Online Turkey Visa for South African Citizens

Turkish e-Visa is a new system that allows travelers from more than 100 nations to apply for a short-term visa online. South African citizens can apply for a Turkey e-Visa, which allows them to stay for 30 days in the country.

The visa has a validity of 180 days and is issued based on the applicant's expected date of arrival or time frame of the trip to Turkey. South African nationals are eligible to apply for a multiple-entry e-Visa. However, bear in mind that each trip should not last more than 30 days. In most cases, the e-visa application is processed within one (1) working day.

Online Turkey Visa or Turkey e-Visa is an electronic travel permit or travel authorization to visit Turkey for a period of upto 90 days. Government of Turkey recommends that foreign visitors must apply for a Online Turkey Visa at least three days (or 72 hours) before you visit Turkey. International tourists can apply for an Online Turkey Visa Application in a matter of minutes. Online Turkey Visa application process is automated, simple, and completely online.

Why Should I Apply for an Online Turkey Visa?

If you are traveling to Turkey for work, vacation, or leisure, and your stay will be no longer than 30 days, applying for an e-Visa is the ideal alternative. 

This feature is not accessible to all nations, and only a few nationalities can use the expedited visa process. You can easily apply for a Turkish e-Visa by completing an online application form, supplying appropriate support papers, and paying the visa processing fee. The entire application procedure is performed online from the convenience of your own home, eliminating the need to contact an embassy or consulate.

READ MORE:
Before you apply for Turkey business visa application, you must have detailed knowledge about business visa requirements. Click here to learn more about eligibility and requirements to enter in Turkey as a business visitor. Learn more at Turkey Business Visa.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for an Online Turkey Visa?

Before traveling to Turkey, South African citizens must apply for a visa.

Turkey has several online visa options, including tourist, transit, and business visas. To apply for an e-Visa, an applicant must meet certain qualifying requirements. This includes the following:

  • The applicant must travel to Turkey for a brief period.
  • The goal of the trip should be business, tourism, or transit via Turkey to another place.
  • The applicant must possess a valid South African passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of their arrival in Turkey.
  • This visa cannot be obtained in order to seek a paid job or to study in Turkey. You must get a visa from your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for these purposes.
  • They must have a valid email address.

Citizens of South Africa are ineligible to apply for or get a visa on arrival.

How To Fill up the Online Turkey Visa Application Form?

You can rapidly complete the Turkey e-Visa application form by following these few steps:

  • When you click on the website's application form link, the first step is to specify your date of travel to Turkey. Enter the date you intend to enter Turkey, and if you don't have a precise date in mind, offer a general notion of when you might visit Turkey.
  • A dialogue box will open questions about your home country and the kind of travel document you are going to use to apply for the visa. You can select regular, special, diplomatic, alien, service, or Nansen passports.
  • You must provide personal information such as your full name, parents' names, birth date, nationality, marital status, dwelling address, contact details, email address, profession, and other pertinent information. 
  • Simply review the biography section of your passport to complete this section since the data you submit on the online application must meet the required standards on your passport, or the application will be rejected.
  • Please provide all your travel-related information next. This comprises the passport number, issue and expiry dates, country of issuance, the reason for travel, past travel history, and so on.
  • After entering all of your information, you will be taken to an online payment page to pay Turkish visa fees. To carry out the transaction, kindly use a valid payment card, whether it is a credit or debit card, including MasterCard or Visa.
  • Do not be concerned about the payment process, as it is handled through a secure online system. Your financial information will not be saved, and the process will be kept private. If you want to extend your visa, you must go to a local police station or an immigration office and request an extension.

READ MORE:
If a traveler plans to leave the airport, they must get a transit visa for Turkey. Even though they will only be in the city for a short while, transit travelers who wish to explore the city must have a visa.Learn more at Transit Visa for Turkey.

Apply for Online Turkey Visa from South Africa:

Please carefully fill out the form available on our website to apply for an official Turkey visa from South Africa.

