Turkey Visa for South Africans
South African citizens need a visa to travel to Turkey. South African citizens who are coming to Turkey for tourism and business purposes can apply for a multiple-entry visa online if they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Do South Africans need a Visa for Turkey?
Yes, South African citizens require a Turkey visa to travel to Turkey even for short stays.
South African citizens visiting Turkey for business and tourism purposes can apply for the Tukey visa online, as it is the quickest and most convenient option to apply for a visa for travellers.
South Africans can apply for a Turkey multiple-entry visa online for a stay of up to 30 days.
Validity of the Turkey Visa for South Africans
The validity of the Turkey visa online for South African tourists is 180 days, and since it is a multiple entry visa the visa can be used to make multiple visits to Turkey by the South African tourists.
However, each stay must not exceed a period of 30 days in that 180-day visa validity.
Note: The specific details regarding the South African citizen’s number of entries and the maximum length of stay in Turkey will be listed on the Turkey visa online.
How to get a Turkey Visa for South African citizens?
Passport holders from South Africa can apply for a Turkey visa by following the 3 steps given below:
- Duly fill out and complete the online Turkey Visa Application form.
- Make sure to pay the Turkey Visa application fee
- You will receive your approved Turkey online visa via email.
Note: The Turkey visa for South African citizens is fast and simple and South African travellers visiting Turkey can easily get the approved Turkey visa without the need of doing any lengthy paperwork and making office visits, etc.
Turkey Visa requirements for South African citizens
Arrivals from South Africa must make sure they fulfil the Turkey online visa requirements, implemented by the Turkish government, before starting the application process online.
The following are some of the documents required to apply for a Turkey visa from South Africa:
- A South Africa-issued passport valid for a minimum of 150 days from the date of arrival in Turkey.
- A valid email address to receive the approved Turkey visa
- Valid credit or debit card to pay for the Turkey visa fee
Note: Arrivals from South Africa, additionally need to have a reliable and stable internet connection and access to a smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet or any other device with an internet connection, to apply for the Turkey visa online.
Turkey Visa Application for South Africans
The Turkey Visa Application form for South African citizens itself is quite straightforward and easy to complete in a couple of minutes. It must have the following information:
- Name and surname
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport date of issuance or expiration
- Valid email address
- Contact number
Note: South African applicants will need to fill up the Visa application form very carefully. They must make sure their answers are carefully revised before submission, as any errors, including missing information, could delay the visa processing and disrupt travel plans.
Furthermore, the applicants will also have to pay a small visa fee that is associated with the Turkey visa online service. Applicants can pay the visa fee online, securely, using a credit or debit card.
Turkey Visa processing times for South Africans
After the submission of the Turkey visa online application form, the visa takes around 1 to 2 business days to get processed. However, the processing might take longer in some cases.
Hence, the South African applicants are advised to begin the Turkey visa online application process no later than 3 days before travelling to Turkey, to receive the approved Turkey visa without any issues or discrepancies.
Visiting Turkey with a Turkey Visa
The Turkey Visa online for South African passport holders itself is a quite straightforward and uncomplicated travel document that is straightforward to use.
Moreover, the South African passport holders are also needed to keep a soft copy of the Turkey Visa online on their mobile phone or another device that can be used to show the approved visa whenever asked to. Furthermore, they should also keep a printed copy of the document and present it along with the passport to Turkish immigration control officers at the port of entry.
Note: The Turkey visa online for South African passport holders acts as travel authorization only and is not a permit to enter the country until the border authorities approve it. Immigration officials are the only ones who can grant the right to enter Turkey.
Travel to Turkey from South Africa
Eligible South African citizens can use the Turkey electronic visa to explore the whole of Turkish territory, for a period of 30 days.
The majority of South Africans prefer to travel by plane as it is the easiest and the most convenient means of travelling.
There are direct flights that operate from Cape Town to Istanbul. The flight takes around 10 hours and 25 minutes to reach the destination.
The regular flights also operate from Johannesburg to Istanbul, taking 15 hours with one stopover.
