Besides a valid passport, you would need a visa to enter Turkey, whether for business, pleasure, immigration, or school. For commerce and leisure purposes, though, some won't need to apply for an e visa Turkey, as this will depend on your country of origin. If you're one of those who would need one, it's best to have a good understanding of this type of visa.

e Visa Turkey: An Overview

The application for a visa continues to become more convenient and faster because of the increasing number of travelers. Not only that, but tourism also helps improve a country's economy.

If you're one of the frequent travelers or just planning to visit Turkey for the first time, below are the essential details you need to know about this type of Turkey visa.

eVisa vs. VOA

Since March 2014, eligible individuals have been able to get a short-stay tourist or business visa upon arrival in Turkey. Known as the Visa on Arrival (VOA), you need to fall in line in the immigration area once you arrive at the airport. Then, fill out the necessary forms, present the required documents, pay the fees, and wait.

From the information above, it's clear that applying for VOA can be time-consuming, depending on the number of individuals falling in line. Additionally, the VOA is costlier than eVisa, and citizens of most countries aren't qualified.

Apart from being more affordable, having a Turkey e visa on hand will ensure a shorter stay at the airport and more time exploring the country or attending to your business. It's also important to note that the VOA might get phased out soon.

In contrast to VOA, you would need to apply before your travel date. Still, expect that the process and approval period won't take that long.

What's more convenient is that you can already complete the health declaration form or Form for Entry to Turkey together with your visa application. It is an additional requirement at the moment because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Should You Apply

The ideal time to apply for any visa to enter a country requiring one is a few months before your travel plans to ensure you have enough time to re-apply if you get denied. For a Turkish electronic visa, you can apply as early as three months or as late as 48 hours before your travel date.

Who Can and Needs to Apply for an eVisa

Both children and adults will need a Turkey e Visa if they plan or need to exit the airport upon arrival. That is even if they would only stay in a hotel for less than 24 hours.

That said, there is an age restriction for Algeria citizens. They can only apply for one if they're below 18 years old or above 35 years old. The rest of the Algerians would need to go to the embassy and apply for a regular visitor visa.

Also, only the citizens or permanent residents of countries included on the eVisa eligible list can apply for one. It is also only applicable for those whose purpose of travel is for single or double transit and on an official visit and solo, couple, or group tours.

Those who would attend a business meeting, seminar, or conference, sports activities, cultural-artistic activities, festivities, fairs, or exhibitions are also eligible for an eVisa.

How the eVisa Works

The Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue your visa electronically once you get approved; hence, the name eVisa. This visa also gets linked to your passport and can be accessed by the DFA or Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure your smooth entry via the immigration's computer terminals.

On the other hand, if you get denied a Turkey eVisa, you will receive a message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the agency you hired will inform you. Your next step is to visit the Turkish embassy in your area for a regular visa application. You may also re-apply for an eVisa after 24 hours.

Electronic Visa for Turkey: The Validity

Whatever type of eVisa you have, your eVisa's validity is within six months or 180 days from the date of application, which is indicated on your visa. Meaning, if you have a 30-day visit visa, you must consume that 30 days within the six-month period.

The Unused eVisa

Unfortunately, you won't get any refund if you weren't able to use your eVisa within the validity period. That is whether or not you have a valid reason, like a medical emergency. You would need to apply and pay for it again.

The Risk of Overstaying

Staying beyond the number of days indicated on your visa comes with consequences. In Turkey, you will need to pay fines and, of course, get deported. Worst case scenario? You might get banned from entering the country within a given period or permanently.

Application for Extension

Extending your stay in Turkey is possible as long as you apply for a residence permit before your eVisa expires. All you have to do is proceed to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Just keep in mind that there are requirements to meet, so obtaining one isn't 100% sure.

If you don't get a residence permit, you need to exit the country on or before your electronic visa for Turkey expires and apply for a new one before re-entry. Nevertheless, if you have a multiple-entry visa, you can re-enter as often as indicated on your visa.

The Turkey eVisa: In Conclusion

The internet has definitely made our lives more convenient, even in terms of legal documents, like visa applications. The e Visa Turkey allows you to legally visit the country for commercial and visit purposes for a certain number of days.

Being more efficient and affordable than the VOA and the regular visa, tourists and business persons will surely understand why Turkey is among the most visited countries in the world. Just keep in mind that you shouldn't overstay to avoid repercussions. After all, you can always re-apply if you want to revisit the country.

If you're ready to apply for one now, make sure you familiarize yourself with the complete process of obtaining an eVisa Turkey.