Turkey entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey. You can apply for an eVisa online before you travel — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 USD. Approval usually arrives within 24 hours, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Turkish eVisa at evisa.gov.tr. The application takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 USD. Approval usually arrives within 24 hours — print the approval document and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Turkey. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Turkish law, but some airlines enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Istanbul Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave Turkey within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Turkey. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement showing at least $50 per day of your stay, or carry cash in euros or US dollars. Officers almost never check this for short visits, but it's a legal requirement. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Nigeria, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at Turkish immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Transit without visa
Nigerian passport holders transiting through Turkey do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. You can stay up to 24 hours at Istanbul Airport (IST) without leaving. If you need to exit the airport, you need a visa.
eVisa is fast and easy
Apply at evisa.gov.tr. It takes 10 minutes, costs $60 USD, and approval usually arrives within 24 hours. Print the approval and carry it with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to evisa.gov.tr, fill in your passport details, pay $60 USD, and download the approval. It usually arrives within 24 hours. Print it and keep it with your passport.
2
Pack your documents
Bring your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket (printed or on your phone), and hotel booking. Also have a bank statement or cash handy just in case.
3
Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or other entry point
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly — it's usually quick. After that, collect your bags and exit.
Download Turkey Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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
CostTRY 1,500 (~$50 USD)
Requires application at Turkish embassy/consulate. Must have valid passport and supporting documents.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostTRY 3,000 (~$100 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers. Same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries by type, typically TRY 5,000+ (~$175 USD)
Requires employer or university sponsorship. Apply at Turkish consulate with relevant permits.
work visa
Work Visa (Çalışma İzni)
1 year, renewable
~TRY 5,000 (~$175 USD) plus application fee
For those with a job offer from a Turkish employer. Requires work permit application through the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Visa (Öğrenci Vizesi)
1 year, renewable annually
~TRY 3,000 (~$100 USD) plus university fees
For enrollment in a Turkish university or language program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Yatırımcı Vizesi)
1 year, renewable
Varies by investment amount (minimum ~$50,000 USD)
For those investing in Turkish real estate, business, or government bonds. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | TRY 1,500 (~$50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, typically 6 months. | TRY 3,000 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies if you overstay your visa-free or visa period. Pay at immigration office before departure. | TRY 100 (~$3.50 USD) per day, max TRY 5,000 (~$175 USD) |
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
Nigerian passport holders transiting through Turkey do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to leave the airport, a visa is required.
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 Istanbul Airport (IST) is allowed without visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Nigeria). Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, West Nile)Low risk
Rare in urban areas but present in rural regions. Use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, especially from street food. Drink bottled water.
Air pollutionModerate risk
High in Istanbul and industrial cities. Those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Turkey, mainly in southeastern rural areas near Syria. Prophylaxis not generally recommended for tourists.
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 visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Ankara
Ankara Provincial Migration Administration
Kızılay Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 193, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles visa issues for the capital region. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for NG 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Turkey — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for an eVisa at evisa.gov.tr before you travel. The application takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 USD. Approval usually comes within 24 hours.
The standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can enter multiple times if you get a multiple-entry visa, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
You'll be fined TRY 100 (~$3.50 USD) per day, up to a maximum of TRY 5,000 (~$175 USD). Pay at the immigration office before you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
Yes. If you're arriving from Nigeria (a country with yellow fever risk), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
Tourist visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit (e.g., work visa, student visa) before your visa expires. Visit the Provincial Migration Administration in your city.
For a work visa, you need a job offer from a Turkish employer and a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. For a student visa, you need an acceptance letter from a Turkish university and proof of financial means. Both require application at a Turkish consulate.
Yes, Turkey is generally safe for tourists. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya are well-policed. However, avoid areas near the Syrian border. Always carry your passport and visa with you — police may ask for ID.
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.