Effective January 1, 2025, Turkey will allow citizens of 78 countries and territories to enter without a visa for tourism and short-term visits, according to an official statement. It will continue offering eVisa Turkey to travelers from eligible countries through its official platform.

Visa-Free Countries

As of January 1, 2025, Turkey offers visa-free 2025 access to citizens from 78 visa-free countries to Turkey and territories. This major policy shift affects tourists from Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and various Gulf and Latin American countries. The full list of eligible countries can be found on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The move aims to facilitate travel and encourage tourism by eliminating the requirement of applying for a visa in the short term. Visitors can now experience Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites and natural beauty without the complication of a visa.

Effective Date

The Turkey visa policy update, which grants visa-free entry to 78 countries and territories, was enacted on January 1, 2025. As of this date, travelers from these eligible countries are permitted to enter Turkey without a visa for tourism or business purposes. This policy is an exception for tourism and short-term visits. People working, studying, or staying longer in Turkey must apply for a specific visa or permit at Turkish consulate services before entering Turkey.

eVisa Still Available

All visitors from countries outside the visa-free list must apply for an eVisa before traveling. Applying for an eVisa is a simple and completely digital process through Turkey’s official eVisa website. Applicants can log on to www.evisa.tr to finalize the process, which generally lasts a maximum of 10 minutes.

With the eVisa system, travelers can complete the entire visa process online, eliminating the need to visit a Turkish embassy or consulate. This means more convenience and a more efficient process for international travelers.

Purpose of Visit

Turkey visa on arrival is mainly for tourism (holidays) or short-term business purposes. For travelers from eligible countries, stays of up to 90 days in 180 days are visa free. Travelers who plan to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days or purposes other than tourism or short-term business must apply for an adequate Turkey tourist visa or residence permit at www.turkeyvisa.ae before entering the country. In addition, travelers should have passports valid for at least 60 days beyond their stay in Turkey.

Impact

The announcement will likely increase demand for travel to Turkey, particularly with the summer holiday approaching, as it offers a much-needed travel opportunity. Turkey has become a more attractive destination for international travelers by easing the entry Turkey visa requirements.

This easy accessibility is expected to double the number of people visiting historical places, cultural festivals, and different parts of the country. With this influx, much of the spending by visitors in areas like hospitality, transportation, and retail is anticipated to benefit the local economy.

Additional Information:

Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website for more information on visa policy updates and eVisa application. Travelers are strongly encouraged to verify up-to-date information and ensure that they are eligible before commencing their travels to the destination.