Turkey e-Visa for South Africans

Turkey Visa from South Africa

This Electronic Turkey Visa is being implemented to allow visitors to easily obtain their visas online. The Turkey eVisa program was launched in 2013 by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

It is a mandatory requirement for South African citizens to apply for a Turkey e-Visa (Turkey Visa Online) to enter Turkey for visits upto 30 Days for tourism/recreation, business or transit. Turkey Visa from South Africa is non-optional and a mandatory requirement for all South African nationals visiting Turkey for short stays. The Turkey eVisa holders passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the departure date, that is the date when you leave Turkey.

How to apply for Turkey Visa from South Africa?

Turkey Visa application process for South African citizens

Requirements of Turkey Visa for South African nationals

Turkey e-Visa requirements are minimal, however it is a good idea to be familiar with them before you apply.

Passport

• Citizens of South Africa need to have an Ordinary Passport valid for 60 days beyond the duration of stay.
• Diplomatic, Emergency, or Refugee passport holders are not eligible for Turkey e-Visa and must apply at the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate.
• South African citizens who have dual citizenship need to ensure that they apply for e-Visa with the same passport that they will use to travel to Turkey.

Payment

Applicants will also need a valid Credit or Debit card that is enabled for International payments to pay for the Turkey Online Visa.

Email

South African citizens also need to have a valid email address, to receive the Turkey eVisa in their inbox.

Information must match

The information on your Turkey Visa must match the information on your passport completely, otherwise you will need to apply for a new Turkey eVisa.

Additional Notes

• You do not have to travel on the exact date mentioned in your application, instead, you can enter anytime during the validity period of your eVisa.
• Turkey e-Visa is electronically associated with the passport that was mentioned at the time of application.
• It is not required to print the e-Visa PDF or furnish any other travel authorization at the Turkey airport, as the Turkey Electronic Visa is connected online with the Passport in the Turkey Immigration system.

How long can South African citizens stay on Turkey Visa?

Departure date for South African citizen should be inside 30 Days of arrival. South African citizens must obtain a Turkey Online Visa (Turkey eVisa) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 30 Days. If the South African citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a appropriate Turkey Visa depending on their circumstances. Turkey e-Visa is only valid for purpose of tourism or business. If you need to study or work in Turkey you must apply for a regular or Sticker visa at your nearly Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

What is Turkey Visa Online validity for South African citizens

While Turkey e-Visa is valid for a duration of 180 days, South African citizens can stay for upto 30 Days within the 180 day period. Turkey e-Visa is a Multiple Entry visa for South African citizens.

You can find answers to more Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Visa Online (or Turkey e-Visa).

As a South African citizen, what do I need to know before applying Turkey eVisa?

Nationals of South Africa are already privileged to apply for Turkish Visa Online (eVisa), so that you do not have to visit Turkish Embassy or wait in the queue for Visa on Arrival at the airport. The process is quite simple and eVisa is sent to you by email. We recommend that you read the following:

• Do NOT visit the Consulate or Embassy, instead wait for email from Turkey eVisa Customer Support
• Purpose of visit can be Tourism or Business
• The Visa Application for Turkey can be completed in three to five minutes
• You need a Debit Card or Credit Card for payment of eVisa
• Keep checking email every twelve (12) hours because the immigration officers may ask a question regarding your passport or Visa.
• Duration of stay can be thirty (30) days or ninety (90) days, validity of Turkey e-Visa depends on your nationality
• Entry into Turkey can be either single entry or multiple entry based on the nationality
• eVisa is approved within 24 - 48 hours maximum, you can meanwhile use Turkey Visa Status Check tool online
• Some nationals require a Schenegen visa or Visa / Residence Permit from US, Canada or Ireland to enter Turkey on eVisa, check your eligiblity

List of interesting things to do for South African citizens while visiting Turkey

• Mausoleum and Holy Seat of Antiochus at Nemrut Dagi
• Dishes from the Ottoman Empire at Asitane Restaurant in Fatih, Turkey
• Kuşadası, a charming beach town in Turkey
• Visit miniature theme park with 100-plus models at Miniaturk
• An Art Nouveau gem at Vlora Hanı
• Enjoy a Turkish bath in Istanbul
• Visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
• Sail on the Aegean Sea
• Soak in the thermal waters in Pamukkale
• Day trip to Cleopatra Island off the southeastern coast of Turkey
• A sacred lake with biblical history at Urfa, Turkey

South African Embassy in Turkey

Please apply for a Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.