Turkey e-visa for Indians
By Ganesh ·
Indians can get a Turkey e-visa only with a valid US, UK, Schengen or Irish visa or residence permit. The conditions, the regular visa route, costs and a 10-day plan.
The short answer: Indians can get a Turkey e-visa online at the official site (evisa.gov.tr) only if they already hold a valid US, UK, Schengen or Irish visa or residence permit: a "conditional" e-visa. It's usually single entry, for up to 30 days. If you don't have one of those visas, apply for a regular (sticker) Turkish visa through the Turkish visa application centre in India (VFS Global) well before you travel.
Turkey sets the e-visa conditions and fees by nationality and changes them from time to time. Check evisa.gov.tr and the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi for the current rules and fee. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Which route is yours?
| Your situation | What to apply for |
|---|---|
| Valid US, UK, Schengen or Irish visa or residence permit (not an e-visa) | Conditional e-visa on evisa.gov.tr |
| None of those | Regular tourist visa via the Turkish visa centre (VFS Global) in India |
| Transit only, staying airside at Istanbul | Usually no visa; check with your airline |
The conditional e-visa: what to know
- The supporting visa must be valid on your arrival date. Electronic visas or e-visas from those countries usually don't count. Check the conditions on evisa.gov.tr.
- Extra conditions are listed on the site for Indian applicants, such as a return ticket, a hotel booking and enough money for the stay, and in some cases travel on specific airlines. Read them before paying.
- Fee: paid in US dollars by card on the site; amounts depend on nationality.
- Print it and carry it with your passport and the supporting visa.
The regular visa: what to prepare
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and old passports.
- Application form, photos, flight reservation and hotel bookings.
- Bank statements, ITRs, salary slips or business documents.
- Employment letter with leave approval, and a cover letter with your plan.
- Travel insurance covering your stay.
Book the VFS appointment early for April–May (tulips, spring) and September–October, the most popular months for Istanbul and Cappadocia.
What a Turkey trip costs (approximate)
| Item | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Return flights India–Istanbul | ₹30,000–₹55,000 |
| Hotels, 3–4 star | ₹4,000–₹9,000 a night |
| Cappadocia balloon flight | Varies widely by season, often the single biggest activity cost |
| Domestic flight Istanbul–Cappadocia | ₹4,000–₹9,000 one way |
A 10-day idea
- Istanbul (4 nights): Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı, the Bosphorus.
- Cappadocia (3 nights): balloon at sunrise, Göreme open-air museum, valleys.
- Pamukkale (1 night), then Ephesus near Selçuk (1 night), and fly home from İzmir or back via Istanbul.
Plan it in Sancharees: flights, the overnight bus or domestic flights, and hotels all land on the right day.
FAQ
Can Indians get a Turkey visa on arrival?
No. Get the conditional e-visa (if eligible) or a regular visa before you travel.
Can I use a Schengen visa I've already used up?
The supporting visa usually must be valid on your arrival in Turkey. A visa that has expired doesn't qualify.
How long can I stay in Turkey on an e-visa?
Usually up to 30 days, single entry, within the e-visa's validity. Your e-visa shows the exact terms.
Is evisa.gov.tr the official site?
Yes. Other sites that look official charge extra for the same e-visa.
Photo: Hot air balloon in Cappadocia 02 by Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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