What is an E-Visa? How to Get One?

When traveling abroad, one of the necessary steps before your trip is obtaining a visa. While some countries offer visa exemptions, others require travelers to get one. In the past, the visa process involved numerous procedures, but today, thanks to digital advancements, applying for a visa online has become much easier. Initially implemented in other countries, this system is now available for Turkish citizens as well. Applying for a visa online has become faster and more practical, and since it's an online process, you can submit your application at any time, as long as you have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This has made getting a visa significantly easier.

The e-visa system has relieved travelers from the burden of bureaucratic processes, making it highly convenient. Previously, visas issued at the airport upon arrival were seen as a major convenience. However, the e-visa has emerged as a great alternative to visas issued at the border, receiving positive feedback from travelers. As a result, the e-visa has become widely used in Turkiye. Through this online platform, travelers can apply for visas to various countries. If applicants meet the required conditions, they can obtain their visas quickly without any issues. So, how do you apply for an e-visa? What is the process, and how do you get one? Here are the details you need to know about e-visas.

How to Apply for an E-Visa?

Obtaining an e-visa is quite simple. While visa procedures vary from country to country, meeting the necessary requirements online is much easier. Regardless of a country’s visa procedures, the steps on the online platform remain the same, ensuring a consistent process. Before applying, you should first check if the country you're visiting supports e-visas. Passengers with a valid passport can pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. Once the e-visa steps are completed and the payment is made, you can print the visa document and use it to pass through border control.

E-Visa Application Steps

It’s important to note that there are some limitations and rules for e-visa applications. For example, if you’re applying as a family, the application must include at least two people and a maximum of 10. For group travel, e-visa applications can be made for groups ranging from 10 to 300 people. Another key point is that e-visas are only valid for tourism and business purposes.

To apply for an e-visa, go to evisa.gov.tr and follow the steps on the homepage. Keep in mind that each individual, including infants and children, needs a separate e-visa. The process is easy and practical whether you're applying individually or as part of a family or group. Just follow the steps carefully to complete your application smoothly.

Which Countries Offer E-Visas?

The e-visa system has gained global popularity and is now available for many countries. By 2018, 25 countries had introduced e-visas, and this number continues to grow. Here are some countries where you can apply for an e-visa online:

USA
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Armenia
Gabon
Georgia
India
Cambodia
Kenya
Kuwait
Malaysia
Mexico
Moldova
Myanmar
Nevis
Rwanda
Russia
Saint Kitts
São Tomé
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Saudi Arabia
Taiwan
Turkiye
Uganda
Cape Verde
New Zealand
Zambia
Zimbabwe

E-Visa Fees

Just like standard visa applications, e-visas require a fee, which varies depending on the country. If your home country has a visa agreement with the country you’re visiting, you may not need to pay a fee. For instance, there’s a visa exemption between Turkiye and North Macedonia, so no visa fee is required when traveling there. For other countries, you can see the visa fees on the system, and you’ll need to pay the amount specified for the country you’re visiting.

Things to Watch Out for When Applying for an E-Visa

Although getting an e-visa seems simple, there are a few important details travelers should pay attention to. Here are the key points to keep in mind when applying for an e-visa:

Visa Type

Just like with a regular visa, it’s important to apply for the correct visa based on your travel purpose. However, e-visas are only available for business and tourism. If your trip falls under these categories, you can proceed with the e-visa application.

Entering Correct Information

It’s crucial that all information entered during the e-visa application is accurate. This helps avoid any future issues. The e-visa application also requires a form, biometric photo, proof of residence, flight ticket, and bank account details, all of which must be filled in correctly.

Payment of Application Fee

After entering all the required information, the visa fee, as determined by the country you’re visiting, must be paid using a credit or debit card. Make sure to have your payment method ready when applying for your e-visa.

Tracking Your Application

It’s also important to monitor the status of your application. Make sure to check your visa status on the online platform and promptly address any missing or incomplete documents if required.