Turkey Introduces 90-Day eVisa for South Asian Travelers

The Republic of Türkiye has made a significant policy announcement that promises to simplify travel for citizens across South Asia. The introduction of a specific framework for the Turkey 90-Day eVisa for South Asian travelers signals a major push to increase tourism and business ties with countries in the region. This new eVisa policy is designed to be a streamlined electronic travel authorization, moving away from traditional consulate applications for eligible travelers.

The New Turkey 90-Day eVisa Policy

The Turkey 90-Day eVisa is a major update to the current visa regime for South Asian Travelers. While many South Asian nations were already eligible for an eVisa, the terms often came with significant conditional requirements, such as holding a valid visa from a major developed nation like the US, UK, Ireland, or a Schengen area country. The official announcement regarding the simplification or expansion of the Turkey 90-Day eVisa policy is a welcome change that is expected to significantly increase the flow of tourists and business visitors from the South Asian region.

The core benefit of the Turkey 90-Day eVisa is the extended duration of stay. While the maximum period of stay within Türkiye for certain conditionally eligible South Asian citizens was historically 30 days in total, this new arrangement aims to facilitate a longer, more immersive stay. A 90-Day eVisa allows travelers to fully explore Türkiye's diverse attractions, from the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the natural wonders of Cappadocia. The eVisa itself is an electronic document that is easily obtained online.

The official Turkish government website remains the primary source for confirming the specific eVisa requirements and the maximum duration of stay for each nationality within the South Asian category. South Asian Travelers need to consult the official portal when applying for their Turkey 90-Day eVisa.

Conditional eVisa Requirements for South Asian Travelers

It's crucial for South Asian Travelers to South Asian Travelers must understandthat for many countries in the South Asian region, the eVisa remains conditional. While the overarching theme of the announcement is the availability of a 90-Day eVisa, the underlying eVisa requirements often tie a traveler's eligibility to an existing, valid visa or residence permit from a specific group of highly-regarded nations.

Common Conditional Requirements for an eVisa

For citizens of nations like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, the eVisa application may still necessitate certain prerequisites. The Turkish government has historically set these eVisa requirements to ensure a smooth, risk-free entry for South Asian Travelers.

Valid Supporting Visa/Residence Permit: The traveler must hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the following:

Schengen area countries

United States of America (USA)

United Kingdom (UK)

Ireland

Note: Electronic visas (e-visas) or e-residence permits from these countries are typically not accepted as supporting documents for the Turkish eVisa.

Confirmed Travel Documents: A confirmed return ticket or onward ticket is generally a mandatory requirement. This proves the traveler's intent to leave Türkiye at the end of their authorized stay.

Proof of Financial Means: Travelers must demonstrate adequate financial means to support their entire trip, often stipulated as at least $50 per day of stay.

Accommodation Proof: Evidence of confirmed hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Türkiye.

It is paramount that every South Asian Traveler carefully checks the specific eVisa requirements for their passport on the official application portal. Meeting these conditional requirements is key to securing the Turkey 90-Day eVisa.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Turkey eVisa

The shift to the eVisa system has made the application process remarkably efficient for South Asian Travelers. The process for obtaining a Turkey 90-Day eVisa is primarily conducted online, ensuring convenience and fast processing times.

The Online eVisa Application Process

The application is streamlined into a few clear steps, making the eVisa accessible 24/7.

Visit the Official Portal: Access the official Republic of Türkiye eVisa website. Be cautious of unofficial sites that charge excessive service fees.

Select Country and Travel Document: Choose your South Asian country of travel document (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) and the type of travel document (Ordinary Passport).

Fulfill eVisa Requirements Check: The system will prompt you to confirm that you meet the necessary conditional requirements, such as holding the aforementioned supporting visas/permits.

Fill in the Application Form: Provide your personal, passport, and travel details. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly, as an incorrect eVisa will be invalid, and no refund will be granted.

Online Payment: Pay the eVisa fee using a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay). The fee is typically made in US Dollars.

Receive and Download the eVisa: Once approved, the Turkey 90-Day eVisa (or 30-day, as applicable) will be emailed to your registered address. You should keep a digital or printed copy to present at the port of entry.

Processing Times for the eVisa

One of the significant advantages of the eVisa is the speed of processing. South Asian Travelers can often receive their approved document within a short timeframe.

Essential Travel Advice for eVisa Holders

While the Turkey 90-Day eVisa simplifies entry, all South Asian Travelers must adhere to strict travel rules and maintain essential documentation. A valid eVisa is only the first step.

Passport Validity and Travel Insurance

Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of stay granted by your eVisa. For a potential 90-Day eVisa stay, this means your passport needs at least days of validity from the date of entry. Furthermore, while not always a mandatory eVisa requirement, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies is highly recommended for all South Asian Travelers. The Turkish government may sometimes impose additional requirements depending on geopolitical or public health situations, so checking the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is a must.

Restrictions on the 90-Day eVisa

The Turkey 90-Day eVisa is strictly for tourism or commercial purposes. South Asian Travelers must not seek employment or engage in work (paid or unpaid) while on a tourist eVisa. For those planning to work, study, or reside long-term, a regular visa application must be made through a Turkish Embassy or Consulate. The convenience of the eVisa is balanced by these specific restrictions on the purpose of travel. The Turkish government takes a serious view of overstaying or violating the terms of the eVisa.

In conclusion, the focus on the Turkey 90-Day eVisa for South Asian Travelers is a progressive move, promising easier and longer visits to Türkiye. By thoroughly understanding and meeting the eVisa requirements, including any conditional requirements, South Asian Travelers can look forward to a seamless travel experience to one of the world's most captivating destinations.