turkish citizens travel without visa

Turkish Passport

The citizens of Turkey can visit 67 countries without a visa.

Turkish passport holders also have access to get 34 e-visas or 22 visas on arrival .

Turkey has a population of 84.3M people and the capital is Ankara 🇹🇷.

Visa-free map

Nearby countries.

The nearest visa free countries to visit for Turkish passport holders are Syria, Jordan, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova and Azerbaijan .

Visa free countries

So, where can Turkishs travel without a visa? We have listed all the countries where Turkey citizens can travel visa-free, eliminating the hassle of visa paperwork.

• 🇦🇱 Albania (90 days)
• 🇧🇾 Belarus (30 days)
• 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
• 🇲🇩 Moldova (90 days)
• 🇲🇪 Montenegro (90 days)
• 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (60 days)
• 🇷🇸 Serbia (90 days)
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine (90 days)
• 🇦🇴 Angola (30 days)
• 🇧🇼 Botswana (90 days)
• 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea (90 days)
• 🇸🇿 Eswatini (30 days)
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius (90 days)
• 🇲🇦 Morocco (3 months)
• 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days)
• 🇿🇦 South Africa (30 days)
• 🇹🇳 Tunisia (3 months)
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (180 days)
• 🇦🇷 Argentina (90 days)
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas (8 months)
• 🇧🇧 Barbados (6 months)
• 🇧🇿 Belize (90 days)
• 🇧🇴 Bolivia (90 days)
• 🇧🇷 Brazil (90 days)
• 🇨🇱 Chile (90 days)
• 🇨🇴 Colombia (90 days)
• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica (90 days)
• 🇩🇲 Dominica (21 days)
• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic (90 days)
• 🇪🇨 Ecuador (90 days)
• 🇸🇻 El Salvador (3 months)
• 🇬🇹 Guatemala (90 days)
• 🇭🇹 Haiti (90 days)
• 🇭🇳 Honduras (3 months)
• 🇯🇲 Jamaica (90 days)
• 🇳🇮 Nicaragua (90 days)
• 🇵🇦 Panama (90 days)
• 🇵🇾 Paraguay (90 days)
• 🇵🇪 Peru (183 days)
• 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months)
• 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
• 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (3 month)
• 🇸🇷 Suriname (90 days)
• 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
• 🇺🇾 Uruguay (90 days)
• 🇻🇪 Venezuela (90 days)
• 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan (90 days)
• 🇧🇳 Brunei (30 days)
• 🇬🇪 Georgia (360 days)
• 🇮🇷 Iran (3 months)
• 🇯🇵 Japan (90 days)
• 🇯🇴 Jordan (3 months)
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan (30 days)
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan (30 days)
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia (3 months)
• 🇲🇳 Mongolia (30 days)
• 🇴🇲 Oman (14 days / 30 days)
• 🇵🇭 Philippines (30 days)
• 🇶🇦 Qatar (90 days)
• 🇸🇬 Singapore (30 days)
• 🇸🇾 Syria (3 months)
• 🇹🇯 Tajikistan (30 days)
• 🇹🇭 Thailand (30 days)
• 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan (30 days)
• 🇫🇯 Fiji (4 months)
• 🇫🇲 Micronesia (30 days)
• 🇻🇺 Vanuatu (30 days)

This data has been sourced from Wikipedia and was last updated on 4/1/2024.

• Cyprus visa free countries
• Lebanon visa free countries
• Syria visa free countries

• Türkiye travel guide
• Europe travel guide
• Asia travel guide
• Africa travel guide
• America travel guide
• 1 City 3 Days
• New normal holiday
• Photography
• Unique destinations
• Transportation
• Crew insights

To East Asia: Visa-free travel from Ireland and Switzerland to China

Exploring i̇stanbul’s rich history: the historical peninsula, one city, three days: madrid, türkiye’s gateway to tnrc: the new nicosia ercan international airport, all you need to know about the türkiye museum pass (müzekart), an exclusive airport experience: iga pass, a recent favorite: mauritius, towards the heart of indonesia: yogyakarta, capital of the northern lights: tromso, countries where turkish passport holders can travel visa-free.

Spontaneous travel decisions are even easier when your destination country doesn’t require a visa. To facilitate your spur-of-the-moment getaways, we’ve listed the countries that do not require Turkish passport holders to obtain a visa. Keep reading…and if a destination piques your interest, click here to find the best fare!

The Americas: Countries that do not require a visa for Turkish passport holders

Europe: Countries that do not require a visa for Turkish passport holders 

Asia: Countries that do not require a visa for Turkish passport holders 

Africa: Countries that do not require a visa for Turkish passport holders 

While Canada and the United States do require visas from Turkish passport holders, there are many other countries in the Americas that do not! 

South American countries that do not require a visa from Turkish passport holders

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Chile, Trinidad, Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Places to visit 

• Peru: Machu Picchu, the 15 th -century Inca citadel in the Andes Mountains; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Argentina: Iguazu Falls, near the Brazilian border; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Argentina: Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America, known as the “end of the world.”
• Amazon River, one of the world’s longest rivers. Both the Amazon rainforest and the Amazon River extend through several countries.

Before flying to one of these South American destinations, whet your appetite with a review of the fabulous flavors of South American cuisine .

Central American countries that do not require a visa from Turkish passport holders

Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico (E-visa), Nicaragua, Panama, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Lucia.

• Costa Rica, Panama, Belize and Guatemala: these countries are popular destinations in the region due to their nature, beaches and cultural riches.
• Panama: The Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
• Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano. Dormant since 2010, the Volcano and surrounding area feature walking tours, a cable car, a zip-line and suspension bridges. The magnificent La Fortuna Falls are also in this area.

European countries that do not require a visa from Turkish passport holders

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Moldova, The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Places to visit

Most of the visa-free countries in Europe are in the Balkan region. Before we begin, here’s your resource for great airfares.  

• Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia: Turkish passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Take note: Kosovo has colder winters than Albania and Macedonia.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro: Turkish passport holders can  go visa-free within 180 days, provided that it does not exceed 90 days.Montenegro: a popular destination throughout the year, especially in summer for diving, surfing and sailing. 
• Montenegro: a popular destination throughout the year, especially in summer for diving, surfing and sailing.
• Serbia: historic and cultural richness; colorful nightlife.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo, the capital, is a historic and culturally rich destination and well worth a weekend visit.
• Macedonia: a cultural mosaic that embodies the rich heritage of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Skopje, its capital, is stunning.

Choose your departure date

Choose your return date

Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries that do not require a visa from Turkish passport holders

Azerbaijan, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Japan, Iran, Lebanon, Georgia, Iraq (Visa at Border), Qatar (Visa at Border), Philippines, Hong Kong, Bahrain (Visa at Border), South Korea, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Indonesia (Visa at the border), Thailand, Singapore.

• Jordan: Amman, the capital, is believed to have been founded in 7000 BC. Jordan can be visited without a visa for up to 90 days.
• Georgia: featuring villages nestled in the Caucasus mountain range, picturesque cities, ski resorts and lively beach resorts on the Black Sea coast. For more details on visiting Georgia, click here.
• Qatar: Doha, the capital of this fascinating nation on the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its architecture and structures such as the Pearl Island and Barzan Towers, as well as its desert safaris and vibrant nightlife.

African countries that do not require a visa from Turkish passport holders

Botswana, Morocco, Republic of South Africa (Visa at Border), Kenya (E-visa), Libya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sudan (Visa at Border), Swaziland, Sao Tome and Principe, Tunisia and Zambia.

Kenya, South Africa and Morocco are among the most popular destinations on the African continent. 

