Turkey entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey. The eVisa system is not available for your passport, so you must apply at a Turkish embassy or consulate before you travel. Processing takes 5–10 working days, so apply at least two weeks before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey. Apply at the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa option for your passport. Processing takes 5-10 working days, so apply at least 2 weeks before your flight.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay in Turkey. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Turkey | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or ferry ticket out of Turkey also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Turkey. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $50 USD per day of your stay in cash or have a bank statement ready. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it helps to have evidence. | Recommended |
No eVisa available
Sri Lanka passport holders cannot use Turkey's eVisa system. You must apply at a Turkish embassy or consulate before travel. Do not attempt to board a flight without an approved visa.
Passport validity check
Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.
Transit without visa is fine
You can transit airside through Turkish airports (IST, SAW, AYT, ESB) for up to 24 hours without a visa, as long as you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate
Locate the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate (e.g., in Colombo). Submit your application in person or via a visa application centre. Required documents typically include a completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and a cover letter. Pay the fee (approx. $60 USD for single entry). Processing takes 5–10 working days.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Before your flight, double-check your passport validity (at least 60 days beyond your stay), print your visa, and save your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone. Arrive at the airport with these ready.
3
Arrive at a Turkish airport and go through passport control
At Istanbul Airport (IST) or any other entry point, join the passport control queue for foreign nationals. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, and accommodation. Answer clearly. You will receive an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days (depending on your visa).
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Unless you have items to declare, walk through the green channel. You are now in Turkey.
Download Turkey Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry. Must apply at Turkish embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$120 USD (approx. $120 USD)
Allows multiple entries within 1 year. Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostTRY 1,500 (approx. $75 USD) plus other fees
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (Çalışma İzni)
1 year, renewable
TRY 1,500 (approx. $75 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Turkish employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Visa (Öğrenci Vizesi)
Duration of study program, renewable
TRY 1,000 (approx. $50 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Turkish university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Yatırımcı Vizesi)
1 year, renewable
Varies based on investment amount
For individuals making significant investments in Turkey (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment thresholds apply. Can lead to Turkish citizenship after 5 years.
retirement visa
Short-Term Residence Permit (Kısa Dönem İkamet İzni)
1 year, renewable annually
TRY 1,500 (approx. $75 USD) application fee
For retirees or those with sufficient passive income. Requires proof of financial means (e.g., pension, rental income) and health insurance. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Sri Lanka passport holders applying for a single-entry tourist visa. | $60 USD (approx. $60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within the visa validity period. | $120 USD (approx. $120 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of TRY 5,000 (approx. $250 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | TRY 100 (approx. $5 USD) per day |
| Stay extension feeFor extending tourist stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | TRY 500 (approx. $25 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Turkish airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Irish visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
- Transit through land borders or leaving the airport requires a visa.
Transit hubsIstanbul Airport (IST) · Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) · Antalya Airport (AYT)
Health & vaccines for Turkey
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Risk is low for most tourists, but present in rural areas during summer. Use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in some areas. Drink bottled or boiled water, and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude regions like Mount Ararat. Acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is very low for most tourists, mainly in southeastern provinces near the Syrian border. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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 Directorate of Migration Management
Hürriyet Mahallesi, Dr. Cemil Bengü Caddesi No: 3, 34173 Güngören
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for residence permit applications and extensions. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Ankara
Ankara Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Kızılay Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 193, 06420 Çankaya
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Capital office. Handles all visa and residence permit matters.
Practical information for LK 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. Sri Lanka passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Turkey does not offer an eVisa for Sri Lanka passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days. Apply at least two weeks before your flight to be safe.
Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay in Turkey. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.
Yes, but it is not automatic. You can apply for a short-term residence permit at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in your city. The fee is TRY 500 (approx. $25 USD) for the extension application. Approval is at the discretion of the authorities. Overstaying without permission incurs a fine of TRY 100 (approx. $5 USD) per day, capped at TRY 5,000 (approx. $250 USD).
You will be fined TRY 100 (approx. $5 USD) per day, with a maximum cap of TRY 5,000 (approx. $250 USD). Pay the fine at the immigration office before you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
No. Sri Lanka passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Turkish airports, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area. You can stay airside for up to 24 hours. If you need to leave the airport (e.g., to stay overnight in a hotel), you will need a visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.