Last updated: 15 March 2026 | Originally published: 10 January 2025
By John, who has organised group tours to Turkey since 2018 and personally applied for over 50 e-Visas. This comparison is reviewed quarterly. Changes in visa fees or entry rules are verified against the evisa.gov.tr portal and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs press releases.
A single-entry eVisa Turkey expires upon exit; a multiple-entry eVisa allows unlimited visits within 180 days. Processing takes ~3 minutes on the external government portal. Your Turkish eVisa type (single/multiple) and stay (30/90 days) are automatically assigned by nationality-you cannot choose.
eVisa Turkey Single vs Multiple Entry: Types, Stays, and Purposes
The 30-day stay is assigned to specific nationalities (e.g., India, Bangladesh); the 90-day stay is standard for most others. Both are subject to the 90/180 rolling rule. As of 2026, the evisa.gov.tr system automatically assigns these Turkish eVisa types.
A business eVisa Turkey authorises trade fairs and corporate meetings but strictly excludes paid employment or technical installations, which demand a separate consular visa via www.visa.gov.tr. Regardless of purpose, all eVisas enforce the rolling 90/180-day rule.
| Criteria | Single-Entry eVisa | Multiple-Entry eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity Trigger | Expires upon leaving Turkey | Valid for 180 days |
| Stay Duration | Typically 30 days | Up to 90 days |
| Permitted Purpose | Tourism, commerce (meetings) | Tourism, commerce (meetings) |
UK Exemption, Passport Validity, and the 90/180-Day Rule
The Turkish eVisa is not required for United Kingdom citizens planning tourist visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, the eVisa Turkey remains mandatory for non-UK citizens residing in the UK who hold passports from non-exempt nations.
As per the Turkish Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Law No. 6458, Art. 7.1b – full text available at mevzuat.gov.tr), your passport must be valid 60 days beyond the stay – 150 days for a 90-day stay, 90 days for a 30-day stay.
The Rolling 90/180-Day Window Explained
Entering on August 1st prompts border officials to count exactly 180 days backwards to February 2nd. Any previous trips taken during that specific historical window consume the 90-day maximum allowance. According to Ali Yılmaz, a licensed immigration consultant in Istanbul, “the rolling 90/180 rule is the most common cause of inadvertent overstay among tourists.” Note: For dual passports, the 90/180 rule applies to your biometrics, not the document. You cannot combine two passports to get 180 days.
Application Costs, Processing Times, and Day-Trip Warnings
Turkish eVisa fees (~$20-$60 USD) are strictly non-refundable and nationality-based. The cost structure and ~3-minute processing time are identical for both entry types. Children under 18 may be exempt from fees depending on their specific nationality.
Aegean Day Trips and Single-Entry Expirations
A single-entry eVisa Turkey is instantly voided by any exit, even a day trip (e.g., Bodrum to Kos). Affected travellers must reapply online and secure a new approval before returning to Turkish territory.
Example: A UK-resident Indian passport holder planned a 45-day trip plus a weekend in Greece. Because the system assigned a single-entry eVisa, the Greek ferry would have voided the permit. We advised reapplying for a multiple-entry eVisa after the first leg.
Application Fees and Processing in 2026
The external government portal at www.evisa.gov.tr handles all submissions. Approvals typically arrive by email in approximately 3 minutes. Can you use the e-Passport Gates at Istanbul Airport with an eVisa? Generally, eVisa holders must use manned passport control; e-Gates are primarily for Turkish citizens.
Overstay Penalties and Validity Expiry Rules
Overstaying a Turkish eVisa triggers fines, deportation, and entry bans – identically for single and multiple entry visas.
Understanding the Enter-By Date
A Turkish eVisa validity window dictates the final date for border entry, not the mandatory departure date. If a traveller enters the country before this window closes, the Turkish eVisa permits the full allotted stay.
In-Country Upgrades and Reapplication
An active single entry eVisa Turkey cannot be upgraded to a multiple entry permit from within the country. The Turkish eVisa system requires travellers to exit the borders first. Upon exit, there is no waiting period to request a new document via the external government portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Turkey eVisas in 2026
What is the difference between single and multiple entry eVisa Turkey?
Single-entry expires upon exit; multiple-entry allows unlimited re-entries within 180 days. The system assigns your Turkish eVisa type by nationality.
Can I choose between a 30-day and 90-day stay for my Turkish eVisa?
No. The external government portal automatically assigns either a 30-day or 90-day maximum stay based entirely on your nationality.
Will a day trip to Greece cancel my single-entry eVisa for Turkey?
Yes, taking a ferry to a Greek island immediately voids a single-entry eVisa. You must submit a new application (~3 minutes processing) before returning.
Can I upgrade my single-entry Turkish eVisa to multiple-entry while in Turkey?
No. If you require multiple entries, you must leave Turkey and complete a fresh online application for a new eVisa.
Does my Turkish eVisa need to be valid on the day I leave the country?
No, the validity period acts strictly as an enter-by window. You can complete your full duration of stay even if validity expires while inside.
How soon can I apply for a consecutive single-entry eVisa after leaving Turkey?
There is no mandatory waiting period. Because your single-entry eVisa expires upon exit, you become immediately eligible to submit a new application.
Are UK citizens required to get a multiple-entry eVisa for Turkey in 2026?
In 2026, UK citizens are exempt from Turkish eVisa requirements for tourism. However, UK residents holding passports from non-exempt nations must apply and pay ~$20 to ~$60 USD.
What happens if I overstay my single-entry eVisa in Turkey?
Consequences for exceeding your permitted duration of stay include financial fines, immediate deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering Turkey.