  • Please Note: This official form is only for persons seeking a Turkey e-Visa with a South African passport. According to the form, all that is required of you is your personal information, travel information, passport information, and the sort of visa you are applying for.
  • Meanwhile, when completing the Turkey visa application form, please attempt to fill in the areas highlighted with red asterisks, as these contain critical information required for processing your e-visa to Turkey. 
  • If you look closely, you will notice that the Nationality zone is already locked with South Africa. This means that when you fill out this form, our system will automatically identify you as a South African citizen. Please take this into consideration if you are an applicant from another country.
  • When submitting your visa application, please select the processing time that best meets your needs.
  • Before submitting your form, please ensure that you are a South African citizen. Please double-check your details to avoid making mistakes. Remember to complete the areas marked with a red asterisk to ensure a smooth Turkish visa processing. 
  • We are now fully aware of the risks posed by the coronavirus. Take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus. You can still successfully submit your e-visa application. Meanwhile, keep in mind that issued visas or fees for issued visas cannot be reimbursed, even if the receiver is unable to use it or travel as a result of the covid-19 procedures. Keep in mind that visa approval sometimes takes longer than planned.

READ MORE:
The approval of an Online Turkey Visa is not always a given, though. Several things, such as giving false information on the online form and concerns that the applicant would overstay their visa, might cause the Online Turkey Visa application to be refused. Learn more at How to Avoid Turkey Visa Rejection.

Turkish Visa Frequently Asked Questions: 
1. Do South Africans need a visa to enter Turkey?

Yes, South African passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkey. 

South African citizens can apply for an e-visa online. They must have all of the required papers and information. The visa is given in within 30 minutes.

2. How much does a South African visa to Turkey cost?

Our website contains all the information on Turkey visa fees. 

You can also use a debit or credit card to pay (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or UnionPay). A Turkish visa can be obtained online and delivered within 24 hours.

3. What if my passport information differs from the information on the application form?

It is crucial that the information on your online visa application and the biography page of your passport match.

 If it does, the authorities will accept your application. Even if your eVisa is accepted, you will have problems upon arrival since border control authorities will reject your entry into Turkey because your visa is invalid.

4. Is the Turkey eVisa valid for one or numerous entries?

The Turkey eVisa allows for both single and multiple entries.

5. What if I'm going on a cruise?

Cruise passengers can visit Turkey without an eVisa and remain for up to 72 hours. This restriction only applies to passengers departing on the same cruise ship.

Please keep in mind that clearance from regional security officials is required. If you do not want to leave the cruise ship and merely wish to visit the port city, you will not require a visa.

6. Is it legal for South Africans to work in Turkey?

Yes, South Africans and nationals of all other qualifying countries can work in Turkey with a work visa.

READ MORE:
Foreign nationals wishing to travel to Turkey for tourist or business purposes can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization called Online Turkey Visa or Turkey e-Visa. Learn more at Eligible Countries for Online Turkey Visa.

Where are the South African Embassies in Turkey?

South Africa Embassy in Ankara

Address

Filistin Sokak No 27

PO Box 30

06700

Gaziosmanpasa

Ankara

Turkey

Phone

+90-312-405-6861

+ 90-312-405-68-71

Fax

+90-312-446-6434

Email

[email protected]

Website URL

http://www.southafrica.org.tr

South Africa Honorary Consulate in Istanbul

Address

Alarko Centre

Muallim Naci Cad. No 69

Ortakoy

Istanbul

Turkey

Phone

+90-212-227-5200

Fax

+90-212-260-2378

Email

[email protected]

South Africa Honorary Consulate in Izmir

Address

Ataturk Organize Sanayi, Bolgesi, 10008 Sokak No 1

35620

Cigli

Izmir

Turkey

Phone

+90-232-376-8445

Fax

+90-232-376-7942

Email

[email protected]

South Africa Honorary Consulate in Mersin

Address

Olcartur Tourism and Travel Agency, Ataturk Cad, A-Blok, No 82

33010

Mersin

Turkey

Phone

+90-324-237-1075

Fax

+90-324-237-1079

Email

[email protected]

Where are the Turkish Embassies in South Africa?

Turkish Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa

1067 Stanza Bopape Street

Hatfield, 0083

P.O.Box 56014

Arcadia, 0007

Pretoria

South Africa

Contact No. - (+27) 12 342 6056

(+27) 12 342 6054 (Consular section)

Fax  - (+27) 12 342 6052

Email - [email protected]

READ MORE:
It is typical for tourists to want to extend or renew their Turkish visas while they are in the country. There are several alternatives available to tourists depending on their specific needs. Additionally, visitors must ensure they do not overstay their visas when attempting to extend or renew a Turkish one. This may be against immigration regulations, resulting in fines or other penalties. Learn more at How to Renew or Extend Turkey Visa.

