Press Release Regarding Visa Applications at the Border Gates of the Republic of Turkey as of 11 April 2014
No: 34, 30 January 2014, Press Release Regarding Visa Applications at the Border Gates of the Republic of Turkey as of 11 April 2014 and the Measures to be Taken During the Transition Period
In accordance with the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No.6458, published on 11 April 2013 in the Official Gazette, it is envisaged to put an end to obtain visa on arrival in Turkey as of 11 April 2014. However, necessary measures will be taken in order to maintain the current procedure for a certain time during the transition period, including 2014 tourism season.
Visa for touristic or business purposes can be obtained from Embassies/Consulates of Turkey or via the Electronic Visa Application System (www.evisa.gov.tr).
It is now possible to obtain an e-Visa approximately in three minutes online through the Electronic Visa Application System which was launched in 2013.
Necessary arrangements are being carried out with a view to strengthening the e-Visa system while some other measures are implemented to enable foreign nationals subject to visa requirement, to obtain their visas.
In this context, prior to 11 April 2014;
- In addition to English, French and Spanish; Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, German, Arabic and Chinese languages will be added to the e-Visa system.
- In addition to Visa and Master Card credit cards, payment will be made possible by other credit cards and debit cards which are commonly used.
- Necessary infrastructure will be established for obtaining e-Visas from the offices of agreed airline companies carrying passengers to Turkey and from their offices at the airports.
- Tour operators will be able to apply for group e-Visas and make lump sum payments for them.
- Foreigners arriving to Turkey without visa will be able to obtain their e-Visas via interactive kiosks to be placed at Turkish airports.
The necessary work is being carried out in coordination with all relevant public authorities and private sector in order to overcome difficulties during this transition period, which also aims at eliminating waiting periods at Turkish airports. The new arrangements will be in service as soon as possible.