Turkey Visa for UAE Residents: eVisa and VFS Guide

Last checked: 15 July 2026. Türkiye applies passport-specific visa rules. Holding UAE residence alone does not make every expatriate resident eligible for a Turkish eVisa.

Introduction

A Turkey visa for UAE residents may be available online as an eVisa or through a full sticker-visa application submitted through VFS Global.

The correct application route depends mainly on the traveller’s passport nationality and whether the traveller holds a qualifying supporting visa or residence permit.

Many Indian, Pakistani and other conditional applicants can obtain a Turkish eVisa when they hold a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, the United States, the United Kingdom or Ireland and meet the remaining online conditions.

Applicants who do not qualify for an eVisa must normally submit a sticker-visa application through VFS Global in the UAE.

This guide explains Turkey eVisa eligibility, supporting-document rules, required documents, application steps, official 2026 government fees, payment methods, processing times and transit-visa requirements.

Table of Contents

Do UAE Residents Need a Turkey Visa?

Whether a UAE resident needs a visa for Türkiye depends primarily on the passport used for travel.

Depending on nationality, the traveller may be:

• Visa-exempt

• Eligible for an unconditional eVisa

• Eligible for a conditional eVisa

• Required to apply for a sticker visa

A UAE residence permit establishes that the traveller legally lives in the UAE and can normally apply through the Turkish visa application system in the country.

However, UAE residence does not automatically qualify every resident for a Turkish eVisa.

UAE citizens should also check the official eVisa questionnaire because Turkish entry arrangements for Emirati passport holders can differ from those applied to expatriate UAE residents.

Travellers comparing destinations with easier entry arrangements can also read our guide to visa-free countries for UAE residents.

Turkey eVisa Eligibility for UAE Residents

The official Republic of Türkiye eVisa website is https://www.evisa.gov.tr

Select the country that issued your passport and answer the live eligibility questions shown by the portal.

Conditional eVisa eligibility commonly applies to passport holders from countries such as India and Pakistan.

The exact conditions displayed by the portal may include:

• Holding a valid supporting visa or residence permit

• Travelling with an airline accepted under the eVisa conditions

• Holding a return or onward ticket

• Having a confirmed hotel reservation

• Having a minimum amount of money for each day of the trip

• Holding a passport that meets Türkiye’s validity rules

• Travelling only for tourism or business

The declaration displayed during your application controls your eligibility. Conditions can differ by nationality and may change.

Supporting Visa Rules for a Turkey eVisa

Many conditional applicants must hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by an accepted country.

Which Supporting Visas and Residence Permits Are Accepted?

The official Türkiye eVisa information currently recognises a valid visa or residence permit issued by:

• A Schengen Area country

• The United States

• The United Kingdom

• Ireland

The supporting document must remain valid on the date the traveller enters Türkiye.

Does the Supporting Visa Need to Have Been Used?

No. Türkiye’s official eVisa guidance states that a valid single-entry supporting visa can be accepted whether it has previously been used or remains unused.

The important requirement is that the supporting visa remains valid on the date of entry into Türkiye.

This differs from some other destinations. For example, Saudi Arabia’s visa-on-arrival rules may require a supporting visa to have been used previously.

Do not apply another country’s rules to a Turkish eVisa application.

Is Another Country’s eVisa Accepted?

No. Electronic visas issued by other countries are not normally accepted as supporting documents for Türkiye’s conditional eVisa.

For example, an electronic travel authorisation or an eVisa issued by another country does not automatically satisfy the supporting-document condition.

The supporting document must be an accepted visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, United States, United Kingdom or Ireland.

Is UAE Residence an Accepted Supporting Document?

UAE residence is not one of the supporting residence permits accepted under this specific conditional eVisa rule.

The accepted residence permits are those issued by:

• A Schengen Area state

• The United States

• The United Kingdom

• Ireland

A UAE residence permit is still useful when applying for a sticker visa because it proves that the applicant is legally resident in the UAE.

Turkey eVisa Conditions

A Turkish eVisa is normally issued for tourism or business purposes.

It cannot normally be used for:

• Employment

• Paid work

• Long-term study

• Residence

• Journalism or filming where separate permission is required

Each traveller needs an individual eVisa.

This requirement also applies to:

• Infants

• Children

• Dependants travelling with their parents

The validity period, number of entries and maximum permitted stay depend on passport nationality.

Conditional eVisas issued to Indian and Pakistani passport holders are commonly valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.

However, travellers must follow the exact validity dates and permitted stay printed on their approved eVisa.

Turkey Passport Validity Requirement

Türkiye generally requires a passport or travel document to remain valid for at least 60 days beyond the permitted period of stay.

For example, if the traveller is allowed to remain in Türkiye for 30 days, the passport should generally remain valid for at least another 60 days beyond that permitted stay.