• South Africa: known for its magnificent landscapes and wildlife. Cape Town, at the southernmost point of the continent,  is a 13-hour direct flight from Istanbul. To discover more about the charms of Cape Town, click here .
• The Republic of Kenya: this eastern African nation is one of the world’s richest geographies in the world in terms of animal diversity. There is no better place than Kenya for deep sea diving and wildlife safaris.
• Morocco: Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech are among the most popular destinations in Morocco; as well, the Atlas Mountains draw many visitors. A non-stop flight between Istanbul and Casablanca is just five hours. Click here to find affordable airfares.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is visa-free travel?

Depending on the passport you hold, some countries may permit you to enter without a visa. These trips are considered visa-free travel. Also dependent on your citizenship, some countries may allow you to enter with official identification other than a passport.

• Is it possible to travel without a passport?

Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye can travel to certain countries without a passport. An official ID is sufficient for entry into these countries.  

• Which countries permit Turkish citizens to enter without a passport? 

Countries that do not require citizens of the Republic of Türkiye to present a passport for entry are Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova.

• Which countries can be visited with a Turkish ID?

Countries that can be visited with a Turkish ID are Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova.

• Which countries can be entered without a visa with a green passport?

Visa-free European countries with a green passport: Germany (90 days), Andorra (90 days), Austria (90 days), Azerbaijan (90 days), Albania (90 days), Belgium (90 days), Belarus (90 days), Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days), Bulgaria (90 days), Czech Republic (90 days), Denmark (90 days), Estonia (90 days), Finland (90 days), France (90 days), Georgia (90 days), Netherlands (90 days), Croatia (90 days), Spain (90 days),  Sweden (90 days), Switzerland (90 days), Italy (90 days), Iceland (90 days), Montenegro (90 days), Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Free Roaming), Kosovo (90 days), Latvia (90 days), Liechtenstein (90 days), Lithuania, Luxembourg (90 days), Hungary (30 days), North Macedonia (90 days), Malta, Moldova (90 days), Monaco (90 days), Norway (90 days), Poland (90 days), Portugal (90 days), Romania (90 days),  San Marino (90 days), Serbia (90 days), Slovakia (90 days), Slovenia (90 days), Vatican City (90 days), Greece (90 days). Visa-free Asian countries with a green passport: Bahrain (up to 90 days), Bangladesh (90 Days), United Arab Emirates (90 Days), China (30 Days), East Timor (30 Days), Indonesia (14 Days), Philippines (30 Days), Palestine (30 Days), Hong Kong (90 Days), Iraq (30 Days), People’s Republic of Iran (90 Days), Israel (90 Days), Japan (90 Days), Cambodia (90 Days), Qatar (90 Days), Kazakhstan (30 Days), Kyrgyzstan,  Kuwait (90 Days), South Korea (90 Days), Lebanon (90 Days), Macau (30 Days), Maldives (30 Days), Malaysia (90 Days), Mongolia (30 Days), Myanmar (28 Days of online visa), Nepal (Visa at the entry), Pakistan (90 Days), Russia (30 Days of online electronic visa), Singapore (90 Days), Sri Lanka ( 30 Days), Syria (90 Days), Tajikistan (60 Days), Thailand (90 Days), Taiwan (30 Days – visa at the border), Turkmenistan (30 Days), Oman, Jordan (90 Days), Vietnam (90 Days), Yemen (30 Days).   Visa-free African countries with a green passport : Botswana (90 days), Algeria (90 days), Djibouti (90 days), Morocco (90 days), Ivory Coast, Ghana (60 days), Republic of South Africa (30 days), Cameroon (90 days), Kenya (90 days), Comoros Federated Islamic Republic, Libya (90 days), Madagascar (90 days), Mauritius (30 days), Mauritania (90 days), Mozambique (30 days), Egypt (90 days), Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles (90 days), South Sudan (30 days),  Swaziland (30 Days), Tanzania (90 Days), Togo, Tunisia (90 Days), Cape Verde, Zambia (30 Days), Zimbabwe.

Visa-free South American countries with green passports: Argentina (90 Days), Bolivia (90 Days), Brazil (90 Days), Ecuador (90 Days), Colombia (90 Days), Paraguay (90 Days), Peru (90 Days), Chile (90 Days), Uruguay (90 Days), Venezuela (90 Days).

Visa-free North American countries with green passports: Antigua and Barbuda (6 Months), Aruba (90 Days), Bahamas, Barbados (90 Days), Belize (90 Days), British Virgin Islands (30 Days), Curaçao (30 Days), Dominica (21 Days), Dominican Republic (30 Days), El Salvador (90 Days), Grenada, Guatemala (90 Days), Guyana (90 Days), Haiti (90 Days), Netherlands Antilles, Honduras (90 Days), Jamaica (90 Days), Costa Rica (30 Days),  Cuba, Mexico (90 Days), Nicaragua (90 Days), Panama (6 Months), Saint Kitts (Saint Christoper) and Nevis Islands (90 Days), Saint Lucia (6 Weeks), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Islands (30 Days), Sint Maarten (30 Days), Trinidad and Tobago (30 Days), Turks and Caicos Islands (90 Days).

*The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

Might get your attention

The eight most famous towers in the world, more from our blog, spirit of the city: minsk, a handkerchief, turkish delight, and the keepers of secrets: the islands of i̇stanbul, spirit of the city: graz, tradition and modernity in harmony: seoul, kazakhstan’s capital and other cities in the country, the most interesting airbnb homes around the world.

• Destinations
• Travel tips

This site uses cookies. Find out more. | © 2023 Turkish Airlines

Privacy Overview

• You haven't added any favorites yet.

• Visa free countries with Turkish passport

Which countries can I visit visa-free with a Turkish passport?

You may also contact us on WhatsApp Thank you, Cem Sezen Turkey Expert ltd.

Turkey: Visa Free Countries For Turkish Passport Holders

Introduction

Are you tired of the tedious visa application process every time you plan a trip abroad? As a Turkish passport holder, you may wonder which countries you can visit without needing a visa. Turkey is located between Asia and Europe, with a population of over 80 million people. Turkish passport holders have visa-free access to many countries worldwide, making it easier to travel without additional expenses and time-consuming visa procedures.

Why Turkish Passport Holders Need Visa-Free Destinations

Traveling to visa-free countries as a Turkish passport holder is an excellent way to explore the world without worrying about visa requirements. You can often stay for up to 90 days without a visa, which is enough time to enjoy the destination and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Turkey began accepting applications for its " Turkish Citizenship By Investment Program ", inspired by the success of similar golden visa programs in other European countries. Applicants who invest in real estate, government bonds, or cash in a bank account are eligible to get residence in Turkey, Turkish citizenship, and a passport under the Golden Visa Program in Turkey.

Visa-Free Countries For Turkish Passport Holders in Europe

As a Turkish citizen, you can travel to many European countries without a visa. The countries you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Europe has always been a popular destination for Turkish passport holders.

The following European countries grant visa-free entry for Turkish passport holders :

• Bosnia and Herzegovina,
• Montenegro,
• Northern Cyprus,

Visa-Free Countries For Turkish Passport Holders in Asia

As a Turkish passport holder, you have access to numerous visa-free travel destinations in Asia. The countries you can visit without a visa include Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, some countries, such as China, require a visa for Turkish passport holders.

Many Asian countries offer visa-free access to Turkish passport holders . These countries include:

• Azerbaijan,
• Kazakhstan,
• Kyrgyzstan,
• South Korea,
• Uzbekistan.

Visa-Free Countries For Turkish Passport Holders in Africa

Turkey's diplomatic ties with African countries have resulted in numerous visa-free travel opportunities. As a Turkish passport holder, you can visit many African countries without a visa, including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. However, some countries, such as Algeria and Libya, require a visa for Turkish passport holders.

