Turkey entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Turkey without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Turkey. Airlines rarely check for 6 months validity beyond your departure date, but carry a copy of your return ticket just in case. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Turkey | Immigration officers at Istanbul Airport and Antalya Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny boarding if you cannot show one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it speeds up the line if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have at least $50–$100 USD per day available in cash or on a card. Immigration may ask to see bank statements or a credit card limit, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
90-day limit resets after 180 days
You can stay up to 90 days total within any 180-day period. Once you leave, you must wait until 180 days from your first entry date before you can re-enter for another 90-day stay. Keep track of your dates.
No visa needed — just show up
UAE passport holders have one of the easiest entries into Turkey. No application, no fee, no appointment. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Print or save to your phone: passport (check validity), return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Have them easily accessible — you'll need them at passport control.
2
Arrive at Turkish airport
At Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), follow signs to 'Passport Control' for foreign nationals. Queue times vary — expect 15–45 minutes during peak hours.
3
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp your entry, and may ask about your stay duration and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. No additional forms or fees required for UAE passport holders.
Download Turkey Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months
CostFree (not needed for UAE passport holders)
Visa-free entry already allows 90 days; this option is redundant but available for those who prefer a visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostFree (not needed for UAE passport holders)
Visa-free entry already permits multiple entries; this option is not necessary.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
Validity1 year or more
CostVaries (e.g., work visa ~$100 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days, apply for a residence permit through Turkish authorities.
work visa
Turkish Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Turkey. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Turkish Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years)
~$50 USD (application fee)
For enrollment in a Turkish university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Permanent (citizenship)
$400,000 USD (real estate investment minimum)
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Turkey. Grants citizenship and full residency rights.
retirement visa
Turkish Short-Term Residence Permit (for retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (application fee)
For retirees with sufficient income (e.g., pension). Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter if eligible. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of TRY 3,000 (~$105 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | TRY 100 (~$3.50 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90-day limit. | Free (not applicable) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Turkey
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Turkey, as they can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsIstanbul Airport (IST) · Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) · Antalya Airport (AYT)
Health & vaccines for Turkey
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, especially in rural areas. Practice safe food and water precautions.
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus)Low risk
Low risk for most tourists; use insect repellent in rural or marshy areas.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare, but present in forested areas. Consider vaccination if hiking extensively.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Istanbul
Istanbul Provincial Migration Administration
Hürriyet Mahallesi, Dr. Cemil Bengü Caddesi No: 1, 34870 Kartal/İstanbul
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for residence permit applications and extensions. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Ankara
Ankara Provincial Migration Administration
Kızılay Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 193, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles residence permits and visa issues for the capital region.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAnkara
LanguageTurkish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months with notarised translation.
Money
CurrencyTurkish Lira (TRY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 45.9 TRY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers generally avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Turkey
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Turkey — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entering Turkey.
No. UAE passport holders do not need to complete any arrival declaration or online form before entering Turkey. Just show your passport at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. Turkish immigration strictly enforces the 6-month rule.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot work or study without the appropriate visa or permit. If you plan to work or study, apply for the relevant visa at a Turkish consulate before traveling.
You will be fined per day overstayed (around 50–100 TRY per day, subject to change). Overstaying can also lead to a ban from re-entering Turkey for a period. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
No. UAE passport holders do not need a visa for transit through Turkish airports, as long as you stay in the international transit area and do not enter the country. If you plan to leave the airport, you need the visa-free entry (up to 90 days).
No. UAE passport holders can enter Northern Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days. However, note that Turkey does not control entry to Northern Cyprus — you need to check separately with the authorities there.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.