Because many airlines and destinations use six months as a practical passport-validity benchmark, travelling with at least six months of passport validity remaining is safer.

Documents Required for a Turkey eVisa

Prepare the following documents and information before beginning an eVisa application:

• Valid passport

• Valid supporting visa or residence permit

• UAE residence details

• Active email address

• Return or onward flight booking

• Hotel reservation

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Valid debit or credit card

• Travel insurance

• Details of the accepted airline where required

The online portal may not ask you to upload every supporting document.

However, airline check-in staff and Turkish border officials may request evidence that all eVisa conditions have been met.

Travellers should carry both digital and printed copies of important documents.

How to Apply for a Turkey eVisa

The Turkish eVisa application is completed online through the official government website.

Step 1: Open the Official Turkey eVisa Portal

Visit the official Turkey eVisa Portal.

Avoid commercial websites designed to resemble the Turkish government portal.

Unofficial services may charge additional fees and cannot guarantee approval.

Step 2: Select Your Passport Nationality

Choose the country that issued your passport.

Do not select the United Arab Emirates merely because you are a UAE resident. Your passport nationality controls the application.

Step 3: Enter Your Travel Date

Enter your expected arrival date.

The portal will display information such as:

• Visa validity

• Maximum permitted stay

• Number of entries

• Applicable visa fee

Step 4: Read Every eVisa Condition

Conditional applicants must carefully read every declaration shown on the portal.

Do not tick a statement merely to continue with the application.

You must genuinely meet every condition at the time of travel.

Step 5: Enter Your Personal Details

Enter your:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Place of birth where requested

• Passport number

• Passport issue date

• Passport expiry date

• Email address

Copy the information exactly as it appears in your passport.

Even a small passport-number or spelling error can make the eVisa unusable.

Step 6: Verify Your Email Address

The system sends a confirmation email containing a verification link.

Open the link and complete the verification within the period stated by the portal.

Check your spam or junk folder if the message does not arrive in your inbox.

Step 7: Pay the eVisa Fee Online

Pay the amount displayed by the official portal using an accepted debit or credit card.

The eVisa fee is charged in US dollars.

Your card does not necessarily need to hold a US-dollar balance because the card issuer may convert the payment from your account currency.

Step 8: Download the Approved eVisa

After approval, download the eVisa and save it securely.

Carry:

• A digital copy on your phone

• A printed copy in your travel documents

Turkish border officers can normally verify an eVisa electronically, but a printed copy may help during airline check-in or if an electronic system is unavailable.

Turkey eVisa Fee and Payment Methods

The Turkish eVisa fee depends on passport nationality.

There is no single eVisa fee that applies to every UAE resident.

The official amount is displayed by the eVisa portal before payment.

How Can You Pay for a Turkey eVisa?

Payment is made online using an accepted:

• Debit card

• Credit card

Cash cannot be used for an online eVisa application.

What Currency Is Used for Payment?

The official Türkiye eVisa portal charges the visa fee in US dollars.

Your bank may convert the payment into the currency linked to your card.

Additional charges may include:

• Foreign-exchange conversion fees

• International transaction fees

• Bank processing charges

These charges are imposed by the card issuer and are separate from the Turkish government visa fee.

Turkey Sticker Visa Through VFS Global

Applicants who do not qualify for an eVisa may need to submit a sticker-visa application through VFS Global in the UAE.

Apply for a sticker visa when:

• Your nationality is not eligible for an eVisa

• You do not hold an accepted supporting visa or residence permit

• You cannot meet one or more conditional eVisa requirements

• You need a multiple-entry visa

• Your travel purpose is not tourism or business

• The eVisa portal directs you to apply through a diplomatic mission

VFS Global is the official visa application partner of the Turkish Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Türkiye in Dubai.

VFS Global accepts and processes the application file, but it does not decide whether the visa is approved.

The final decision is made by the relevant Turkish diplomatic mission.

How to Apply for a Turkey Sticker Visa

Step 1: Open the Official VFS Türkiye UAE Website

Use the official VFS Global website for Turkish visa applications in the UAE.

Avoid agents or unofficial appointment websites.

Step 2: Select the Correct Visa Purpose

Choose the category that accurately describes your trip.

Common categories include:

• Tourism

• Business

• Family visit

• Study

• Employment

• Transit

Applying under the wrong category can delay or weaken the application.

Step 3: Complete the Turkish Pre-Application Form

Complete the online pre-application form where directed.

Enter personal, passport, residence and travel information exactly.

Step 4: Book a VFS Appointment

Choose the appropriate VFS application centre and available appointment date.

Appointment availability may be limited during peak travel seasons.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents

Arrange the application documents in the order shown on the current checklist.

Incomplete files may not be accepted or may be returned for additional evidence.

