Visa for Turkey

If someone has been to Turkey lately could you please advise if it better to get your visa before leaving or at the airport upon arrival. Getting it ahead looks to be much more complicated and can take 6 weeks where as at the airport it appears you present your passport and the correct visa fee in American dollars. Any idea how long it takes at the airport in Istanbul.
Gary

Comments

  • We were in Turkey in June of 2010. We were advised by a friend who had traveled to Turkey several times to get our visas at the airport. My husband pulled up the visa applications on the internet and filled them out. When we got to Istanbul, the customs people didn't even look at them. They shoved them back at us. They just asked us for $20. each, stamped our passports, and we were good to go. It took less than 5 minutes.
  • Hello lovestravel,

    U.S. citizens will need a valid passport, which is valid for at least 6 months after your dates of travel. U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkey. The visa is easily obtained upon arrival at the airport or border entry point. The fee is USD $20 per person (exact change is recommended) and no application forms are required at point of entry.

    For tourist or business travel of up to 3 months:
    1. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended travel dates
    2. Visa plus tickets and documents to return or continue travel
    3. Copy of travel itinerary
    4. No vaccinations required
    5. No photograph needed

    Non-U.S. citizens should contact their local embassy, consulate, or travel agent to determine if visas are required to enter Turkey.

    Hope the helps,
    Emily
  • Thanks lovestravel and Emily for your short concise answer, it makes it much easier for me.
    Gary
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