If you are interested in exploring the African continent, there are several visa-free countries for Turkish passport holders, including:

• Guinea-Bissau,
• Mozambique,
• Seychelles,

Visa-Free Countries For Turkish Passport Holders in South America

Turkey has a growing relationship with South American countries, and the following countries offer visa-free access for Turkish passport holders:

Other Countries That Offer Visa-Free Access For Turkish Passport Holders

Apart from the above mentioned countries, Turkish passport holders can also travel without a visa to the following countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda,
• Saint Kitts and Nevis,
• Saint Lucia,
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
• Trinidad and Tobago,

Tips For Traveling Abroad

Before traveling abroad, it is essential to plan and be prepared. Here are some tips for traveling abroad as a Turkish passport holder:

Check Visa Requirements

Always check the visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit before booking your trip. Some countries may require a visa, while others allow Turkish passport holders to enter without a visa or with a visa on arrival.

Have Your Documents Ready

Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before you travel, including your passport, travel itinerary, and any visas or permits required for your destination.

Learn About the Culture

Learning about the local culture and customs of your destination can help you prepare for your trip and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Researching the local language, customs, and traditions can also enhance your travel experience.

When traveling abroad, safety should be your top priority. Research the safety conditions of your destination and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings while traveling.

Turkish Citizenship Application

Investment-Based Turkish Citizenship Application : We can help you with your Turkish citizenship application .

Turkish passport holders have the privilege of traveling to many countries without a visa. As a result, they can explore the world and experience different cultures without worrying about the time and expense of obtaining visas. We hope this comprehensive guide to visa-free countries for Turkish passport holders will help you plan your next trip.

Are you looking to get a Turkish passport? MGC Legal can help you obtain it. Check our article: Turkish Citizenship By Investment .

FAQs About Visa-Free Countries for Turkish Passport Holders

Do turkish passport holders need a visa for the united states.

• Yes, Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter the United States.

Can Turkish passport holders travel to the United Kingdom without a visa?

• Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter the United Kingdom.

Can Turkish passport holders travel to Canada without a visa?

• Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter Canada.

Can Turkish passport holders travel to Australia without a visa?

• Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter Australia.

Can Turkish passport holders travel to New Zealand without a visa?

• Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

  © Mondaq® Ltd 1994 - 2024. All Rights Reserved .

Login to Mondaq.com

Password Passwords are Case Sensitive

Forgot your password?

Why Register with Mondaq

Free, unlimited access to more than half a million articles (one-article limit removed) from the diverse perspectives of 5,000 leading law, accountancy and advisory firms

Articles tailored to your interests and optional alerts about important changes

Receive priority invitations to relevant webinars and events

You’ll only need to do it once, and readership information is just for authors and is never sold to third parties.

Your Organisation

We need this to enable us to match you with other users from the same organisation. It is also part of the information that we share to our content providers ("Contributors") who contribute Content for free for your use.

Visa-Free Countries for Turkish Passport Holders

As a Turkish citizen, the passport in your pocket lets you span every continent in the world, where there are at least a few countries that allow entry either without any sort of visa or with a simplified entry process.

The good news as a Turkish citizen is that the Henley Passport Index, which measures the power and versatility of passports when you travel, has now ranked the Turkish passport at 50th in the world. So this shows an increased chance of international mobility hassle-free!

Generally speaking, in terms of entry requirements, you can group the countries of the world into 4 types:

• Countries where no visa is required.
• Places that use an eVisa (Electronic Visa) system.
• Destinations that provide Visas on Arrival (VoAs).
• The remaining nations, which require you to make an embassy or consulate visit to get the right document before you travel.

Pinpointing which country belongs to which group is not always easy, so we’ve produced accurate lists below based on the most up-to-date data for Turkish passport holders. We’ve even looked into how long you can remain in each particular destination.

So read on and see what sort of authorisation you need to access each and every country in the world, and start planning your next international trips!

• 1 What’s the List of Turkish Passport Visa-Free Countries?
• 2 Can Turkish Citizens Travel to Europe and Cyprus Without a Visa?
• 3 What Are the eVisa-Eligible Countries for Turkey Passport Holders?
• 4 What Countries Are Turkish Citizens Eligible to Visit With a Visa on Arrival (VoA)?
• 5 What About the Countries Not Listed for Turkish Passport Holders?
• 6 Take Advantage of the Visa-Free Countries for the Turkish Passport!

What’s the List of Turkish Passport Visa-Free Countries?

Are you wondering “How many countries can I travel to with a Turkish passport?” Around a third of the world allows Turkish citizens to enter without a visa. These 66 countries are detailed below, along with the permitted length of stay.

It is also worth noting that there are some small exemptions in place for Turks travelling in particular ways. For example, you can go to Egypt without any visa at all if you are in a tour party of 10 people or more.

Can Turkish Citizens Travel to Europe and Cyprus Without a Visa?

Another important rule for Turks that should make travelling in Europe much more accessible is that, if you hold a valid visa for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania or a Schengen Member State, then you are permitted to enter all the other Member States. This means you only have to make 1 successful application.

The Schengen Member States covered alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania are:

Austria Belgium Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece

Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands

Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland

What Are the eVisa-Eligible Countries for Turkey Passport Holders?

All the other countries in the world still require some form of entry document on top of your passport for Turkish people to be permitted to enter. Not all of these documents are especially complex to obtain, though. Many places use an online system to generate the documentation in advance, and this means you can be sure of entering your destination successfully before you travel. These digital documents are commonly known as eVisas.

Our specialism at Byevisa is the eVisa process and we’ve helped hundreds of Turkish citizens to obtain theirs in advance of travel. As you can imagine, there is no one single set of requirements for eVisas, so you’ll need the right paperwork for your destination. Fortunately, we are experts in getting you the right visa in time and with the minimum of fuss.

The number of countries using an eVisa system has massively expanded in recent years, and people with a Turkish passport are able to use eVisas to visit up to 30 different countries. We’ve listed these here too.

What Countries Are Turkish Citizens Eligible to Visit With a Visa on Arrival (VoA)?

Entry to a further 21 countries in the world is possible for Turkish citizens by obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This is done after you’ve got off the plane and when you reach the immigration section of the airport. Sometimes, but not always, there is a charge involved for this service. We’ve pulled together the below list of nations that use a VoA system for people from Turkey.

What About the Countries Not Listed for Turkish Passport Holders?

Although you can get access to around 120 countries either visa-free or with a simplified visa using a Turkish passport, there are still around 80 countries where you will need to complete a full application and visit an embassy. If a country does not appear in the lists above, then that is your only option.

You will therefore need to contact the embassy or consulate of that country to discuss a formal application and an interview. The contact details for different embassies and consulates can be found on our embassies finder page .

It is usually really worthwhile contacting the respective embassy in advance to check if you need to make an appointment to visit. Most of them allow you to obtain the necessary documentation in advance, which you can also sometimes complete before your visit. Once you’ve done your research, simply attend the embassy or consulate with the filled-in application form, your supporting documents and the visa fee.

Don’t expect an immediate turnaround though. Visa applications are rarely processed while you are there, even if you pay an extra fee for fast-tracking. As such, you can usually expect to leave the application and your passport with the embassy. The staff will then process it, and you might need to return to collect your passport and visa, unless they have an option to post them to you.

Take Advantage of the Visa-Free Countries for the Turkish Passport!

Turkey may be a very beautiful and varied country, but there is so much of the world to see. Maybe you want to go to one of the visa-free countries we’ve listed, or maybe it’s one of those with a simplified visa process. Either way, the world is opening up to Turkish travellers providing you plan properly. Make this year the one in which you go somewhere even further than you’ve ever been before!

Related Answers

Privacy Overview

Visa-Free Countries With Turkish Passport

Turkish passport holders enter 110 countries visa-free, including Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and others. They can work and live in the US with an E-2 business visa. Five-year C-2 Schengen visas are available.

About Türkiye: An Introduction

In Turkey, How to Obtain a Turkish Resident Permit

Turkish Citizenship: Real Estate Investment Value Raised to $400,000

Get all the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox..

