Türkiye Visa for UAE Citizens and UAE Residents: Visa-Free, e-Visa or Visa on Arrival?

Türkiye has made itself easy to enter for the Gulf. Emirati citizens don't need a visa at all, most GCC nationals can enter visa-free or with an instant e-Visa, and a large number of expatriate residents of the UAE can obtain an e-Visa online in minutes using their residence permit. This guide sets out the current rules as we apply them for clients every week — but visa policy changes, so confirm with the official e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.tr) before you fly.

UAE citizens

Holders of UAE passports enter Türkiye visa-free for tourism and business for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You need a passport valid for at least 150 days from the date of entry (Turkish immigration applies a 60-day rule beyond a 90-day stay). No paperwork, no fee — just the passport.

Other GCC nationals

UAE residents holding other passports

This is the group with the most questions. Türkiye's e-Visa system allows citizens of many countries — including India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Bangladesh and others — to apply online provided they hold a valid residence permit or visa from a Schengen country, the USA, UK, Ireland, or in some cases a valid UAE residence. Conditions vary by nationality: some require arriving on a Turkish Airlines, Pegasus or other approved carrier; some require a supporting visa; some nationalities must apply at a consulate. The application takes about ten minutes, the fee is typically USD 20–60, and the e-Visa arrives by email — often within the hour.

• Check your nationality on evisa.gov.tr first — the portal tells you immediately whether you qualify and under what conditions.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
• Apply at least 48 hours before travel; print the e-Visa or keep the PDF on your phone.
• The e-Visa is single-entry, valid 180 days, for stays of up to 30 days (some nationalities 90).

Visa on arrival

Türkiye has largely replaced visa-on-arrival with the e-Visa. A handful of nationalities can still obtain a visa at Istanbul Airport, but it costs more, requires cash and adds queue time after a four-hour flight. Get the e-Visa.

Travelling with children

Each child needs their own passport and, if not visa-exempt, their own e-Visa. Children of UAE nationals on UAE passports are visa-free like their parents. If a child travels with one parent, carry a consent letter from the other parent — Turkish border police may ask for it.

Common mistakes

• Applying on a non-official website that charges triple the fee. The official site is evisa.gov.tr only.
• Entering the passport number with a typo — the e-Visa is linked to the exact passport.
• Assuming a UAE residence visa alone qualifies every nationality — it does not; check the conditions for yours.
• Overstaying 30 days: fines and a possible entry ban.