Coming from the US to IST by air (US citizens) what's the best way to buy our entry Visa to Turkey?

It's been a few years, but I believe we got ours right at the airport in the immigration/customs area.

Yes, same experience as Weadles, on arrival.

It was $20 cash. There was an large area with rows of counters selling these visa stickers after you get off the plane. http://turkey.usembassy.gov/visa_requirements.html. The sticker takes up half a passport page. I was warned they only take US dollar cash (for US citizen) for this.

You buy them in the airport, and I believe you need exact change in dollars.

Yes cash..US 20$, other countries more but not much. Takes a few minutes then on through passport control. Very convenient. If you are meeting a cruise do not but them from your cruise line..ridiculous $$$ charged!!

AFAIK, the ONLY way is to buy it at the designated window when you arrive at the airport. Not a big deal, really, just be sure to have the cash 20 USD, exact change.

Thanks all. I've never gone anywhere that needed a VISA and the state department website does mention this. I just wanted to be sure it is as easy as it sounds!

A good idea is to have the 20 dollars in your passport beforehand- especially coming off a long flight.

No $20 in cash = no entry into the country.

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

As far as a VISA acquisition in concerned, Turkey has the easiest process. Many countries outside Europe has nightmarish, lengthy, and expensive VISA acquisition processes. I think this is probably a case of tit for tat.

Think of the Turkish visa as tourist tax which you as visitor have to pay before entering the country. While you have to have it, it has no other immigration significance, other than the length of stay of 3 months/90 days, multi-entry.

Cruise passengers don't need a visa or pay for one, as they can get 72-hour shore leave through local security authorities.