With a Turkish passport, you don't need a visa to go to 110 countries, including South Korea and Singapore. A person who invests can also get a C-2 Schengen visa for five years and a ten-year tourist visa to the US.

The article goes over the full list of countries where Turkish passport holders don't need a visa and looks at all the ways people can get a Turkish passport.

How Turkish citizens enter other countries without visas

Turkish people can go to some countries without a visa. In other countries, they get a visa when they arrive or get an electronic visa (eTA) before they go.

Visa-free entry means that you can go to a country without first getting a visa. Turkey has agreements with 72 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa that let people visit without a visa.

Visa on arrival means that an investor doesn't have to apply for a visa before coming to the country. Instead, he can get one when he gets there. People can only get a visa at the airport if they are traveling as tourists. To get it, a traveler has to show proof of money, a return flight ticket, and a reservation at a hotel.

The electronic visa that an investor gets online 3–5 days before a trip is called an ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. Most of the time, there is a fee to send in an eTA.

Which countries are visa-free for Turkish citizens

Turkish people can go to 110 countries without a visa:.

• 72 countries don't require visas,
• 35 give them when you arrive,
• and only 3 require you to get an electronic one in advance.

The list of countries that don't need visas and the rules for entering can change, so check the consulate's website before the trip.

List of countries which are visa-free for Turkish citizens

Middle East

Benefits of a turkish passport.

In addition to being able to enter 110 countries without a visa, a Turkish passport allows investors with a C-2 visa to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days, move to the US, or provide a "safe haven" for themselves and their families.

Heading to the Schengen area . Turkish passport holders can get a Schengen C-2 visa for up to 5 years. This visa is nonimmigrant, so an investor can't live or work in the Schengen area with it, but they can use it for travel and business trips.

Start a business in the United States and move there with your family . If an investor opens or buys a business in the United States, he or she can get an E-2 business visa. The law doesn't say what the minimum investment is, but most investors put at least $100,000 into their US business.

An investor can't get a Green Card or become an American citizen with an E-2 visa: The E-2 visa is good for five years and can be renewed. An investor can change his visa to an immigrant type visa in order to get a green card. For example, if they invest $800,000, they can apply for an EB-2 visa. EB-2 is different from E-2 in that it gives people a chance to get a Green Card and US citizenship.

Turks can get B-1/B-2 visas that are good for ten years. These visas let Turks travel and do business in the US. They fill out an application and do well in the interview in Istanbul or Ankara.

" Safe haven ". Investors who have a Turkish passport can go to Turkey whenever they want. This is important in case of a political crisis, an epidemic, or a threat to the safety of family members.

How to get a Turkish passport by investment

Investors can become citizens of Turkey if they put at least $400,000 into the country's economy:

• Buying a house that costs $400,000 or more.
• Business investments of at least $500,000.
• Making a deposit at a bank—$500,000 or more.
• Buying shares in an investment fund for more than $500,000.
• Buying government bonds: at least $500,000.
• Hire 50 Turkish people

The purchase of real estate . Investors buy an apartment or business building, a piece of land, or a share in a real estate project. The investor can sell the item and get his money back after three years. Most people who sign up for the program choose this option. After a few years, the price of a house could go up by up to 25% or even double.

Invest in a Turkish company 's capital stock as a business move. The investor can do this or start his own business. If the company opens, it must make at least 50 jobs. An investor can sell the business after three years.

When an investor opens a deposit , he can save money in any currency that Turkish banks will accept. In 2022, the average rate on deposits in lira is 12.5%, while the average rate on deposits in euros and dollars is 2-3%. As with the other options, an investor can take money out of their account after three years.

By buying units in an investment fund , an investor can make money without doing anything. Investors can get their money back after three years.

After buying government bonds , an investor must hold on to their assets for three years before they can be sold.

To get Turkish citizenship through the investment program, an investor must buy real estate, submit personal, real estate, and other documents, and pass a government check called "Due Diligence."

Obtaining Turkey citizenship takes 6—8 months

About a day is needed for the preliminary due diligence check.

• From 2 to 4 weeks are needed to prepare documents.
• It takes from 2 to 4 weeks to buy a house and get the paperwork ready.
• Five to six weeks are needed to prepare documents for real estate.
• From 3 to 4 months for a government check on "due diligence."
• From 2 to 5 days to get a passport.

An investor in another country receives at a Turkish embassy or consulate

Frequently asked questions

Looking for more info here are some things we're commonly asked, how many countries can people with a turkish passport go to without a visa.

People with a Turkish passport can go to 110 countries without a visa :

• 72 don't need visas,
• 35 get them when they arrive,
• and 3 need electronic ones in advance.

Can Turkish citizens travel to the USA without a visa?

For travel and business trips to the US, Turkish people need a B-1 or B-2 visa. They fill out an application and do well in the interview in Istanbul or Ankara.

How to get a Turkish passport through an investment program?

Investors can become citizens of Turkey if they put at least $400,000 into the Turkish economy:

Can Turkish citizens travel to the Schengen area without a visa?

A C-2 Schengen visa is available for five years to people with a Turkish passport. This visa is nonimmigrant, so an investor can't live or work in the Schengen area with it, but he can use it for travel and business trips.

How long does obtaining a Turkish citizenship by investment program take?

The purchase of real estate is the most popular option in the Turkish citizenship by investment program. The registration process usually takes 6 to 8 months :

• From 3 to 4 months for a government check on "due diligence."

Member discussion

Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Turkey

Things You Need to Know before You Move to Turkey

5 Things to Know about Moving to Turkey

4 Different Yet Easy Ways of Getting Turkish Citizenship

5 Tips That Will Help You Permanently Move to Turkey

Contact the International patient center for 28 hospitals in 14 cities to book appointment

COUNTRIES WHERE TURKISH CITIZENS CAN TRAVEL WITHOUT A VISA

04/11/2023 Medically Reviewed by Professor Doctor Alper Demirbaş Tourism 0

Reading time is <1 mins

. . COUNTRIES WHERE TURKISH CITIZENS CAN TRAVEL VISA-EXEMPT

For Turkish citizens, there are many routes that can be visited around the world. Moreover, they all apply for visa-free or paid visas at the border crossing. Europe, which can only go between these countries with an identity document, although some of them are unknown their country is also involved. Moreover, almost no country in Latin America does not ask for a visa from Turkish citizens. Here is the most up-to-date list of countries around the world where Turkish citizens can travel abroad without a visa in the Turkish passport.

Although the pandemic process has dealt a major blow to travel, visa-free travel routes, in particular, remain a priority. Finally, according to the recent agreement between Turkey and Azerbaijan, the identity of the citizens of the two countries he’ll be able to travel with his cards.

On the other hand, citizens of the Republic of Turkey have the opportunity to travel visa-free to many countries around the world, including Europe. Although this situation has been somewhat interrupted due to the pandemic, the Turkish citizens are able to travel visa-free to many places, although there are additional measures.

According to new data recently updated, Turkish citizens can travel to many countries and administrative regions on different continents without waiting in visa queues. Moreover, with many of these countries, historical and cultural our ties are being found. part of it is among the most important tourist routes in the world.

Although some countries have temporarily closed their borders due to the Coronavirus outbreak that has affected the entire world, Turkish citizens have the opportunity to travel to many countries of the world without visas. From Europe To Far Asia, Latin It is possible to go from America to Africa to different geographies of the world without a visa, electronic visa or only with an identity document.

Here is a list of countries in which Turkish citizens can travel around the world, on different continents, without having to obtain a visa.

Is entitled to 8 days visa-free travel to St. Petersburg with an online visa. In the near future, Turkish citizens in the rest of Russia will be able to travel with the document they will receive after applying for an online visa.

In recent months, Azerbaijan has lifted its visa. Accordingly, you can stay visa-free in Azerbaijan for 90 days within a year. In addition, now you have your chip ID card with you on your trips to Azerbaijan That’s enough.

