All necessary measures are being taken in order to make the transitional period as smooth as possible.
With the introduction of this new system, which aims to eliminate the amount of time waiting at Turkish airports, visitors will no longer have to face long queues at the airport to obtain a visa stamp. This new Electronic Visa Application System will enable visitors to obtain an e-Visa online on www.evisa.gov.tr. Visitors can simply fill in their details, make payment and download their e-Visas prior to their travels up to 24 hours before travel.
o Applications can be made from up to 3 months to until 24 hours before travel. However, it is advisable to make an application at least one week before departure.
o Fees for e-Visas can be obtained via the e-Visa website (www.evisa.gov.tr). The e-Visa fee for UK passport holders is $20 and this provides a multiple-entry e-Visa valid for 90 days.
o A minimum 6-month-valid passport, flight (or any other means of transportation) reservation and a credit card (MasterCard, Visa and other frequently used credit and debit cards) is required to obtain an e-Visa.
o The e-Visa will be e-mailed to the applicant within 24 hours after the completion of an application.
o E-Visas are non-refundable. If an e-Visa is purchased but entry to Turkey is not made, the visa cannot be refunded.
o Necessary arrangements are being made to also allow visitors to obtain e-Visas from authorised airline offices, including such offices at airports, and updates will be provided accordingly.
o Passengers who are travelling on a cruise ship do not require an e-Visa if they remain on board. An e-Visa is also not required for any cruise passengers who dock and only tour in the respective Turkish port city for a period of 72 hours. However, they do need an e-Visa if they stay beyond 72 hours and/or if they venture beyond the port during the docking.
o Tour operators will be able to apply for group e-Visas and make lump sum payments for them.
o During the transition period (now until 10 April 2014), visitors arriving in Turkey without an e-Visa will be able to obtain them via interactive kiosks located at Turkish airports.
