We are going to Turkey in July/August, should we pre-obtain our visas before going to Turkey, or is it easier to get them at arrival in Istanbul?


Many thanks

For what purpose are you going? Are you staying solely in Turkey for the duration?

Essentially - what is the advice of your government?

As a general rule, there's no point at all for most Westerners in getting their Turkish visa before leaving home.

My government has better things to do than advise me on where to get a Turkish visa. I'm sure yours does too.

If you happen to live next door to your friendly neighbourhood Turkish consulate, prebuying might save you 15 minutes' queueing at the Turkish airport (you've usually got to buy - with Western currency - a revenue stamp at desk 1, then present it to the immigration official at another desk.). But otherwise, it's more trouble prebuying than waiting. Your bag's not going to arrive till after you get to the carousel anyway.

As a US citizen I had no issues whatsoever obtaining Turkish visa upon arrival. I came in from London on British Airways flight in business class so I was one of the first passengers that got off the plane. The procedure took about 5 minutes since there was no line. And as flanner stated, I still had to wait for my luggage for some time after before going through customs.

I can't remember exactly but I believe there was some requirement as far as the currency. I believe the currency had to be fairly new and in good shape, meaning, no torn bills or small change, etc.

The one problem you might have is using the AUS $ for your visa so be sure to have on hand US$, £ or € as a precaution. It cost me $20 US but that was 3 years ago so it might be different now.

Hold the phone--according to this web site you don't need a visa at all.

http://www.travelturkey.com/byg.htm

Here is the quote:

<i>Australians and Canadians do not need visas and may stay for three months.

http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-fees-at-b...or-2010.en.mfa

Then why does the official Turkish web site states that Australians have to pay $20 or 15Euro?

It was just one web site AAFF, if you found better info then I am glad.

Lucky you, getting away with only $20. I guess they think that people coming in from the cold would be willing to pay more, since Canadians have to pay $60.

But, seriously, I would bring USD rather than AUSD or Canadian Dollars just to be on the safe side.

Thank you everyone.... A visa is required by Australians entering Turkey at a cost of U$ 20.00 per person.

No, it is now $60 US Eu45 for Australians!
This may be only single entry too!