Brazil, the largest country in Latin America in terms of population and area, is also one of the places that does not require visas for tourist trips from Turkish citizens. Travel not exceeding 90 days is exempt from Visa. Epic beaches in languages, Brazil is one of the must-see cities with its entertainment life and festivals.

Visa-free travel is possible in 180 days, provided that it does not exceed 90 days. You can enter Ukraine with your ID card. The Ukrainian capital Kiev and historical Lviv are the most visited cities in the country. Especially in Lviv recently Turkish he’s the center of attention for tourists.

With a visa at the door, you can stay in Qatar for 180 days, provided that you do not exceed 90 days. Qatar, which is also preparing to host the 2022 World Cup, has managed to attract attention with its development in recent years.

In Argentina, the country where the tango originated, it is possible to stay visa-free for 90 days. Buenos Aires, the capital of the country, which is considered the most European city in South America, has beauty worth visiting.

Macau, an autonomous administrative region of China, does not require visas from Turkish citizens for their travel not exceeding 30 days. Macau is one of the places in the world where per capita income is highest. It is undoubtedly found in the city a large number of casinos also have a large impact.

In Albania, which has remained under Ottoman rule for hundreds of years and carries many historical monuments of this period to the present day, Turkish citizens can travel 90 days without a visa.

North Macedonia

Visa-free travel is possible in North Macedonia, provided that 180 days do not exceed 90 days. Just like Kosovo, this is a country that has similarities to Turkey in many points and remains under Ottoman rule for hundreds. In many parts of the country. You may not find traces of the Ottoman Empire.

United Arab Emirates

There is an online visa application. You can stay visa-free for up to 29 days. For this, it is enough to have a round-trip ticket belonging to the designated airlines.

You can stay 180 days with an e-visa in Mexico, the most colorful country in North America. You can also go to Mexico without the need for an e-visa if you have a US or Schengen visa that is valid for one year.

Visa-free travel is possible in 180 days, provided that it does not exceed 90 days. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the most visited cities by Turks in Europe.

90 days visa-free travel to Andorra is possible. However, you need to obtain a Schengen visa, as crossing to the country without an airport is possible from France or Spain.

In Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe, you can stay visa-free for 180 days, provided that you do not exceed 90 days. The city of Prizren, located in the south of the country, is a city where you will feel like you are in an Anatolian city when you are in the middle of Europe. In addition, Turkish education is also available in cities such as Prizren, Pristina, and Gilan.

There are no time restrictions in Georgia, where you can switch with your ID card. The city and capital of Batumi, especially on the Black Sea coast of this northeastern neighbor of Turkey, Tbilisi are the center of attention for tourists.

It is possible to stay visa-free for 30 days within a year in the Maldives, which is also called a paradise on earth. It may be the last period to see the Maldives, which are likely to be flooded in the near future. Island hotels, white beaches and the Maldives, with its turquoise blue shores, is a magnificent honeymoon route.

South Korea

South Korea, which has taken its place among the most developed economies in the world today with its extraordinary development over several decades, is among the countries that do not require visas from Turkish citizens. Not exceeding 90 days in South Korea a visa is not required for your travel.

Hong Kong, another of China’s autonomous government regions, also does not require visas from Turkish citizens for trips that do not exceed 90 days. Home to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, this old British its colony is also one of the most expensive cities.

Bosnia And Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the countries most culturally similar to Turkey on the European continent, you can stay without a visa for 90 days within 180 days. Ottoman Turkey which houses numerous works in Bosnia and Herzegovina yourself you’re likely to feel like you’re in any city.

You can stay in Monaco for 90 days without a visa. But just as in Andorra, when you want to reach via France or Italy due to the lack of an airport, you face the Schengen barrier. Your only option for visa-free travel seaway.

Montenegro is one of the countries that has been shining a star in European tourism in recent years. Visas are not required for trips not exceeding 90 days to Montenegro, which has also become a more attractive destination with new tourism investments. Budva in Montenegro, Kotor and Cities such as Ülgün are among the places where tourists travel the most.

This small country, surrounded by Italy on four sides, does not require visas from Turkish citizens. But because you have to enter the country through Italy, it is not possible to go Schengen-free.

The Vatican, the smallest country in the world, located inside the Italian capital of Rome, does not apply for a visa in any country. But since you have to pass through Italian territory to get here, you must have a Schengen visa.

In the Mediterranean country of Lebanon, you can stay without a visa for 90 days, provided that your passport does not have an Israeli SEAL. Otherwise, you are not allowed to enter the country.

In Moldova, one of the countries where you can travel with your identity in Eastern Europe along with Ukraine, visa-free travel is possible in 180 days, provided that it does not exceed 90 days.

You can stay visa-free for 90 days in Iran, Turkey’s eastern border neighbor. Your passport is not sealed so that you are not affected by US sanctions. Because the United States does not issue visas to those who have an Iranian seal on their passport.

There’s a visa application at the door. Just show me your return ticket and a document stating that you are staying in a 4-or 5-star hotel. You have the right to stay for 90 days.

Although it is not recognized as a state by most of the world due to its conflict with China, Taiwan has close relations with countries on many continents, especially Europe and the United States. Tech giant $ 24 in Taiwan 30 days in exchange

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, manages to charm its visitors with its natural beauty. Travel not exceeding 30 days in this exotic country is visa-exempt.

Republic Of South Africa

The country, which hosted the World Cup in 2010, is also the most developed country on the African continent. Travel to the Republic of South Africa for less than 30 days is exempt from Visa.

Morocco, located in the west of Africa and the entrance gate of the Mediterranean Sea, attracts attention with its natural beauty and historical cities. You have the right to stay visa-free for 90 days on your trips to this fairy-tale country.

Bahrain, the island nation in the Persian Gulf, has visa and online visa applications at the door. Bahrain grants Turkish citizens the right to stay visa-free for 15 days.

Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus

It is possible to pass through the customs gate to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with your ID card.

You are not subject to a visa on your trips that will not exceed 30 days to Mongolia, the gigantic country of the Asian steppes. Mongolia, with its vast steppes, is an ideal country for hiking.

Philippines

30 days visa free.

90 days visa free.

Antigua and Barbadua

You can visit the Caribbean country 180 days in a year without a visa.

Visa-free travel is possible in 180 days, provided that it does not exceed 90 days.

You have the right to stay at the door for 10 days with a visa.

There’s a visa application at the door. A 30-day visa costs $ 40.

There is an online visa that allows you to stay for 90 days. But your passport should not have an Israeli SEAL.

180 days visa free.

For $ 35, you can get a 30-day online visa.

You can go to Oman at the door or with an online visa application. Visa fees are 5, 20, 50 Omani rials.