Step 6: Attend the Appointment

The applicant will normally need to attend the VFS appointment in person.

Arrive early and carry the original documents and required copies.

Step 7: Submit Biometrics

Fingerprints and other biometric information may be collected where required.

Some applicants may qualify for an exemption depending on age or previous records.

Step 8: Pay the Visa and Service Fees

Pay the Turkish government visa fee and applicable VFS service charges.

Optional services such as courier delivery, photographs, copying and premium assistance cost extra.

Step 9: Track the Application

Use the tracking information provided by VFS Global to follow the passport and application status.

A VFS tracking update does not necessarily explain the final visa decision.

Documents Required for a Turkey Sticker Visa

A tourist sticker-visa application commonly includes:

• Original passport

• Copies of passport pages

• Copies of previous visas and entry stamps

• UAE residence visa or digital residence evidence

• Emirates ID

• Completed visa application form

• Recent biometric photographs

• Employer no-objection certificate

• Salary certificate or employment letter

• Recent personal bank statements

• Return or onward flight itinerary

• Hotel bookings

• Day-by-day travel itinerary

• Travel medical insurance

• Copies of supporting visas

• Family documents for dependants

• Trade licence for business owners

• Sponsor letter and financial evidence where applicable

The exact checklist depends on nationality, employment status, travel purpose and personal circumstances.

Employer Letter Requirements

An employer letter or no-objection certificate should normally state:

• Employee’s full name

• Job title

• Monthly salary

• Employment start date

• Approved leave dates

• Intended travel dates

• Confirmation that the employee will return to work

The document should be recent and issued on the employer’s official letterhead.

Bank Statement Requirements

Submit recent bank statements that show:

• Regular salary or income

• Normal account activity

• Enough money to cover the trip

• A financial position consistent with the planned travel

Sudden large deposits without a clear explanation may weaken the application.

Where a large deposit is legitimate, include supporting evidence explaining its source.

Travel Insurance Requirements

Travel insurance should cover the entire trip and meet the current Turkish visa checklist requirements.

Carry:

• Insurance certificate

• Policy schedule

• Coverage dates

• Emergency contact details

The traveller’s name and trip dates should be shown correctly.

Turkey Visa Fees in the UAE

The Turkish Consulate General in Dubai published the following government visa fees for the 2026 fiscal year:

Visa category	Government fee
Single-entry visa	AED 225
Multiple-entry visa	AED 700
Single-transit visa	AED 225
Double-transit visa	AED 450

These amounts are government visa charges.

Additional expenses may include:

• VFS service fee

• Travel insurance

• Courier delivery

• Passport photographs

• Document printing or copying

• Premium or optional VFS services

Can You Pay in Cash or by Card?

Payment arrangements depend on the application route.

For an official eVisa:

• Online card payment only

• Cash is not accepted

For a VFS sticker-visa application:

• Follow the payment options shown by the UAE application centre

• Payment is generally completed at the centre

• Carry a physical payment card

• Carry enough cash as a backup

• Do not rely only on mobile or contactless payment

Accepted payment methods may differ between application centres and can change.

The payment instructions shown on the current appointment confirmation or VFS fee page should be treated as final.

Are Turkey Visa Fees Refundable?

Government visa fees and VFS service charges are generally non-refundable after an application has been submitted.

This normally applies even if:

• The visa is refused

• The applicant changes travel plans

• The applicant decides not to travel

• The visa is issued for fewer entries than requested

Optional VFS service refunds are governed by separate terms and conditions.

Turkey Visa Processing Time

A Turkish eVisa can often be produced shortly after successful application and payment.

However, travellers should apply at least 48 hours before departure to allow time for:

• Application errors

• Email-verification problems

• Payment failures

• Card-security blocks

• Incorrect passport information

A sticker-visa application can take considerably longer.

Processing time varies depending on:

• Passport nationality

• Application volume

• Travel season

• Additional document requests

• Security or background checks

• The relevant Turkish diplomatic mission

Allow several weeks for a sticker-visa application rather than planning around the shortest advertised estimate.

Busy Travel Periods

Apply early when travelling during:

• Eid holidays

• Summer holidays

• School breaks

• New Year

• Major events in Istanbul

• Major events in Antalya

Do not purchase non-refundable travel merely because you have secured a VFS appointment.

A VFS appointment is not a visa approval.

Turkey Transit Visa for UAE Residents

Transit requirements depend on whether the traveller remains in the international transit area or needs to enter Türkiye.

When an Airside Transit Visa May Not Be Required

A transit visa may not be required when:

• You remain inside the international transit zone

• Your baggage is checked through to the final destination

• You already have a confirmed onward boarding pass

• You do not need to change airports

• Your nationality is not subject to a separate airport-transit requirement

Confirm the arrangement with the operating airline before departure.

