Istanbul's Visa-Free Revolution: 107 Countries Now Welcome

Istanbul is a city that connects Europe and Asia, making it easy for tourists and business travellers to visit without a visa. Many countries have visa-free entry to Istanbul for short stays, including several Schengen nations and countries outside the Schengen zone such as the US, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. This easy access is beneficial for leisure travellers, allowing them to plan spontaneous trips without the hassle of visa applications. Tourists are attracted to Istanbul for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere, with attractions ranging from ancient landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to modern art galleries. For business travellers, Istanbul's status as a major economic hub and its strategic location make it an attractive destination for international conferences and corporate events. The city's connectivity through Turkish Airlines, which offers extensive flight networks, makes it a convenient transit point for travellers from the Middle East. Additionally, Istanbul's cultural and historical landscape has made it a popular filming location for many well-known movies such as "From Russia with Love," "Skyfall," "The International," and "Taken 2," which showcase the city's iconic sites and landmarks. These movies bring international attention to Istanbul and boost tourism as viewers are inspired to visit the captivating locations seen on screen.

List of Visa-Free and e-Visa Eligible Countries for Entry to Istanbul

Citizens of the following countries can enter Istanbul (Türkiye) without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:

1. Germany
2. Belgium
3. France
4. Netherlands
5. Spain
6. Italy
7. Luxembourg
8. Malta
9. Portugal
10. Greece
11. Poland
12. Hungary
13. Czech Republic
14. Slovakia
15. Slovenia
16. Austria
17. Finland
18. Sweden
19. Denmark
20. Norway
21. Iceland
22. Liechtenstein
23. Switzerland
24. European Union (Non-Schengen)

Citizens from the following EU countries outside the Schengen Zone can also enter Istanbul without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:

1. Bulgaria
2. Romania
3. Croatia
4. Balkans

Residents of the following Balkan countries enjoy visa-free access to Istanbul for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Montenegro
3. North Macedonia
4. Serbia
5. Kosovo

Certain Asian countries also have visa-free access for different durations:

1. Japan (up to 90 days)
2. South Korea (up to 90 days)
3. Singapore (up to 90 days)
4. Malaysia (up to 90 days)
5. Hong Kong (up to 90 days)
6. Israel (up to 90 days)
7. Georgia (up to 90 days with a national ID)

 

Certain Countries can enter Türkiye using just their national ID cards:

1.    Germany
2.    Belgium
3.    France
4.    Georgia
5.    Netherlands
6.    Spain
7.    Switzerland
8.    Italy
9.    Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
10.    Liechtenstein
11.    Luxembourg
12.    Malta
13.    Portugal
14.    Ukraine
15.    Greece
16.    Poland
17.    Bulgaria
18.    Hungary
19.    Moldova
20.    Azerbaijan
21.    Romania

e-Visa Eligible Countries

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa:

1.    Antigua and Barbuda
2.    Armenia
3.    Australia
4.    Austria
5.    Bahamas
6.    Bahrain
7.    Barbados
8.    Belarus
9.    Belgium
10.    Canada
11.    Croatia
12.    Dominica
13.    Dominican Republic
14.    Greek Cypriot Administration
15.    Grenada
16.    Haiti
17.    Hong Kong
18.    Hungary
19.    Indonesia
20.    Ireland
21.    Jamaica
22.    Kuwait
23.    Maldives
24.    Malta
25.    Mauritius
26.    Netherlands
27.    Norway
28.    Oman
29.    Poland
30.    Portugal
31.    Qatar
32.    Saint Lucia
33.    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
34.    Saudi Arabia
35.    Slovakia
36.    South Africa
37.    Spain
38.    USA
39.    United Arab Emirates
40.    United Kingdom

Citizens of the following countries can also apply for an e-visa under certain conditions:

1.    Algeria
2.    Angola
3.    Bangladesh
4.    Benin
5.    Botswana
6.    Burkina Faso
7.    Burundi
8.    Cameroon
9.    Cape Verde
10.    Central African Republic
11.    Chad
12.    Comoros
13.    Côte d’Ivoire
14.    Democratic Republic of the Congo
15.    Djibouti
16.    Egypt
17.    Equatorial Guinea
18.    Eritrea
19.    Ethiopia
20.    Gabon
21.    Gambia
22.    Ghana
23.    Guinea
24.    Guinea-Bissau
25.    India
26.    Iraq
27.    Kenya
28.    Lesotho
29.    Liberia
30.    Madagascar
31.    Malawi
32.    Mali
33.    Mauritania
34.    Mexico
35.    Republic of Congo
36.    Republic of Moldova
37.    Mozambique
38.    Namibia
39.    Niger
40.    Nigeria
41.    Pakistan
42.    Rwanda
43.    Sao Tome and Principe
44.    Senegal
45.    Sierra Leone
46.    Somalia
47.    Sudan
48.    Swaziland
49.    Togo
50.    Uganda
51.    United Republic of Tanzania
52.    Yemen
53.    Zambia
54.    Zimbabwe

Benefits for Visa-Free Travellers
Travellers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Istanbul stand to benefit significantly from the city’s top airlines and airports. Here’s how:

1.  Seamless Travel Experience:

• Visa-free entry simplifies the travel process, allowing holidaymakers, leisure travellers, and business professionals to plan spontaneous trips without the hassle of visa applications.
• Efficient customs and immigration procedures at both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport ensure a smooth entry and exit experience.

2.    Extensive Connectivity:

• Turkish Airlines’ vast network connects Istanbul to numerous international destinations, making it convenient for travellers from visa-exempt countries to reach Istanbul directly.
• The presence of budget carriers like Pegasus Airlines provides affordable travel options, enhancing accessibility for a broader range of travelers.

3. Enhanced Tourism Opportunities: 

• Istanbul's ease of entry encourages more tourists to visit, boosting the city’s tourism sector. This influx benefits local businesses and contributes to the economy.
• For business travellers, the city’s strategic location and excellent flight connectivity make it an ideal destination for international conferences, meetings, and corporate events.

4. Cultural and Economic Exchange: Visa-free travel fosters greater cultural exchange and strengthens ties between Türkiye and other nations. It promotes mutual understanding and collaboration across various sectors, including tourism, trade, and education.