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.