Changing Airports in Istanbul

A connection between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport requires the traveller to enter Türkiye.

You must normally:

• Pass through immigration

• Collect or manage baggage where applicable

• Travel by road between the airports

• Check in again for the next flight

Valid Turkish entry permission is therefore required.

When a Transit or Entry Visa Is Required

You may need a transit visa or regular entry visa when you:

• Collect and recheck baggage

• Travel on separate flight tickets

• Change airports

• Stay in a landside hotel

• Leave the airport

• Need to pass through immigration

• Hold a nationality subject to Türkiye’s airport-transit visa rules

Türkiye has introduced electronic airport-transit visa requirements for selected nationalities travelling through Istanbul Airport to certain Latin American destinations.

Check the exact itinerary with the airline and the relevant Turkish diplomatic mission.

Turkey Transit Visa Fees

Official 2026 government transit-visa fees in the UAE are:

Single-transit visa: AED 225

Double-transit visa: AED 450

VFS service charges and optional service fees are additional.

Documents Required for a Turkey Transit Visa

Prepare:

• Valid passport

• UAE residence evidence

• Complete flight itinerary

• Visa or residence permit for the final destination

• Hotel booking if entering Türkiye overnight

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Travel insurance

• Completed application form

• Biometric photographs

• Written explanation of the transit route

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming UAE residence automatically qualifies you for an eVisa

• Using another country’s eVisa as the supporting document

• Believing that the supporting visa must have been used previously

• Applying with a supporting visa that expires before arrival in Türkiye

• Entering the passport number incorrectly

• Using an unofficial eVisa website

• Selecting the UAE instead of the passport nationality

• Booking an airport transfer that requires immigration without holding a visa

• Forgetting to budget for VFS service charges

• Applying under tourism when the actual purpose is employment

• Purchasing non-refundable tickets before a sticker visa is approved

• Assuming every Istanbul connection remains airside

Conclusion

A Turkey visa for UAE residents is simplest when the official eVisa portal confirms that the traveller is eligible.

However, every supporting-document condition must be met exactly.

A valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit can support many conditional eVisa applications. The supporting visa does not necessarily need to have been used, but it must remain valid on the date of entry into Türkiye.

Applicants who cannot meet all online requirements should use the VFS sticker-visa route.

Budget separately for:

• Turkish government visa fee

• VFS service charge

• Travel insurance

• Courier or optional services

• Bank currency-conversion charges

Always check the official eVisa portal, VFS Global and the relevant Turkish diplomatic mission immediately before applying or travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pakistani UAE Residents Apply for a Turkey eVisa?

Many Pakistani passport holders can apply for a Turkish eVisa when they hold a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit and meet every condition shown by the official portal.

UAE residence alone is not the accepted supporting residence permit for this conditional eVisa route.

Can Indian UAE Residents Get a Turkey eVisa?

Indian passport holders may qualify when the official eVisa portal confirms eligibility and the applicant holds a valid supporting visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, United States, United Kingdom or Ireland.

All remaining portal conditions must also be met.

Does the Supporting Visa Need an Entry Stamp?

No. Türkiye’s official eVisa information accepts a valid previously used or unused single-entry supporting visa.

The document must still be valid on the date of entry into Türkiye.

Can I Use a Saudi, Canadian or UAE Visa as Support?

The current conditional eVisa rule refers to valid visas or residence permits from:

• Schengen Area countries

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Ireland

A Saudi, Canadian or UAE visa does not automatically meet this condition.

Check the live questionnaire for your passport nationality before applying.

How Much Is a Turkey Sticker Visa in the UAE?

The official 2026 government fee is:

• AED 225 for a single-entry visa

• AED 700 for a multiple-entry visa

VFS service charges, travel insurance and optional services are additional.

Can I Pay for a Turkey eVisa in Cash?

No. The official eVisa portal requires online payment using an accepted debit or credit card.

Cash is not accepted for an online eVisa application.

Do Children Need Separate Turkey eVisas?

Yes. Every traveller needs an individual eVisa or other valid entry permission.

This includes infants and children travelling with their parents.

Is UAE Residence Enough to Get a Turkey eVisa?

No. UAE residence by itself does not automatically qualify an expatriate resident for a Turkish eVisa.

Eligibility is based mainly on passport nationality and the specific conditions displayed by the official eVisa portal.

How Early Should I Apply for a Turkey Visa?

Apply for an eVisa at least 48 hours before travel.

For a sticker visa, allow several weeks and apply earlier during summer, Eid, school holidays and other busy travel periods.

Do I Need a Visa to Change Airports in Istanbul?

Yes, in most cases.

Changing between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport requires entering Türkiye and travelling overland between the two airports.

The traveller must hold valid Turkish entry permission.