Electronic Visa System to Replace Visa-on-Arrival Program

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that an electronic visa system implemented in late 2013 will replace the current visa-on-arrival program available to certain nationalities entering Turkey for business or tourism. The visa-on-arrival program will cease to exist on April 10, 2014.

The electronic authorization should be processed several minutes after the traveler submits all required information. Visa nationals will still be required to apply for a visitor visa at a Turkish consulate.

The elimination of the visa-on-arrival program stems from an immigration reform law that will take effect next month. The immigration law includes a special three-day visa exemption for tourists who arrive at a sea port. In addition, border immigration officials may, in exceptional circumstances, issue a 15-day visa-on-arrival; but it remains unknown if the special 15-day visa-on-arrival also will be eliminated, or if its issuance will become even more limited.

What This Means for Employers

Employers should ensure that employees who are currently eligible for the visa-on-arrival program obtain electronic travel authorization before seeking entry to Turkey on or after April 10.

Fragomen worked closely with Bener (Istanbul) to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen, or send an email to [email protected].