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Turkey Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

South African citizens need an e-Visa to enter Turkey, applied for online in advance via the official e-visa portal; fee USD 50, processing typically within minutes to a few hours.

Guide last updated October 23, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
  • Completed online e-visa application at evisa.gov.tr
  • Valid email address to receive the e-visa approval
  • Debit/credit card for online payment
  • Proof of accommodation and return/onward ticket (not uploaded but may be requested at the border)
  • No photo upload typically required for Turkey's e-visa system
  • No biometrics required for the e-visa; standard passport control on arrival

Visa types

  • Single-entry e-Visa (Tourist/Business) - valid for 180 days from issue, max stay 30 days, fee USD 50
  • Multiple-entry e-Visa - available for an additional fee, allowing several visits within the 180-day validity, max stay 30 days per visit
  • Sticker visa or long-stay visa - required for stays beyond 30 days, work or study, applied for through the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria

How to apply online

  • Apply only via the official e-visa portal, evisa.gov.tr, avoiding third-party sites that charge higher fees
  • Steps: enter passport details and travel information, select single or multiple entry, pay the USD 50 fee by card, receive the e-visa by email almost immediately
  • Processing time: typically within a few minutes, though the system advises allowing up to 24 hours
  • Save or print the e-visa to present with your passport on arrival

Fees & processing time

  • E-visa fee: USD 50 for single entry (South African nationals)
  • Multiple-entry e-visa fee: higher, around USD 50-70 depending on current rates
  • No separate service fee when applying through the official government portal
  • Total estimated cost: USD 50-70
  • Standard processing: near-instant to a few hours; official guidance allows up to 24 hours

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Always apply through the official evisa.gov.tr site to avoid overpaying on unofficial lookalike websites
  • Apply at least a few days before travel, though same-day approval is common
  • Keep a digital and printed copy of the e-visa for check-in and immigration
  • The e-visa does not guarantee entry - carry proof of accommodation and a return ticket for the border officer
  • For stays beyond 30 days or for work/study, apply for the appropriate category visa at the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria well in advance

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.