Turkey Embassy in South Africa
Turkey visa applicants from South Africa are not required to present documents in person at the Turkish embassy. The visa information will be submitted electronically, and the visa application process can be completed online from their smartphone, laptop or any other device with a reliable internet connection.
However, passport holders from South Africa, who do not meet all the Turkish visa online requirements and are not eligible to apply for the Turkey visa online, are required to apply for a Turkey visa through the Turkish embassy or consulate.
The Turkish diplomatic government office in South Africa is in Cape Town and Pretoria at the following addresses
Turkish Honorary Consulate General in Cape Town
Penrose House
1 Penrose Road
Muizenberg 7945
P.O. Box 315, Muizenberg 7950
Cape Town
Turkish Embassy in Pretoria
573 Fehrsen St
Nieuw Muckleneuk
Pretoria
0181
Can South Africans travel to Turkey?
Yes, South Africans can travel to Turkey at any time if they have a valid visa or are exempt from a visa requirement.
South Africans can apply for a Turkey multiple-entry visa online for a stay of up to 30 days.
Note: Turkish border officials verify travel documents. Therefore, receiving an approved visa does not guarantee entry into the country. The final decision lies with Turkish immigration authorities.
Can South African citizens visit Turkey without a Visa?
No, most South African citizens require a visa to enter Turkey, even for a short period of stay.
They can easily apply for a Turkey visa online, provided they are visiting for tourism and business purposes, for a maximum stay of 30 days in the country. The Turkey visa application form is quite easy and convenient to fill out and apply for.
Can South African citizens get a Turkey Visa on arrival?
No, South African citizens do not qualify for a Turkey Visa on arrival.
Passport holders from South Africa can only apply for a Turkey visa online or through the Turkish embassy in South Africa. However, it is encouraged that South African passport holders apply for a Turkey visa online if they are visiting for tourism or business purposes.
Note: South African nationals who wish to stay in Turkey for longer than 30 days or visit Turkey for purposes other than business, or tourism, need to apply for an Embassy visa.
How much is the Turkey Visa for South African citizens?
The cost of the Turkey visa online depends on the type of Turkey visa the South African citizen is applying for, keeping in mind the purpose of the travel (tourism or business) and the expected duration of their stay.
However, the Turkey visa online is quite cost-effective and easy to apply for, provided the citizens are travelling for business and tourism purposes.
How long does it take to get a Turkey Visa from South Africa?
The Turkey visa online processing is quite fast and the South African citizens can get the approved permit by filling up the online Turkey Visa Application form. South African applicants are usually asked for basic information such as personal details, and passport information to be filled in the application form:
The applicants usually get the approved Turkey visa within 1 to 2 business days. However, in some cases, more time might be required for the visa to get approved and delivered.
What are some important points to remember while visiting Turkey from South Africa?
The following are some important points that South African travellers should remember before entering Turkey:
- South African citizens cannot travel to Turkey without applying for a Turkey Visa. They are required to obtain an approved Turkey visa, even for short stays before entering Turkey.
- The following are some of the documents required to apply for a Turkey visa from South Africa:
- A South Africa-issued passport valid for a minimum of 150 days from the date of arrival in Turkey.
- A valid email address to receive the approved Turkey visa
- Valid credit or debit card to pay for the Turkey visa fee
- South African applicants will need to fill up the Visa application form very carefully. They must make sure their answers are carefully revised before submission, as any errors, including missing information, could delay the visa processing and disrupt travel plans.
- South African citizens do not qualify for a Turkey Visa on arrival. Passport holders from South Africa can only apply for a Turkey visa online or through the Turkish embassy in South Africa. However, it is encouraged that South African passport holders apply for a Turkey visa online if they are visiting for tourism or business purposes.
- Turkish border officials verify travel documents. Therefore, receiving an approved visa does not guarantee entry into the country. The final decision lies with Turkish immigration authorities.
- The South African passport holders are also needed to keep a soft copy of the Turkey Visa online on their mobile phone or another device that can be used to show the approved visa whenever asked to. Furthermore, they should also keep a printed copy of the document and present it along with the passport to Turkish immigration control officers at the port of entry.