COVID-19 Updates - Turkey

Total Cases: 17,042,722

Active: N/A

Recovered: N/A

Deaths: 101,492

Head of Mission: Mr. Kaan Esener, Ambassador

According to the most recent factual information on COVID-19 damage, about 17,042,722 instances have been infected by this virus, and the list includes N/A recent active cases. Fortunately, almost N/A patients have recovered. The passing rate of crown patients in 2020 was around 101,492 due to COVID-19. 

The total number of test cases done for COVID-19 patients is zero. To cure COVID-19, a small quantity of drugs and vaccines were pre-requested; the total number of these immunizations was up to 50,000,000.

Now, Turkey's medical centers are working on receiving the final treatment for COVID-19, and they have demanded adequately that all pre-requests for vaccines begin. Turkey wanted over 3.8 billion antibodies to be mixed there.

Various organizations have requested these vaccinations, notably Sinovac (SARS-CoV-2), which has asked for 50,000,000 antibodies. According to a recent study, the dosages of these antibodies are sufficient to immunize 30% of the population.

Please keep in mind:

Visits to the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria must be scheduled in advance. For specialized services, visitors must go to the embassy's assigned area and make an appointment using the email addresses listed above. If you want to apply for consular services, you should go to the Consular Section. Please contact the high commission or consular email division to schedule an appointment at [email protected].

Consular Assistance:

The Turkish Embassy in Pretoria provides a comprehensive range of consular services, including visa and passport processing and document legalization.

To apply for a new passport, renew an old one, modify the details on your present passport, or report a missing or damaged passport, make an appointment with the high commission's passport department.

These consulate services are as follows:

  • Passport applications are processed.
  • Visa applications are processed.
  • Document legalization.
  • The issuance of emergency travel documents.
  • Legal authority.
  • Certificate of Birth.
  • Forms of application.
  • Document authentication.

Consult the high commission if you want to apply for an identity card, report a lost or stolen Turkey ID card, or modify or change your information on the Identity verification card.

Visa Services: 

For individuals who are not eligible for an electronic visa to Turkey, the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria provides visa facilitation services. You can contact the Mission to learn more about the types of visas available and to apply for your chosen single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visa, transit visa, and diplomatic official visa. The Embassy can also help with East African Visas and Referred Visas.

Keep in mind that a single-entry visa can be obtained for both tourism and business purposes. However, a diplomatic official visa can only be issued for those traveling to Turkey on official business. A multiple-entry visa is exclusively awarded to British nationals, and applications from other people are routed to the immigration headquarters for additional processing.

You must apply for a transit visa to receive an entry permit for a quick stopover or overnight stay in Turkey. The East African visa allows travelers to visit Turkey, Rwanda, and Uganda on several occasions. Certain countries' citizens are granted referred visas. The director approves their visas of immigration services.

Please keep in mind that applications without adequate supporting documentation will not be processed. The embassy may take up to three business days to process your visa application.

The Turkish government promotes tourism and tries to make travel easier by offering electronic visas, which are entirely online, from form filling to payment and document upload.

READ MORE:
It is highly unlikely that you would be turned away at the Turkish border due to a criminal record if you successfully obtained a visa for Turkey. The appropriate authorities conduct a background investigation after you submit your visa application before deciding whether to approve it. Learn more at Travel to Turkey with a Criminal Record.

What Are Some Tourist Attractions in Turkey for South Africans?

Turkey is a fascinating country that straddles Asia and Europe. It is overflowing with ancient monuments left behind by a succession of civilizations and breathtaking scenery that never ceases to amaze.

All visitors are captivated by its colorful culture, delicious cuisine, and ancient history. Its breathtaking landscapes, which range from the bright sunshine of the Mediterranean to massive mountains and desolate steppe, can be visited as separate tourist attractions.

Whether you want to soak up the Byzantine and Ottoman splendor of Istanbul on a city break, relax on the beach, delve into history by visiting sites such as Ephesus, or experience some of the world's most unusual landscapes in Pamukkale and Cappadocia, this country offers it all.

Check out our list of Turkey's top tourist destinations for inspiration on where to go.

Pergamum 

There are several Greco-Roman ruins in Turkey, but none are as beautifully situated as ancient Pergamum in modern-day Bergama.