• Recent Posts

• THE LANGUAGE OF DISEASES… SENTENCES ON THE SUBJECT OF TREATMENT - 11/04/2024
• WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR CHILD’S NOSE IS BLEEDING? - 09/04/2024
• TURKEY IN VITRO FERTILIZATION: GENETIC EMRIYO DIAGNOSIS - 09/04/2024
• RECOMMENDATIONS TO PARENTS FOR CHILDREN READING HABITS
• CHILDREN LEARN BETTER IF THEY HAVE FUN READING BOOKS
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DYSLEXIA AND IS THERE A CURE?
• SYMPTOMS OF SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDERS IN CHILDREN
• WHAT DOES STRUGGLE OF GOOD WITH BAD TEACH CHILDREN?
• THE LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD FOR TRAVEL
• TOP 15 UNKNOWNS ABOUT HUMAN EYE HEALTH
• FAILURE REASON AT SCHOOL MAY BE VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
• IT CONCERNS 6 MILLION TURKISH CITIZENS! DEBTS TO BE DELETED
• DO NOT START TREATMENT WITHOUT READING THE DENTIST CONSENT FORM
• EXPERTS WARN CITIZENS WHO USE CONTACT LENSES
• FAQ ABOUT LASER EYE TREATMENTS AND CATARACT SURGERY IN TURKEY
• CURIOUS ABOUT EYE TREATMENTS IN TURKEY? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• THE PANDEMIC HAS DISRUPTED THE EYE HEALTH OF CHILDREN
• TURKEY STARTS TRAVEL BAN BUT BRITONS DON’T COMPLY
• 1 BILLION PEOPLE COULD NOT WORLD TRAVEL IN 2021
• ISTANBUL TRAVEL AESTHETIC TRENDS OF 2023
• WHAT ARE THE MOST LIVABLE COUNTRIES OF THE PANDEMIC?
• HEALTH SYSTEMS OF OECD COUNTRIES AND TURKEY
• COUNTRIES MOST AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE IDENTIFIED
• TRNC CLOSES ITS BORDERS TO PASSENGERS OF 7 COUNTRIES
• END THE PAIN WITHOUT MEDICATION… CHIROPRACTIC
• WHAT IS THE AESTHETIC OF ‘EROS SPRING’ WITHOUT TURKISH SURGERY?
• 9 SIGNS OF LAZY EYE SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN
• WHAT IS AMBLYOPIA? CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF LAZY EYE
• CAN’T YOU SEE RELATIVE IN A DIM LIGHT? WHAT IS PRESBYOPIA?
• ARE HUMAN EMOTIONS CONTAGIOUS?
• MY LIFE FOOD IS “SUCCESS”
• HOW CAN WE RAISE A SUCCESSFUL CHILD?
• EASY WAYS TO MAKE BABIES TALK!
• DO NOT HAVE HAIR TRANSPLANT WITHOUT LEARNING ABOUT THEM
• WHAT ORGANS DO WE LIVE WITHOUT?
• DRINK WATER WITHOUT THIRST AGAINST A HEART ATTACK
• EYE CONTOUR PROBLEMS WITHOUT SURGERY: FROZEN EYES
• BENEFITS OF WASHING WITHOUT SOAP

Turkey Medicals © 1995 - 2024 | We do the latest updates, ratings and reviews, verify our members so you don’t have to | WCAG | HIPAA | DMCA | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

• Greece’s 2024 Golden Visa Program Latest Changes
• Best Cities to Live in Portugal
• Fastest Citizenship by Investment: The Definitive Guide
• Citizenship by Donation: The Ultimate Guide

• St Kitts and Nevis
• Antigua and Barbuda

• In The Media
• Media Library
• Industry Insights

Home / Citizenship by Investment / Turkey Citizenship by Investment / Visa Free Countries for Turkish Passport

Visa Free Countries for Turkish Passport

Your guide to getting a turkish passport by investment.

At  Get Golden Visa , we helped hundreds obtain of investors get Turkish passports by investing in Turkey.

Contact us and speak to our citizenship advisors who can assist you with your inquiries regarding getting a Turkish passport through investment.

It’s a crystal-clear fact that Turkey is a hot spot for investors and expats. In addition to being a great country to live in with its vivid lifestyle, cultural diversity, historical heritage, and natural wonders, it also offers many opportunities. 

The citizenship by investment program in Turkey allows you to enjoy too many-to-count Turkish passport benefits like entering 110 countries visa-free. 

Read on if you want to learn more about how to get a Turkish passport, the advantages of Turkish citizenship, and the visa free countries for Turkish passport. 

This guide includes:

• Benefits of having a Turkish passport
• How to get a Turkish passport
• Investment options to get a Turkish passport
• Turkish passport visa free territories and countries

Turkish Passport Visa Free Territories and Countries: Key Takeaways

The Turkish passport allows you to enter 72 countries completely visa free, 35 countries by obtaining a visa upon your arrival at the destination, and three countries by acquiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online. Moreover, by holding a Turkish passport, you can get a C-2 Schengen Visa or an E-2 Visa to relocate and work in the USA.

How Turkish Nationals Can Travel Without a Visa

Some nations don’t require a visa for Turkish nationals to enter. In others, they can either obtain an electronic visa (eTA) in advance of their journey or a visa upon arrival.

• Visa Free : Turkey has visa waiver treaties with 72 countries.
• Visa on Arrival : Travelers with a Turkish passport can travel to 35 countries by getting a visa on arrival. 
• eTA : This is an electronic visa that Turkish citizens acquire online before their trip.

Advantages of Turkish Citizenship  

There are many advantages to being a Turkish citizen, some of which are as follows:

• It allows dual citizenship, meaning you don’t need to renounce your original citizenship.
• You can benefit from free education and healthcare facilities that offer comprehensive service.
• You obtain full citizenship rights including voting and standing as a candidate in the elections.
• The process of becoming a citizen is only a matter of months.

Turkish Passport Benefits

Holding a Turkish passport is favorable in many ways, both in terms of visa free travel and providing a fast and easy route for relocating abroad. Find below some of the upsides that indicate the Turkish passport power:

• It’s among the passports of the highest rank in the world.
• It allows the holder to enter 110 countries without any visa requirements.
• It’s a long-term passport that you don’t need to renew more frequently than once every 10 years.
• It enables you to obtain an E-2 business visa to relocate to the USA and start a business there without being required to invest a predefined amount. The E-2 business visa is valid for five years and provides the holder with the opportunity to obtain a Green Card and become a citizen of the US.
• Turkish passport holders can visit Turkey any time they like.
• It enables you to get a C-2 visa which allows you to enter and stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area.

How to Get a Turkish Passport

There are a few ways to obtain a Turkish passport. Find below your options:

• By descent : If you’re of Turkish descent , meaning if one or more of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents is Turkish, you get the right to apply for Turkish citizenship and obtain a Turkish passport.
• By naturalization : If you’ve legally resided in Turkey for at least five years, you’re eligible to obtain a Turkish passport.
• By investment : This is the most efficient way for acquiring a Turkish passport for people who’re of non-Turkish descent. In this case, you become eligible to apply for a Turkish passport by making a certain investment in the country.

Investment Options for Getting a Turkish Passport

To become eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship and acquire a Turkish passport, you need to make one of the following investments:

• Purchasing property that’s at least $400,000 worth
• Making a business investment of a minimum of $500,000 and employing at least 50 Turkish workers
• Depositing at least $500,000 in a Turkish bank
• Purchasing investment fund units of at least $500,000 worth
• Purchasing government bonds of at least $500,000 worth

Purchasing real estate is the most favored option because it’s more cost-effective and profitable. If you choose one of the last three options, however, you should know that your money won’t be retrievable for at least 3 years as a condition. 

How Do Turkish Citizens Enter Other Countries Visa-Free?

There are three options to enter Turkish passport free visa countries. These options are as follows. 

• Visa-free entry : There’s no visa requirement at all.
• Visa on arrival: You don’t apply for a visa in advance but acquire it upon your arrival in the country. This type of visa is applicable only for traveling purposes.
• eTA : You obtain an electronic visa online by paying a fee typically three to five days before the trip.

Related Articles

Turkish passport visa free countries: conclusion.

The Turkish passport comes in handy when you travel or relocate abroad. If you’re intrigued by the advantages of it, you can initiate the application process for obtaining Turkish citizenship by investment. 

Speak to Our Investment Advisors in Turkey

Get Golden Visa  is a bespoke investment advisory firm. Since 2014, we’ve provided more than 20,000 prospective real estate investors with advice. Contact us today and speak to our real estate advisors who can help you with your property investment and Turkey passport acquisition.

Schedule Your Call Today

The turkish passport visa free countries list.

One of the Turkish passport benefits is that it provides you with the opportunity to enter visa free countries for Turkish citizens. 

The total number of visa free countries on Turkish passport is 110, as of 2022. While 72 of these countries grant visa free entrance, 35 of them issue visas on arrival. For the remaining three countries, on the other hand, Turkish citizens are required to get electronic visas beforehand. 