What are some places South African citizens can visit in Turkey?
A country plugged to the brim with age-old, ancient monuments, picturesque scenery, rich culture, lip-smacking food, and extensive history, Turkey is a paradisical country with a lot of breathtaking tourist attractions.
Whether you want to relax on the beach enjoy the mesmerizing and calming beach views, indulge yourself in a city break, or explore the rich and extensive history of the country, Turkey has everything to offer to its tourists.
South African citizens planning to visit this surreal country can check our list of places given below to get a clearer idea about Turkey:
Izmir
A unique holiday experience awaits visitors in Izmir, a beautiful city that attracts visitors from all over the world. In Turkey, Izmir is recognized as the city of sunshine and frontiers. Turkey's third-largest city, Izmir, has a population of over 4 million.
Turkey's westernmost city, Izmir, is known for its figs, olives, and grapes. Izmir is a land of natural, organic, and fresh, which makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Turkey.
Akdamar Island
The Akdamar Church has been transformed into a museum, which features many bas relief carvings. The Holy Cross, Church, and other Armenian Monasteries of Akdamar Island are located in the salty Lake Van and remain ruined, but their glory nonetheless remains.
Among the scenes depicted in the carving are Adam, Eve, Abraham, magnificent Jesun, David, and Goliath. Steep rocks surround the Island, which has surrounding areas. It is also a mesmerizing place to visit in Turkey during the spring months when almond trees bloom.
Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarşı)
Want to take a break from sightseeing and shop for the cultural assets of Turkey? We have got you covered. For many visitors, sightseeing in Istanbul is as much about shopping as museums and monumental attractions, and the Grand Bazaar is where everyone comes.
In truth, it is the world's first large covered market, covering a whole city quarter, surrounded by thick walls, between Nuruosmanıye Mosque and Beyazıt Mosque.
The Burned Column can be found near the entrance to the bazaar on Divanyolu Caddesi. In Constantine the Great's forum, this stump of a porphyry column still stands 40 meters high.
From one of the 11 gates, you enter the bazaar, which is lined with shops and stalls selling every Turkish souvenir and handicraft you can imagine. There are still many different trades segregated into specific sections, which makes browsing easier.
Galata Tower
With a breathtaking view from the observation deck and a restaurant, the Galata Tower in Istanbul is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Turkey.
Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, this tower overlooks the Golden Horn. Despite its age, it remains an iconic landmark in Istanbul.
For centuries, the tower stood as Istanbul's tallest building at 52 meters. Fires and storms have damaged the tower several times over the years. However, it has been restored over the years, several times because of this.
Make sure to come early, as this is an extremely popular sight. Come as early as possible to avoid the queue.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi)
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is located in Ibrahim Paşa's palace, once the Grand Vizier for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, and is a must-see destination for anybody interested in Ottoman and Islamic art.
The extensive collection of carpets on show here is hailed by experts in the field of textiles as the best in the world.
This is an excellent place to come and take in the dazzling array of styles of Turkish carpets (as well as carpets from the Caucasus and Iran) over the centuries before embarking on a shopping expedition to purchase your own floor piece.
Additionally, there are magnificent exhibitions of calligraphy, wood carving, and ceramics from the 9th century CE to the 19th century.
Yedikule Fortress
Theodosius II built the fortress as part of Constantinople's defensive walls in the 5th century. Gold-plated doors adorned the mammoth arch (blocked up in the late Byzantine period).
It's a bit of a trek out to Yedikule (Castle of the Seven Towers) by suburban train, but it's worth it.
As a fortress, the Ottomans used it as a defense, a prison, and an execution place after capturing the city.
The fortress has been restored in recent years, and it allows tourists to climb up to the canopy of the battlements to enjoy mesmerizing views across the Sea of Marmara.
Some of the top places to visit in Istanbul are Dolmabahce Palace, Sultanahmet District, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Bosphorus Strait, Topkapi Palace, and more
