Despite its new e-visa regime, it is still possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Istanbul.
Where To Obtain A Visa On Arrival In Istanbul (IST)
When Turkey transitioned to an e-visa system in 2013, numerous reports suggested that visa on arrival were no longer available. That is NOT the case. Even in Istanbul’s beautiful new airport, you can still obtain a visa on arrival.
When you land, follow the blue signs indicating passport control/transfer:
Eventually, you will come to a “Vize” sign (in black):
Follow the sign in the arrivals hall:
You’ll find a 24/7 staffed visa on arrival desk near the lines for passport control.
There’s even a photo booth, though most passport holders do not require a photo.
Who Can Obtain a Visa Upon Arrival In Istanbul?
Nationals from the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Istanbul:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Indonesia (single-entry only)
- Jamaica
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- “Southern” Cyprus
- United Arab Emirates
- USA
As recently as 2020, many EU counties and the UK incurred a visa fee, but citizens of these nations can now travel without visa fee to Turkey.
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain A Visa On Arrival in Istanbul?
A visa on arrival can be paid in cash only and the price varies based upon nationality. For U.S. citizens, the cost is 30USD/25EUR/20GBP. At the moment, that makes paying in GBP the best value.
Here is the current price list:
These are old-school sticker visas that are applied directly to your passport.
How Long Are Visa On Arrival In Istanbul Valid For?
Visa on arrival are valid for 180 days, but during that time you can spend no more than 90 days in Turkey. The visa are multiple-entry visas.
When It Makes Sense To Buy A Visa On Arrival
More nationalities than the list above can obtain visa in advance online through Turkey’s easy e-visa system. However, the e-visa has risen in price and often costs more than double the visa on arrival.
Furthermore, not everyone plans trips in advance. Turkey recommends you apply for an e-visa at least 48 hours in advance, though usually processing takes 24 hours and sometimes as little as one hour. But if you need a same-day trip to Istanbul, a visa on arrival can be a lifesaver.
CONCLUSION
The ability to secure a visa upon arrival in Istanbul is a great back-up option if you do not have the time to secure an e-visa or wish to save money. While the 50USD e-visa is more convenient, rest assured you can still easily obtain a visa on arrival in Istanbul.
> Read More: How I Tried (and Failed) to Enter Turkey
“Eventually, you will come to a “Vize” sign (in black):”
Which, also says “Visa”…
Hello all,
I’m traveling to Istanbul next week, 05/23/2022. I have attempted to get an e-Visa, but too expensive comprise, unlike one at the airport. Is it a good idea to wait and get one when I arrive? Thanks for the advice.
Noah
Hi Noah, just get one when you arrive. The sticker is nice in your passport.
Hello, any idea how long it takes to get the visa on arrival? Should I expect long lines? Arriving at 10am on a Sunday.
Thank you
This is also nice as a backup option for someone connecting in IST on Turkish who might not normally get a Turkish visa, but might want one if (for example) your flight were cancelled and you would otherwise be stuck in the airport overnight. Getting a visa would allow you to get a good night’s sleep at a hotel in the city.
Damn if I had known that last week. Of course I have the evisa but would loved to have that old fashioned sticker!!!
In 2012, I tried to buy a visa-on-arrival with GBP, but I was told I had to go to an ATM and get US$, because I couldn’t pay for a visa with GBP for my U.S. passport.
In the last 12 months flying to IST with TK I have found that on line check in is not possible if you don’t have an e-visa, they will of course check you in at the airport without. Also while IST has 24 hour counters just beware that at other international arrival points the counters are not always open 24/7. I recently arrived at ADB late at night and had I not had the e-visa I would have had to sit there until the next morning when the counter opened!
Hello, I am traveling to Istanbul on March 27, 2021
I would like to buy the old fashioned sticker visa at the IST airport, please let me know?
More expensive than e-visa, but still available.
How does this work when checking in for a flight? Am I going to get push back that I don’t have an e-visa? Will airline staff know that I can get a visa on arrival?
This is my question too. I just checked Timatic and it says that passengers with a US passport are not cleared to travel to Istanbul without a visa. There’s nothing in the small print that I can see that says that a passenger can obtain one on arrival. What am I missing?
@Jack I don’t recall being asked about my Turkish eVisa last time I flew to IST (Sept 2020). My girlfriend originated in AUS and wasn’t asked there. I originated in LHR and wasn’t asked there.
Is there also a Visa on Arrival kiosk for the other airport, Sabiha Gokcen (SAW)?
Yes, at least there was pre-pandemic.
Matt,
Is the Visa-On-Arrival still an option and would you have a way to get the latest costs? I have reached out to Turkish authorities and the Istanbul airport without success
Travelling in the last week of Dec with a family of 5, so torn between the convenience of the evisa versus the savings of $100 with the Visa On Arrival. You are a lifesaver with this very detailed post, Thank You!
The visa on arrival will still be available—but that’s the only thing I can guarantee. My friend was just there and reports that prices have not changed as of 28 October.
I want to travel to Istanbul but my passport is only 4 months to expire and my stay there is from the 16 to the 29 January 2022 can I get a visa on arrival thanks
I have been trying to get a visa online but no luck and I’ll be arriving on the 16th. Can I just obtain a visa at the airport? Please help
Yes, you can buy one online.
@James The https://www.evisa.gov.tr/ website has been completely unreachable for a long time. I’m also crossing my fingers that I can get an on-arrival visa next week at SAW.
I entered Turkey in 2016 with an Egyptian passport and received the visa in the airport. Egypt is not on the above list, but they have exceptions if you are 45 yr old or older.
April 2, 2022: i Applied and paid for a evisa. I never received the visa. Applied right after for my wife and the website warned that the site was not secure and I could compromise my CC info, identity, etc. I gave up the idea of going to Turkey. Now in Europe and reading theses articles, I am going to try to get visas upon arrival.
Yes, obtaining a visa on arrival will be no problem and you’ll receive a nifty sticker in your passport. Just bring cash (GBP, EUR, or USD).
Coming from USA on visit visa but nationality
Is Pakistan
Can I receive visa on arrival
And how much cost is on arrival visa
Yes, you can obtain visa on arrival at pricing indicated above.
Hello, we would like to leave the Istanbul airport and tour the city for a few hours during our long transit time. How long does getting the transit visa usually take upon arrival at the Istanbul airport?
Visit the transit desk – you may have to purchase you own visa, but ask – you may get a special stamp to avoid the visa.
Can I get visa on arrival coming from USA visit visa on Pakistan passport and
Please clear mention how much cost of visa on arrival
Hi Mathew,
I have a UK residence permit with a biometric card but i hold a zimbabwean passport i intend to fly to instabul swb tomorrow will i be given a visa on arrival and allowed to fly by turkish airlines from London Stanstead airport do you know please help
I do not know – let us know if UK lets you in.
Hi Matthew,
Looking forward to a family trip to Turkey in a few weeks. On a US passport, can we pay for the visa on arrival with pounds (which seems cheaper) or do we have to pay with dollars?
Thanks!