Which countries can enter Turkey without a visa?
Citizens of many countries can enter Turkey without a visa for short stays, primarily for tourism. The permitted visa-free stay depends on nationality and may be up to 30, 60, or 90 days within the applicable period. Check the Turkey visa-free countries list below to find your permitted stay and entry requirements.
Turkey Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of certain countries can enter Turkey without a visa for short-term visits. Visa-free entry is generally available for tourism or business purposes, but the permitted length of stay depends on the traveler’s nationality.
Some visa-exempt travelers may stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, while others are permitted shorter stays. Passport and entry requirements may also vary by nationality.
Citizens of over 70 countries and territories, including all European Union and EFTA member states, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Malaysia, can enter Turkey (Türkiye) without a visa for short-term tourist stays
Visa exemption does not automatically guarantee entry into Turkey. Travelers must still meet the applicable entry requirements and may be asked to provide supporting documents at the border.
How Long Can You Stay in Turkey Without a Visa?
How long you can stay in Turkey without a visa depends on your nationality and the visa exemption applicable to your passport.
For many eligible travelers, the maximum visa-free stay is up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other nationalities may be permitted to stay for shorter periods, such as 30 or 60 days.
The permitted period should therefore be checked according to your nationality rather than assuming that every visa-exempt traveler can remain in Turkey for 90 days.
What Does “90 Days Within 180 Days” Mean?
A 90-day limit within a 180-day period means that an eligible traveler can spend a maximum of 90 days in Turkey during the relevant rolling 180-day period.
Leaving Turkey and re-entering does not necessarily reset the permitted stay. Travelers should keep track of the total number of days spent in Turkey to avoid overstaying their visa-free allowance.
If you plan to stay longer than your permitted visa-free period, you may need to obtain the appropriate visa or residence authorization before exceeding your allowed stay.
Requirements for Visa-Free Entry to Turkey
Even if your nationality qualifies for visa-free travel to Turkey, you must still satisfy the applicable entry requirements.
Travelers should generally have:
- A valid passport or accepted travel document
- Sufficient passport validity for the intended trip
- Evidence of accommodation, if requested
- A return or onward travel arrangement, if requested
- Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- A travel purpose permitted under the visa exemption
Additional requirements may apply depending on your nationality, travel document, purpose of travel, and length of stay.
Visa-free entry is primarily intended for eligible short-term visits. Travelers who intend to work, study, reside, or remain in Turkey beyond the permitted period may need a different visa or authorization.
Entry requirements can change, so travelers should verify the latest requirements applicable to their nationality before departure.
What If Your Country Is Not Visa-Exempt?
If your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry to Turkey, you may need to obtain a visa before traveling.
Depending on your nationality and eligibility, you may be able to apply for a Turkey eVisa online instead of applying for a traditional visa through a Turkish embassy or consulate.
Before applying, check:
- Whether your nationality is eligible for a Turkey eVisa
- The permitted purpose and duration of stay
- Passport validity requirements
- Any supporting-document requirements
- The applicable visa fee and processing conditions
Travelers who are not eligible for either visa-free entry or a Turkey eVisa should check the appropriate visa procedure for their nationality and intended purpose of travel.
Turkey Visa-Free Entry FAQs
Who can enter Turkey without a visa?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter Turkey without obtaining a visa for eligible short-term visits. The permitted stay and entry conditions vary by nationality, so travelers should check the visa exemption applicable to their passport before traveling.
Can I stay in Turkey for 90 days without a visa?
Some visa-exempt travelers can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the maximum visa-free stay varies by nationality, and some travelers may be permitted to stay for only 30 or 60 days.
Do I need an eVisa if my country is visa-free?
Generally, travelers who qualify for visa-free entry do not need a Turkey eVisa for a trip that meets the conditions of their visa exemption. An appropriate visa or authorization may still be required if the purpose or duration of the trip falls outside those conditions.
Can I work in Turkey without a visa if I have visa-free entry?
Visa-free entry for short visits does not automatically give a traveler permission to work in Turkey. Foreign nationals intending to work in Turkey should check the applicable work visa and work permit requirements before traveling for employment.
Can I study in Turkey without a visa?
Visa-free tourist entry should not be treated as automatic authorization to study in Turkey. Students should check the visa and residence requirements that apply to their nationality and study program before traveling.
What happens if I stay longer than my visa-free period?
Overstaying the permitted period can result in immigration consequences, which may include penalties or restrictions on future entry. Travelers should leave Turkey before their authorized stay expires or obtain the appropriate authorization if they need to remain longer.
Does leaving Turkey reset the 90-day visa-free period?
Not necessarily. Where the rule is expressed as a maximum number of days within a 180-day period, leaving and immediately re-entering Turkey does not automatically provide a new full allowance. The total number of days spent in Turkey during the applicable period must be considered.
Do visa-free travelers need a valid passport to enter Turkey?
Visa-exempt travelers generally need a valid passport or another travel document accepted for entry. Passport and document requirements can vary by nationality, so travelers should verify the requirements applicable to their travel document before departure.
What should I do if my country is not on the Turkey visa-free list?
If your country is not visa-exempt, check whether you are eligible to apply for a Turkey eVisa online. If you are not eligible for an eVisa, you may need to apply for the appropriate visa through the relevant Turkish diplomatic mission.
Related Articles
- Can I Get a Turkey eVisa Without a Schengen Visa?
- Can I travel to Turkey if my e-Visa details don't match my passport?
- Can You Extend a Turkey eVisa and Stay Longer?
- Is it safe to pay by credit card on the e-Visa website?
- I made a mistake in my e-Visa application. What should I do?
- What is the most famous hammam in Istanbul?
- What to Expect at a Turkish Hammam?
- Is hamam worth it in Istanbul?