Pergamum's remaining temple fragments now preside powerfully across a hilltop, once home to one of the ancient world's most famous libraries (rivaling Alexandria's library in significance) and the famed medical school established by Galen.

It is a fantastically atmospheric location to explore. The Acropolis area, with its theater built into the slope, contains the most extensive ruins and provides magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

The remnants of the city's renowned medical center can be found in the Asklepion neighborhood below. This is an excellent spot to visit if you wish to experience life during the Classical period.

The Blue Mosque 

This historic mosque (formally known as the Sultanahmet Mosque), located across Sultanahmet Park from the Hagia Sophia Mosque, is one of Turkey's most visited landmarks.

The mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed I and was planned to resemble the Hagia Sophia by architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aa, a disciple of the Ottoman era's most renowned architect, Sinan.

Everything about the Blue Mosque is majestic, with six slender minarets and a large courtyard complex, but it's best renowned for its prayer hall interior, which is coated with tens of thousands of blue Iznik tiles (for which the mosque was named) and lit by shards of light from 260 windows.

Outside of prayer hours, non-worshiping visitors are welcome. Everyone must cover their knees and shoulders, and women must wear a headscarf.

Troy

This location is often regarded as the Troy of Homer's Iliad and is one of Turkey's most well-known ancient ruins.

Whether or not it is the Troy of the Trojan War mythology, the multi-layered, meandering ruins here reveal a complex history of occupation, abandonment, and reoccupation dating back to the early Bronze Age.

The city walls and fortifications are largely intact, as are the remnants of a palace, megarons (Mycenean hall complexes), and homes, as well as later Roman-era sanctuary and Odeon monuments.

The modern Troy Museum, one of Turkey's top museums, is just down the road from the Troy site.

The vast and thoughtfully curated collection inside tells the story of Troy, from its earliest occupation to the modern era, including the mythology surrounding the site; the controversial and damaging excavations of early archaeological work here; and the story of the missing cache of gold, silver, and copper artifacts (known as Prium's Treasure), which were unearthed at the site and illegally smuggled out of Tualatin.

Ani

The ruins of Ani, a prominent Silk Road city, lie abandoned on the plains near Turkey's contemporary border with Armenia.

Ani's golden period came to an end in the 14th century after Mongol incursions, earthquake destruction, and trade route squabbling all played a role in the city's demise.

The lovely red-brick structures that are still crumbling among the steppe grass captivate those who visit. Don't miss the Church of the Redeemer and the Church of Saint Gregory, both of which have elaborate stone masonry and fresco remnants still visible; the bulky Ani Cathedral structure; and the Manuçehr Mosque, which was built by the Seljuk Turks when they captured the city in the 11th century and is thought to be the first mosque built in what would become Turkey.

Which Other Countries Can Apply For An E-Visa To Turkey?

Prior to arrival, passport holders from the following countries and territories can obtain a Turkey Visa Online for a charge. The majority of these nations have a stay limit of 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Turkish eVisa has a validity period of 180 days. The majority of these countries have a 90-day stay limit of six (6) months. Turkey Visa Online is a visa with multiple entries.

Armenia

Australia

Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Bermuda

Canada

China

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Fiji

Grenada

Haiti

Jamaica

Kuwait

Maldives

Mexico

Oman

Republic of Cyprus

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Suriname

United Arab Emirates

United States

Conditional Turkey eVisa

Passport holders of the following countries are eligible to apply for a single-entry Turkey Visa Online on which they can stay for up to 30 days only if they satisfy the conditions listed below:

Afghanistan

Bangladesh

Cambodia

Egypt

India

Iraq

Libya

Nepal

Pakistan

Palestine

Philippines

Solomon Islands

Sri Lanka

Taiwan

Vanuatu

Vietnam

Conditions:

All nationalities must hold a valid Visa (or a Tourist Visa) from one of the Schengen countries, Ireland, the United States, or the United Kingdom.

OR

All nationalities must hold a Residence Permit from one of the Schengen countries, Ireland, the United States, or the United Kingdom.

READ MORE:
Entering Turkey via land is comparable to doing so via another mode of transportation, either by sea or through one of its major international airports. When arriving at one of the several land border crossing inspection sites, visitors must present the proper identification documents. Learn more at Entering Turkey by Land.


Please apply for an Online Turkey Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.