Most visitors to Türkiye use the electronic visa, applied for online before travel, and U.S. citizens have at times been granted visa-free entry for short stays. Because the position has changed, confirm it close to your travel date rather than relying on a previous trip.
Quick facts
Anyone staying beyond the permitted period applies for a residence permit in Türkiye, and that in turn produces a foreign identification number, which is what unlocks banking, health cover and the state digital portal.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic visa | Published tariff | Applied for online |
| Consular visa | Consular tariff | By nationality and category |
| Residence permit | Charged in Türkiye | Migration authority |
| Work permit | Charged in Türkiye | Employer applies |
| Apostille of supporting documents | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
Work requires a permit obtained by the employer in Türkiye. A visa or visa-free entry never authorises employment, whatever the length of stay granted.
How to apply
- Confirm the current position for your nationality before booking travel.
- Apply on the official electronic visa portal where that route applies.
- For long stays, prepare the documents apostilled and translated.
- Book a consular appointment where a consular visa is required.
- Apply for the residence permit in Türkiye within the permitted period.
- Obtain the foreign identification number once residence is granted.
Required documents
- Passport valid well beyond the intended stay.
- Completed application and photographs.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
- Accommodation details and return or onward ticket.
- Health insurance for residence categories.
- Employer or institution documents by category.
Where to apply
Online for the electronic visa; at the consulate covering your state for consular categories.
Consulate General of Turkey
View details →BostonConsulate General of Turkey
View details →ChicagoConsulate General of Turkey
View details →HoustonConsulate General of Turkey
View details →MiamiConsulate General Of Turkish Republic
View details →New YorkOffice of Education Attaché to The Turkish Consulate General in New York
View details →New YorkTurkish Consulate General in New York
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Türkiye
View details →Additional notes
Only official portals
Numerous sites resell the Turkish electronic visa at a markup. The government system publishes the real price.
Dual nationals at the border
A Turkish citizen should enter and leave Türkiye on the Turkish passport. Presenting a foreign one creates administrative problems, particularly around military service status for men and tax residency. This is covered on the citizenship page.
The digital portal
The state’s online services are unavailable to foreigners without a Turkish foreign identification number, so residence and the number come before digital convenience.
Verify close to travel
Entry arrangements for Türkiye have shifted more than once. Check near the date.