Turkish Airlines is making the Turkish Visa acquisition easier with its new e-Visa program. Officially launched in April, the new system allows foreign nationals to obtain Turkish visas online at www.evisa.gov.tr rather than at the Turkish consulates and embassies, or at the border gates upon arrival. To participate travelers need a passport that has been valid for at least six months, documentation of their flight reservation and a credit card (currently only Visa and MasterCard are accepted).
An electronic copy of one’s e-Visa will be available online as soon as the application is submitted and the credit card has been charged. A hard copy will also be mailed to the travelers directly, which they can print out and show to airport and customs officials upon their arrival in Turkey.
According to Turkish Airlines’ Chairman of the Board Hamdi Topçu, “This new initiative will not only make it easier for foreign nationals to apply for and obtain a Turkish visa, but is also expected to increase the number of visitors to Turkey, thus attracting additional tourism and foreign trade revenue.”
Travelers are required to carry their e-Visa with them at all times as it is an official endorsement from the Turkish government that the bearer is allowed to enter and be in the country. E-Visas can only be used for tourism or trade purposes. Those looking to travel to Turkey for work or study are still required to file an application through the country’s embassies or consulates.
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