If you are planning a trip, study, or work opportunity in Türkiye (Turkey), understanding the different Türkiye visa types is essential. This Türkiye visa guide explains every major visa category, who needs which one, and what each visa allows you to do.
Türkiye visa types explained
For short tourism or business trips, most nationalities can use the Türkiye e-Visa system. For study, work, or long-term residence, apply for a sticker visa. Here are the main Türkiye visa types you should know:
Visa type | Main purpose | Stay duration |
Visit Visa | Tourism, visiting family, business meetings | Up to 90 days |
Official / Diplomatic Visa | Government or diplomatic duty | Varies by assignment |
Student Visa | Studying or attending courses | Length of study |
Work Visa | Employment or job in Türkiye | Usually 1 year, renewable |
Transit Visa | Passing through Türkiye to another country | Short stay (1–3 days) |
Family Visa | Joining spouse or family in Türkiye | Long-term stay |
Medical Visa | Medical treatment or surgery | Depends on treatment plan |
Research / Cultural / Sports Visa | Research, filming, arts, or sports events | Duration of project or event |
Seafarer Visa | Working on ships docking in Türkiye | Based on schedule |
Türkiye visit visa
The Türkiye visit visa is the most common among all Türkiye visa types, suitable for travelers visiting the country for leisure or short business purposes. It covers tourism, sightseeing, vacations, visiting friends or family, and attending business meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, or conferences.
This visa is typically valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Depending on your nationality, it may be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Most travelers can apply easily online. If your nationality isn’t eligible for an e-Visa, you can apply through a Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
Keep in mind that this visa does not allow you to work or study in Türkiye. Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your stay, and you may be asked to provide proof of accommodation, return flight reservations, and sufficient financial means to cover your expenses during your visit.
Official / Diplomatic Visa
The Official or Diplomatic Visa is issued to individuals traveling to Türkiye on official government or diplomatic assignments. This visa type is reserved for diplomats, government officials, and employees of international organizations visiting Türkiye for work-related or formal purposes.
The duration and validity of this visa depend on the length of the assignment or mission. To apply, travelers must present official letters, diplomatic notes, or other formal documents verifying their purpose of travel. Applications are handled directly through Turkish embassies, consulates, or diplomatic missions abroad.
Unlike other visa categories, official or diplomatic visa holders often enjoy expedited processing and specific privileges, such as exemption from certain fees or documentation requirements. However, this Türkiye visa is strictly for government or institutional travel and cannot be used for tourism or personal visits.
Student / Education Visa
The Student Visa is intended for foreigners who plan to pursue academic studies, language courses, or internship programs in Türkiye. It is one of the most important long-term Türkiye visa types, designed for individuals who have been accepted by a Turkish educational institution.
To apply, you must present an official letter of acceptance from a recognized school, university, or training center in Türkiye. Applicants also need to show proof of financial means to cover living and tuition costs, valid health insurance, and details of accommodation during their stay.
The validity of a student visa generally matches the duration of the study program. Once you arrive in Türkiye, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days to stay legally for the entire study period. This visa does not automatically allow part-time work, although students may apply for limited work permissions under Turkish labor laws.
Work Visa
The Work Visa allows foreigners to live and work legally in Türkiye. It is one of the more complex Türkiye visa types since it involves both the applicant and a Turkish employer. Anyone who intends to take up paid employment or work on a project in Türkiye must apply for this visa before entering the country.
To start the process, your employer in Türkiye must apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Once the employer’s part is approved, you can submit your own visa application to a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country, including your passport, completed visa form, work contract, and proof of qualifications.
The initial work visa is usually valid for one year, with the option to renew as long as employment continues. After arrival, the foreign worker must obtain a residence and work permit card to remain legally in Türkiye. It is important to note that working under a tourist visa is illegal and can result in penalties or deportation.
Transit Visa
The Transit Visa is for travelers who need to pass through Türkiye on their way to another country. It is required only for certain nationalities or in cases where a passenger leaves the airport during a layover.
This visa is typically valid for a short stay of one to three days, depending on your travel schedule. Travelers must show proof of an onward ticket and a valid visa (if required) for their destination country.
Many travelers, especially those staying inside the international transit zone, do not need a transit visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or have a long stopover in Türkiye, checking your eligibility in advance is recommended to avoid travel disruptions.
Family / Spouse Visa
The Family Visa, sometimes called the Spouse or Family Reunification Visa, is for foreign nationals who wish to join family members legally residing in Türkiye. It is commonly issued to spouses, children, and dependents of Turkish citizens or foreign residents holding valid residence permits.
Applicants must provide official documents proving the family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, along with the sponsor’s residence or citizenship documents. Financial proof that the sponsor can support the applicant in Türkiye is also required.
The family visa is a long-term visa, allowing the holder to apply for a residence permit after arrival. It enables family members to live together in Türkiye but does not automatically allow employment unless a separate work permit is obtained.
Medical Treatment Visa
The Medical Visa is granted to individuals traveling to Türkiye for healthcare or medical procedures. Türkiye has become a major hub for international medical tourism, offering advanced treatment in areas like surgery, dentistry, and cosmetic medicine.
To apply, patients need an official invitation or confirmation letter from a Turkish hospital or clinic. Supporting documents may include medical reports, proof of financial means, and health insurance covering the treatment period.
The visa’s duration usually depends on the treatment plan and can be extended if the procedure or recovery requires additional time. In many cases, one companion or family member may also receive a visa to accompany the patient during their stay.
Research / Cultural / Sports Visa
The Research, Cultural, and Sports Visa is for individuals participating in academic, artistic, or sporting activities in Türkiye. This includes researchers conducting field studies, documentary filmmakers, artists exhibiting work, and athletes attending competitions.
Applicants must provide supporting documents such as an invitation or approval letter from a relevant Turkish institution, event organizer, or research authority. The duration of this visa typically matches the length of the project or event.
This category helps promote Türkiye’s cultural and academic exchange, making it ideal for professionals, artists, and scholars visiting the country for specific events or collaborations.
Seafarer Visa
The Seafarer Visa applies to crew members working on ships that dock in Turkish ports or pass through Turkish waters. It allows them to enter Türkiye temporarily for work-related reasons or to join their vessel.
Applicants must submit valid seafarer identification documents, a crew list, ship details, and an invitation or confirmation from the shipping company. The visa’s duration depends on the ship’s schedule and the seafarer’s contract.
This visa type ensures smooth entry for international maritime professionals while complying with Türkiye’s border control and employment regulations.
Türkiye e-Visa (Electronic Visa)
While not a separate purpose-based visa, the Türkiye e-Visa is an online method to apply for short-term travel visas.
Available for over 90 countries
Suitable for tourism or business visits only
Applied and paid for entirely online via www.evisa.gov.tr
Usually issued instantly and valid for up to 90 days
This is the easiest option for eligible nationalities and is part of Türkiye’s efforts to simplify travel.
Understanding Türkiye visa types helps you apply for the correct one and avoid travel issues. Türkiye offers flexible options—from easy online e-Visas for tourists to long-term work and student visas.
With the right visa, you can explore Türkiye’s beauty, culture, and business opportunities with peace of mind.
