embassy or consulate. Alternatively, they can also opt for a Turkey electronic visa (Turkey e-visa), a popular choice among foreign visitors due to its convenience and quick processing.
The Turkish government introduced the e-Visa in 2013, offering South African citizens a short-term travel permit to enter Turkey. This e-Visa serves various purposes, including travel, leisure, business, and visiting relatives and friends. It allows South African citizens to stay up to 30 days in Turkey with multiple entries.
The process of applying for an e-Visa is simple for South African nationals, involving the completion of an online form that takes just a few minutes. No supporting documents are required, and the visa procedure is fast and efficient. Turkey Immigration Services is very honored to support you through the visa process.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the form or call us by +19173977487 for seeking assistance and learn more about Turkey e-visa.
Can I travel to Turkey from South Africa?
Yes, it is possible to go to Turkey from South Africa now. South African nationals, on the other hand, must get a visa before traveling to Turkey because they are not in the list of visa exempt countries. Fortunately, Turkey Immigration Services can assist you in obtaining an e-Visa in a timely manner. The entire process is simple, and no complicated documentation is necessary. You may apply without having to wait in huge queues at the Embassy or consulate. With only simple steps, you can complete the visa application through our website and wait for the result through email.
An e-visa normally takes three business days to process. If your request is urgent, we will respond more swiftly. The processing period for visas ranges from 5 business hours to 3 business days.
Furthermore, before applying for Turkey from South Africa, you must prepare the following documents to ensure your visa procedure successfully:
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The South African passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into Turkey.
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Scan your passport for personal information.
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To pay the e-visa costs, use a credit/debit card or a PayPal account.
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A valid email address in order to get your Turkey e-visa.
What visa do South Africans need to travel to Turkey?
South African citizens, like most other countries, require a visa to enter Turkey. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye implemented the electronic visa system to simplify the visa application procedure and reduce the backlog of applications at embassies/consulates. This enables citizens of more than 40 countries, including South Africans, to get a Turkish eVisa for travel or business. Visas must be obtained through Turkish Embassies or Consulates for South African travelers coming to Turkey for purposes such as employment or education.
At the moment, South Africans can only apply for Turkey e-visa which allows travelers to stay in Turkey for 30 days on each visit. If you want to stay longer and visit Turkey for other special purposes, they need to go to the Embassy to have an e-visa.
At Turkey Immigration Services, travelers can use our visa application platform to get an e-visa in a few days. The visa application form can be completed by providing some personal information as below:
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Step 1: Fill the form with data such as your name, your age, your passport numbers, and lastly your travel dates.
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Step 2: After filling the form, you can move on to the next step - paying the e-visa fee.
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Step 3: Wait for the result after a few days and then print the e-visa out to be checked at the airport.
How much is Turkey visa for South African citizens?
When South Africans apply for a Turkey visa online, they must pay two fees: the Government cost and the visa service fee. These payments are required and must be paid before the visa application can be processed. Inthere, the government fee is the charge that you must pay for the Turkey government and service fees will be paid to Turkey Immigration Services for preparing documents and supporting throughout the process.
The visa service charge varies based on the service chosen by the travelers. For your consideration, we offer the following options:
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Standard service: Your e-visa will be processed within 03 business days. This option will be the first and common choice of visitors due to the affordable cost.
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Urgent service: Your e-visa will be processed within 24 business hours. This service will cost more due to the shorter processing time.
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Super urgent service: This option will be the most expensive option among 3 services. If you choose to use this service, your e-visa result will be returned within 05 business hours, definitely best for those who are in an urgent case.
South Africa citizens can choose one of three services that we have provided above depending on your travel budget. The Turkey e-visa fee can be changed overtime; therefore, it is a must to check frequently to ensure that you are not overspending your budget.
How do I cancel my South Africa e-visa application?
If you want to cancel your e-visa application form, please contact us for more information. However, if you have submitted your application, contact us within 90 hours after you complete the form. We will cancel your visa application and refund the service fee. The government fee will not be refunded because this fee is paid directly to the government. In case your visa fails, the government fee is also not be refundable.
In case you do not contact us within 90 hours, we can cancel your e-visa but we will not refund your visa fee that you have paid before.
South African citizens should remember that this case will only apply with Turkey Immigration Services. If you apply directly through the government, please follow the instructions:
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Contact the relevant authority: Find the official website or the government department responsible for processing e-visa applications in South Africa. Look for contact information such as email addresses or helpline numbers.
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Send a cancellation request: Reach out to the relevant authority via email or phone and request to cancel your e-visa application.
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Follow instructions: If they respond to your request, follow any instructions they provide to complete the cancellation process. This might involve filling out a cancellation form or providing additional information.
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Await confirmation: After submitting your cancellation request, wait for confirmation from the authorities that your application has been canceled.
How long can a South African stay in Turkey?
The validity of the Turkey e-visa extends for a span of 180 days, commencing from the time of arrival in Turkey, and it is crucial for South African citizens to plan their trip to Turkey within this designated period. This particular visa type permits South African nationals a singular entry into Turkey and grants them the privilege to stay for a maximum duration of 30 days on each stay.
Initiating the application for a Turkey e-visa is a straightforward process conducted entirely online, taking only a few minutes to accomplish. South African citizens can swiftly access essential information by completing the e-visa application form. In view of this, we highly recommend that you promptly proceed with your Turkey e-visa application well in advance of your intended flight to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Turkey is a mesmerizing location that draws a large number of South African tourists due to its magnificent landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural riches. If you are a South African contemplating a vacation to Turkey, you may be curious about the visa requirements. All you need to do is prepare a valid passport which is valid for 6 months from the date of arrival. Other additional documents are one copy of your passport and one photograph of the applicant. Turkey Immigration Services will take care of the rest of the application process.