Turkey entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
South African passport holders need an eVisa to visit Turkey for tourism or business. The eVisa allows multiple entries and stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Apply online before you travel — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 USD.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Turkey. Apply at evisa.gov.tr — the process takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 USD. Approval usually arrives within 24 hours, but apply at least 3 business days before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date 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 at Istanbul Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Turkey. Immigration rarely asks for it, but budget airlines sometimes check before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $50 USD per day of your stay. Officers almost never ask for it, but it helps if you look like you are traveling on a shoestring. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival at Turkish airports. You must apply and receive approval before boarding your flight. Apply at evisa.gov.tr at least 48 hours before departure.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Turkey, not from the day you apply. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to evisa.gov.tr, fill in your passport details, pay the fee ($60 USD), and download the approved eVisa. It usually arrives within minutes.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eVisa, keep your passport handy, and save your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone or as printouts.
3
Arrive at Istanbul Airport or any Turkish entry point
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation — have them ready. The process takes 2-5 minutes.
Download Turkey Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 1,100 ZAR)
Standard eVisa option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 1,800 ZAR)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, student)
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $100–$300 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution.
retirement visa
Turkish Retirement Residence Permit (Short-term)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–$200 USD per year (application + card fee)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (approx. $500/month). Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Turkish Digital Nomad Visa (Pilot Program)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with proof of income (approx. $3,000/month). Requires health insurance and accommodation. Allows stay while working for foreign employers.
work visa
Turkish Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Turkish company. Requires work permit approval. Allows full-time employment and residency.
student visa
Turkish Student Visa
Duration of studies (1–4 years)
~$100 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at Turkish universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | $60 USD (approx. 1,100 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | ~$15 USD per day (max cap ~$300 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applicable)Same as eVisa for most purposes. | $60 USD (approx. 1,100 ZAR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 1,800 ZAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
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
South African passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at 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, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours under certain conditions.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, West Nile)Low risk
Risk is low but present in rural areas during summer.
Food and water safetyModerate risk
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Istanbul have moderate air pollution, especially in winter.
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: 1, 34870 Kartal/İstanbul
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Ankara
Ankara Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Kızılay Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 189, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles all immigration matters for the capital region.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 45.63 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
Most applications are approved within minutes. In rare cases, it can take up to 24 hours. Apply at least a few days before your flight to be safe.
No, the eVisa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Turkey and re-enter on a new eVisa, or apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office before your visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Turkish immigration. There is no visa-on-arrival for South African passport holders — you must have the eVisa before you travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for multiple entries within its 180-day validity period. Each stay cannot exceed 90 days total.
You must renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is calculated from your entry date into Turkey, not from your application date.
Yes, you need an onward ticket showing you'll leave Turkey within your visa period. A flight to another country counts as an onward ticket.
No, travel insurance is not a requirement for the eVisa application or entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Turkey can be high.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.