Find below the lists of the visa free countries for Turkish passport.

Territories

Recommended for you

Subscribe to our newsletter

• Get Golden Visa® Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cookie Policy

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Turkey - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated.  U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government (including on social media), can result in arrest.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Turkey.

If you decide to travel to Turkey:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
• Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for Turkey.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and Any Area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian Border – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest.  Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, and improvised explosive devices, as well as shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, and any areas within 10 km of the Syrian border.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months beyond date of entry

One page for entry and exit stamps

Not required for stays under 90 days

25,000 Turkish lira or 10,000 euros (or equivalent)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy ankara.

1480 Sok No:1 Cukurambar Mah  Cankaya 06530, Ankara Turkey Telephone: +(90) (312) 294-0000 (emergencies only) Fax: +(90) (312) 232-7472 Contact American Citizen Services Ankara

U.S. Consulate General Istanbul Istinye Mahallesi, Üç Şehitler Sokak No.2 Istinye 34460 – Istanbul, Turkey Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000 Fax: +(90) (212) 335-9102 Contact American Citizen Services Istanbul

U.S. Consulate Adana Girne Bulvari No. 212, Güzelevler Mahallesi, Yüregir Adana, Turkey Telephone: +(90) (322) 455-4100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (322) 455-4100 Fax: +(90)(322) 455-4141 Contact American Citizen Services Adana

U.S. Consular Agent - Izmir Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (312) 455-5555 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey  website for the most current visa and residency permit information.

• In Turkey, contact the nearest Directorate General of Migration Management office to obtain a residence permit.

Obey all Turkish visa regulations and maintain valid residence permits at all times.  The U.S. Embassy is unable to assist with Turkish immigration or visa-related matters.  Turkish authorities enforce immigration laws.

• Passports must be valid for six months beyond your entry date.  You will be  denied entry  into Turkey if there is not enough space for  entry and exit stamps  in your passport.
• Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye .
• Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Get entry and exit stamps . You must have a Turkish entry stamp to fly domestically.  Get an exit stamp in your passport when leaving the country  or you may face  difficulties re-entering Turkey in the future  and  a fine .
• If you are planning to  work, study, or conduct academic or scientific research  in Turkey, you must receive a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate before arriving in Turkey. Visit  “Living in Turkey”  on the U.S. Embassy’s website.

Syria:  See the  Syria travel advisory.  The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012.  The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Syria.  At this time, the Turkey-Syria border is closed except in cases of urgent medical treatment or safety from immediate danger as defined by the Government of Turkey.

Iraq:  See the  Iraq travel advisory .  The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Iraq.  The Turkish Government tightly controls entry and exit on the border.

HIV/AIDS restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Turkey.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  The potential for terrorist attacks in Turkey, including against U.S. citizens and interests, remains high.

• Terrorists have previously attacked U.S. interests in Turkey, including the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana.
• Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Terrorists have also previously targeted Western tourists and expatriates.

Under laws passed in 2018, Turkish security forces have an expanded legal ability to stop and search individuals and to  detain individuals without charge.

For your own safety:

• Carry a passport or identity document at all times.
• Follow local news sources during your stay to remain abreast of any potential areas, dates, or times of concern.
• Exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and maintain a high level of vigilance.
• Avoid demonstrations, which may become violent and unpredictable.
• Obey the instructions of Turkish security personnel at all times.

There have also been threats and acts of violence targeting religious minorities, groups, institutions, and places of worship in Turkey. The level of anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic sentiment remains significant.

Protests and gatherings:  Public gatherings are common in Turkey and can include protests or demonstrations, holiday celebrations, family events, sporting events, and political events in the lead up to elections and following the announcement of election results. U.S. citizens should

• Avoid demonstrations and gatherings, as they may become violent and unpredictable. 
• Be aware celebratory gunfire is common in some areas and has resulted in deaths in recent years. 
• Follow local authorities instructions, police may take action to disperse the group, including possibly using teargas or detaining participants, even when the government has approved gatherings.

Crime:  Overall street crime in Turkey is low; however, you should use the same precautions you would take in the United States. The following types of crime have been reported in Turkey:

• Pick-pocketing ,  purse snatching , and  mugging.  Carry only necessary items when in tourist areas. 
• Residential crime  occurs more often in major cities, with criminals targeting ground floor apartments for theft.
• Sexual assault  has occurred in Turkish baths ( hamams ) or spas, in taxis, and when traveling alone at night. Assaults involving  date rape drugs  have also been reported.
• Confidence schemes  occur where travelers are tricked into ordering food or drinks at a restaurant, and then are charged incredibly high prices. Patronize well-established restaurants and ask to see a menu with prices before ordering anything.
• Scams  are common in Turkey, particularly internet scams involving people who met online. Typically, the person in Turkey asks the other person to wire large sums of money to provide financial assistance.  Do not send money to someone you have never met in person.  Exercise due diligence when purchasing jewelry, rugs, or real estate. See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Eastern and Southeastern Turkey: We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens reconsider travel to specific areas in eastern and southeastern Turkey, and do not travel to areas near the Syrian or Iraqi borders.

U.S. Government employees are subject to travel restrictions  to the provinces of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van.  Mount Ararat , in Agri province, is a special military zone, and  access permission must be obtained before coming to Turkey  from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

The following incidents and activities have taken place in eastern and   southeastern Turkey :

• Terrorist attacks:  Terrorist groups, including Da’esh, also referred to as The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or The Islamic State of Iraq and ash Sham (ISIS), and the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party), have conducted large-scale attacks in the area, including suicide bombings, ambushes, and the detonation of car bombs, improvised explosive devices, and other homemade weapons. The PKK has attacked Turkish military and police personnel in the eastern and southeastern provinces, occasionally harming bystanders.
• Restricted access:  Turkish security forces control access to the southeastern provinces of Hakkari, Mardin and Sirnak along the Iraqi border, and the entire Turkey-Syria border.  Do not photograph or video Turkish military operations or attempt to enter military installations anywhere in Turkey.
• Shootings:  Turkish towns located along the border with Syria have been struck by bullets and artillery rounds that originate in Syria, some resulting in deaths or injuries.
• Roadblocks:  Use commercial air travel whenever possible while traveling to southeastern Turkey.  If road travel is necessary, drive only during daylight hours and on major highways.  The Turkish  Jandarma  (rural police) monitors checkpoints on roads. Cooperate if stopped at a checkpoint. Be prepared to provide identification and vehicle registration. Remain calm, do not make any sudden movements, and obey all instructions.  We strongly discourage the use of public transportation in the southeastern region.
• Demonstrations:  Violent clashes have taken place between Kurdish groups and Turkish police resulting from organized demonstrations.
• Curfews:  The Turkish Government has instituted temporary curfews in cities throughout the southeast due to blockades of certain neighborhoods by the PKK. Adhere to any locally imposed curfews.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 155 and contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We urge U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U.S. Embassy or closest consulate.

 We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find resources for accommodation and flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance and visit the  Embassy webpage  for resources.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

• Always carry with you a form of official government photo identification, such as a residence permit or copy of your passport.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  Turkish authorities may not inform U.S. officials of dual nationals arrested in Turkey.  See our  webpage  for further information on arrests.

