United States entry requirements for Turkey passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 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
Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. There is no visa-free or electronic travel authorization option for Turkish citizens, so you must apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — the process involves an interview and can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visaYou cannot enter the US without a valid visa stamped in your passport. Non-immigrant visa required | Turkish citizens must obtain a non-immigrant visa (e.g., B-1/B-2) from a US embassy or consulate before traveling. Turkey is not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program or an eVisa. Apply well in advance and schedule an interview. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiration date before booking anything. Must be valid 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the US. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank on both sides and free of any markings. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the US entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA confirmed flight out of the US is typically required to show you intend to leave. Proof of departure | Have a return or onward ticket showing departure from the US before your authorized stay ends. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof can help avoid issues at the border. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the US (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any separate arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration (such as a customs form) is required for US entry from Turkey; standard customs procedures apply. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply for an eVisa; it will not be accepted. Not applicable | Turkish citizens are not eligible for a US eVisa. You must apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate. | Not required |
No ESTA or eVisa for Turkish citizens
You cannot use the U.S. ESTA or any electronic visa system. You must apply for a full visa at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate in Istanbul. Don't fall for third-party sites claiming otherwise.
Interview wait times can be long
Appointment availability fluctuates. Check the U.S. visa appointment portal as soon as you decide to travel. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), wait times can exceed a month. Apply well in advance.
Visa denial is possible — prepare strong ties
U.S. visa officers assume you intend to immigrate unless you prove otherwise. Bring solid evidence of employment, family, and property in Turkey. A denial is not permanent, but it costs time and money to reapply.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the U.S. visa website and fill out the DS-160. It takes about 60–90 minutes. Save your application ID and upload a compliant photo. Print the confirmation page.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee through the designated Turkish bank (e.g., İş Bank or Garanti) or via the U.S. visa payment portal. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for scheduling.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the same portal to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate in Istanbul. Wait times can be weeks or months, so book as early as possible.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. You'll be fingerprinted and asked questions about your trip and ties to Turkey. The officer will tell you if you're approved or if additional processing is needed.
5
Receive your passport with visa
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa via courier (usually within 3–5 business days). Check the visa's validity dates and entry conditions before you fly.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Standard visa for tourism or business; may be issued with single or multiple entries.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits over visa validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee
For full-time study at accredited US institution; requires I-20 form.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityUp to 6 years total
Cost$190–$780 USD (190–780 USD) + fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$190–$780 USD (190–780 USD) + legal fees
For professionals in specialty fields; requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time academic study at accredited US institution. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000–$1,800,000 USD investment + fees
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. Requires significant capital investment and job creation.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to 7 years for some categories)
$220 USD (220 USD) + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, research, or teaching. Requires sponsorship by designated program. May include 2-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most visa types. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Turkish citizens. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to fines, bars, or deportation; avoid overstaying. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home country30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Turkish citizens generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (any type) may transit without a C-1 visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without a C-1 visa under certain conditions.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries do not need a transit visa (Turkey is not in VWP).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; use insect repellent in rural or wooded areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
High hygiene standards; risk minimal for most travelers.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks after hiking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required for most services; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for TR travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 3–6 weeks, but it can be longer during peak seasons. Interview wait times at the Ankara embassy or Istanbul consulate vary; check the U.S. visa appointment calendar for current availability. After approval, passport return usually takes 3–5 business days.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for B1/B2 tourist visas. This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. There are no additional fees for the interview itself, but you may pay extra for courier delivery of your passport.
No. Turkish citizens are not eligible for the U.S. eVisa or ESTA. You must apply for a full visa at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul. Most applicants aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview. Only certain categories (like renewals within 48 months) may qualify for an interview waiver.
If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter citing the relevant section of U.S. law (usually 214(b) for immigrant intent). You can reapply at any time, but you'll need to pay the fee again and schedule a new interview. Address the reasons for denial — like stronger ties to Turkey — before reapplying.
The visa itself is valid for multiple entries over a period (often 10 years for Turkish citizens), but the duration of each stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. Typically, you'll be granted up to 6 months per visit. You cannot extend your stay beyond what the officer authorizes.
Yes. Even if you're only changing planes in the U.S., you must have a valid visa (or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, which Turkish citizens do not). There is no transit visa exemption for Turkish passport holders. Plan for this if you have a layover in the U.S.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and appointment letter. Also bring evidence of ties to Turkey: employment letter, pay stubs, bank statements, property ownership, family certificates, and a travel itinerary. The officer may not ask for everything, but it's better to have them.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.