SA passport holders will still be able to obtain a visa-on-arrival for the foreseeable future, when travelling to Turkey.
Communication circulating in the industry, warning travel agents that visitors to Turkey would soon have to apply for a visa online or they may be refused entry to the country, is incorrect.
eTNW confirmed with the Turkish embassy in Pretoria and other authorities that the rules have only changed for UK travellers, who will no longer be able to obtain a visa-on-arrival when travelling to Turkey from April. They must instead apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) online.
South African travellers have a choice – they can obtain an e-visa or a visa-on-arrival at the airport. The e-visa will cost the same as before and will be emailed to travellers for them to print out at home after providing their name, date and place of birth, email address and passport details. They will then be required to present the document to immigration on arrival.
To apply for an e-visa, travellers should log on to www.evisa.gov.tr, provide the requested information, and – after the application is approved – make online payment and download their e-visa. The whole process should take no longer than 10 minutes.
An e-visa is valid only for tourism or trade purposes. For other purposes, such as work or study, an application through the embassy or consulate must be submitted.