• Insulting the State:  It is illegal to show disrespect to the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, or to insult the Turkish Government, flag, President, or security forces,  including on social media . Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative.
• Drug offenses:  Turkish law enforcement is  very aggressive  in combating illegal drugs. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are very strict, and include heavy fines and jail sentences between four and 20 years.
• Cultural artifacts:  Turkish law has a broad definition of “antiquities” and makes it a crime to remove any from the country. If you buy antiquities, use authorized dealers and get museum certificates for each item. Failure to have a receipt and certificate at departure can result in  your arrest , and  jail time . Contact the  Embassy of the Republic of Turkey  in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.
• Male dual nationals over the age of 18 may be subject to Turkish conscription and compulsory military service. Consult officials at Turkish Embassies or Consulates with any questions before entering Turkey.
• Counterfeit goods:  Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if widely available. They are both illegal to bring back into the United States and to purchase locally.
• Religious proselytizing:  There is no law against religious proselytizing.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  Homophobia, transphobia, and intolerance towards homosexuality are widespread throughout Turkey. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals are  not protected by anti-discrimination laws  and have been the targets of violence in recent years. References in the law relating to “offenses against public morality,” “protection of the family,” and “unnatural sexual behavior,” are sometimes used as a basis for abuse by law enforcement officials. In addition, the law states that “no association may be founded for purposes against law and morality,” a clause which has been used by authorities in attempts to shut down or limit the activities of associations working on LGBTI matters.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:   The Turkish constitution prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of state services, employment, education and access to health care. However, access to buildings and public transportation for the disabled in most cities is quite limited, and generally, accessibility for people with disabilities in Turkey is poor. Airports and metro stations are typically accessible, but other forms of public transport (buses) are not.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  The Embassy is aware of multiple sexual assaults against U.S. citizens in Turkey, including assaults against tourists traveling alone or in small groups, and at spas and  hamams.

• If you are sexually assaulted, please seek immediate help from the Turkish National Police, Turkish Health Services, or nearest hospital if you feel safe doing so.
• We urge you to contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Earthquakes:  Earthquakes occur throughout Turkey. Make contingency plans and leave emergency contact information with family members outside Turkey. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  and at  Ready.gov. For more information on disaster preparedness, please click on the following links:

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• FEMA: Earthquakes
• FEMA for Kids: Emergency Preparedness
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Earthquake Preparedness

Medical care provided in Turkish hospitals varies greatly. Though new private hospitals in Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul have modern facilities, equipment, numerous U.S.-trained specialists, and international accreditation, some still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions. Health care standards are lower in small cities in Turkey.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance   to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Turkey to ensure the medication is legal in Turkey. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Some medications may be unavailable in Turkey.

For U.S. citizens who live in Turkey , please see the Embassy’s website for  information on the Turkish General Health Insurance (GHI) law . If you are considering enrolling in Turkish GHI, carefully research what is and is not covered. Once you enroll in GHI, your coverage can only be cancelled if your residence permit expires or if you no longer reside in Turkey.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads in Turkey range from single-lane country roads to modern, divided motorways. Highways in the tourist-frequented western, southwestern, and coastal regions of Turkey are generally in good condition and are well maintained, while conditions in other areas vary.

Be extremely cautious while driving at night.  Driving after dark, especially in rural areas, requires extra caution due to dangers such as livestock on the road or narrow unmarked or unpaved roads.

In case of an  accident  or  car trouble :

• Pull to the side of the road, turn on hazard lights, and use reflector triangles.
• For accidents with only vehicular damage, exchange insurance information, take photos of the accident before moving the vehicles, and depart if both sides agree. Turkish law requires drivers to fill out a Turkish-only form and provide pictures of the damage. Non-Turkish speakers should call and wait for the police.
• For accidents with injury  or a disagreement, remain at the site of the accident.  Do not move the vehicle  – even out of the way – until the Traffic Police arrive. Report the accident to the Traffic Police (dial 155) or Jandarma (dial 156). Get a certified copy of the official report from the Traffic Police office (this can take several days).
• The owner of the damaged vehicle should also apply to the customs authority with his passport and accident report before attempting to repair the vehicle or leave the country without the vehicle.
• When in doubt, it is best to call the Traffic Police or the Jandarma in the event of an accident.

Traffic Laws:  Drive defensively at all times. Drivers routinely ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs, and turning left from the far right lane. These and other similar driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents.

• Penalties for  driving drunk  (blood alcohol levels at or above 0.05 percent) include a  fine  and the individual’s license being confiscated for  six months .
• Using cell phones while driving is  illegal  and can lead to a  fine .

Driver’s license requirements include:

• For stays up to 180 days : A valid U.S. driver’s license or an International Driving Permit and a U.S. driver’s license is acceptable.
• For stays longer than 180 days : Obtain a Turkish driver’s license from the Turkish Security Directorate, Traffic Department (Emniyet Müdürlüğü, Trafik Hizmetleri Başkanlığı).
• A vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to six months. Find information at the Turkish Touring and Automobile Club.

Public Transportation:  Major cities in   Turkey have extensive public transportation options including taxis, subways, ferries, trains, buses and mini-buses. Licensed cabs are metered. Between cities, Turkey has bus routes, train, and air services.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Turkey’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Turkey’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Turkey should also check U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website  - select “broadcast warnings”.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Turkey . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Turkey cancels visa-free travel for Tajiks as Tajikistan rejects Kremlin’s claims Ukraine recruits mercenaries in Dushanbe

T urkey on April 6 cancelled visa-free travel for Tajik nationals. The day also saw Tajikistan’s foreign ministry reject a statement by the director of Russia’s Security Council that Ukraine has recruited Tajik mercenaries using an operation run out of its embassy in Dushanbe.

The visa requirement was announced by the office of the Turkish president. No reason was stated for the decision and the Tajik foreign ministry later said that Ankara had not officially notified Dushanbe about its plan to scrap the visa-exemption rule. In place since 2018, the rule permitted Tajik citizens to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa.

On March 25, Russian newspaper Izvestia quoted an unnamed source as saying that two of the four Tajik men alleged to have participated in the deadly March 22 terrorist assault on concertgoers at Crocus City Hall in outer Moscow—which took the lives of at least 144 people— probably received instructions for the armed attack when they travelled to Turkey .

Later on March 25, a Turkish security official told Reuters that two of the accused gunmen briefly entered Turkey to renew their Russian residence permits, but were not radicalised in Turkey. They were not subject to any outstanding arrest warrants and so were able to travel freely between Russia and Turkey, the official added.

Some experts on terrorism have concluded that Turkey has become a “jihadist hub” for Islamic State and other terrorist groups.

Also, two months ahead of the Crocus City Hall atrocity, a report submitted to the UN Security Council advised that an Afghanistan-based branch of the Salafi jihadist Islamic State group had in the past year recruited Tajik and other Central Asian militants to build to a size and sophistication that give it “the ability to project a threat into the region and beyond”.

Though the Kremlin is wary that a backlash in Russia against Tajik work migrants could spark labour shortages in the country, Russian Security Council chief Nikolay Patrushev—speaking at last week’s 19th annual meeting of the Security Secretaries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, held in Kazakh capital Astana—claimed that Ukraine was recruiting Tajik mercenaries via an effort centred on its embassy in the Tajik capital.

Patrushev, an ex-KGB officer, also repeated at the SCO meeting previous statements he has made alleging that the origins of the terrorist attack were in Ukraine, with the Ukrainians under the control of Washington. Moscow has presented no evidence for such assertions , which have been described as ludicrous by Ukraine and the US.

On April 6, spokesperson for the Tajik foreign ministry Shokhin Samadi told Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti that Patrushev’s claims about mercenaries were incorrect and had no basis in fact.

Patrushev alleged the mercenaries were being recruited for Ukraine’s International Legion ) of Territorial Defence of Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. It offers a pathway to Ukrainian citizenship for foreign soldiers who fight for Ukraine and choose to stay in the country.

Samadi was also reported as saying that authorities in Tajikistan—an ex-Soviet state that is a strategic ally of Russia, though it has offered no backing for the invasion of Ukraine—were taking measures to prevent any diplomatic presence in the country from violating the requirements of their diplomatic status, including via military recruitment efforts.

Under Article 401 of the Tajikistan Criminal Code , it is illegal to hire mercenaries to participate in foreign conflicts.

Russia’s largest military base outside Russia is in Tajikistan.