Turkey has recently taken significant steps to boost its tourism sector by extending visa-free travel to additional countries. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the number of inbound tourists and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in Turkey. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in international tourists compared to domestic tourists, indicating the growing popularity of Turkey as a tourist destination. Additionally, this article will explore the leading source markets for Turkey's tourism industry.

The decision was announced in a presidential decree shared in the country's Official Gazette.

Boosting Turkey's Tourism Sector

The intention behind extending visa-free travel to additional countries is to boost Turkey's tourism sector. With the inclusion of Bahrain, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States in Turkey's visa exemption policy, it will be much easier for citizens of these countries to travel to Türkiye without the need for a travel permit. This strategic move aims to simplify travel procedures and enhance accessibility for international visitors.

According to GlobalData, Turkey is projected to surpass its 2019 levels of inbound tourists by 2023, with an estimated 48.5 million visitors. The tourism sector is expected to continue growing until 2027. In 2022, international tourists significantly outnumbered domestic tourists in Turkey for leisure travel, with 33.2 million international tourists compared to 17.7 million domestic tourists. Germany, Russia, and the UK have been identified as the largest contributors to Turkey's tourism market, with Germany expected to remain the leading source market.

Changes to Travel Procedures for Visa-Free Nationals

The new visa exemption policy implemented by the Republic of Türkiye allows citizens of Bahrain, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States to travel to Turkey without the need for a travel permit. This policy change aims to enhance accessibility and simplify travel procedures for nationals of these countries. With the inclusion of these countries in Turkey's visa exemption scheme, citizens can now enter Türkiye with just a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, it is important to note that citizens from countries that are not part of the visa exemption scheme still need to obtain a valid visa before entering Turkey. These visas can be obtained either online or at an embassy in advance. The implementation of this new policy highlights Turkey's commitment to facilitating travel and strengthening its tourism sector. By streamlining entry requirements for certain countries, Türkiye aims to attract more international visitors and boost its tourism industry further.

Implications of Turkey's Revised Visa Policy

The effects of Turkey's revised visa policy extend beyond the 6 newly included countries. One significant implication is that Indian passport holders now have access to a detailed guide on the visa requirements and application procedures for Turkey. This means that Indian citizens who wish to travel to Türkiye can easily find the necessary information and follow the correct process to obtain a visa.

In addition, Turkey has implemented a modern e-Visa platform to streamline the application process. This platform allows eligible travelers to apply for a visa electronically, making it more convenient and efficient. The system ensures that visa approvals are granted quickly, and the visa is directly emailed to the applicant after completing the application and payment process.

Overall, these changes in Turkey's visa policy demonstrate the country's commitment to simplifying travel procedures and enhancing accessibility for international visitors. By providing clear guidelines and implementing a user-friendly application platform, Türkiye aims to attract more tourists from around the world and further boost its tourism sector.

Extend your stay in Turkey legally with a residence permit. Visa-exempt country citizens must pay 5476.8 TL for the One Time Entry Fee. Details at ikamet.com/turkey-residence-permit-price.

The Benefits of Visa-Free Entry to Turkey

With the recent extension of visa-free travel to citizens of Bahrain, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, ordinary passport holders from these countries can now enjoy the privilege of visa-free entry into Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This significant change in Turkey's visa policy aims to enhance accessibility and simplify travel procedures for tourists from these nations.

It is important to note that this visa-free entry is applicable only for tourism purposes and does not cover work or study-related visits. Travelers from these countries can now explore the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities of Turkey without the hassle of obtaining a travel permit beforehand. This new policy is expected to encourage more visitors from Bahrain, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States to choose Turkey as their preferred destination for leisure travel.

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations with European Nations

Turkey's decision to open its doors to citizens of 6 more European countries without requiring a visa is a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic relations and increasing tourism between Turkey and European nations. By allowing visa-free entry for nationals of these countries, Turkey aims to foster closer ties and promote cultural exchange.

This move is expected to have a positive impact on tourism numbers, as it will make it easier for European travelers to visit Turkey. The simplified travel procedures will attract more tourists from these countries, leading to an increase in tourist spending and boosting the local economy. Additionally, this decision reflects Turkey's commitment to building stronger partnerships with European nations, which can have long-term benefits in terms of trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.

Streamlined Application Process with the e-Visa System

The implementation of the e-visa system in Turkey has revolutionized the visa application process for eligible travelers. This modern electronic platform offers a streamlined and efficient experience, making it easier than ever to obtain a visa for Turkey. With just a few simple steps, travelers can complete their application online and receive their visa directly via email.

One of the key benefits of the e-visa system is the quick approval process. Eligible applicants can expect to receive their visa within a short period of time after submitting their application and making the necessary payment. This eliminates the need for lengthy processing times and allows travelers to plan their trip to Turkey with ease.

Find out more about Turkey’s tourism here.

Conclusion

Turkey's strategic move to extend visa-free travel to additional countries, including Bahrain, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, marks a significant step in boosting its tourism sector. This policy not only simplifies travel procedures and enhances accessibility for a larger number of international visitors but also underlines Turkey's commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for tourists. With the expected surge in inbound tourists and the streamlined e-Visa system for other nations, the need for reliable and comprehensive travel insurance becomes paramount. Ikamet Sigorta offers tailored travel insurance solutions that cater to the needs of international tourists, ensuring a secure and enjoyable visit to Turkey's rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. As Turkey continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination, Ikamet Sigorta stands as a trusted partner for travelers seeking peace of mind on their journeys.