Turkey is quickly becoming a popular travel destination for Filipino tourists. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and welcoming culture, it’s easy to see why. However, before booking your flight and hotel, it’s important to understand Turkey’s visa policy and entry requirements for Philippine passport holders. This guide breaks down everything you need to know for stress-free travel planning.
Do I Need a Visa for Turkey?
Yes, Philippine citizens must obtain a visa prior to traveling to Turkey. Unlike some other nationalities that can obtain visas on arrival, Filipinos must secure an electronic visa (e-Visa) before departure through Turkey’s online application system.
The good news is that Turkey makes the e-Visa application process straightforward for applicants from the Philippines. As long as you have a valid Philippine passport with at least 6 months validity remaining, you can easily apply for your e-Visa online.
What Type of Visa Should I Apply For?
For tourism and other short-term trips to Turkey, Philippine citizens should apply for the Turkey e-Visa for tourism purposes. This single-entry e-Visa allows you to remain in Turkey as a tourist for up to 90 days.
If you plan to visit Turkey for business, academic study, medical treatment or other non-tourist purposes, there are specialized e-Visa categories you can apply under instead.
How to Apply for a Turkey e-Visa Online
Applying for your Turkey e-Visa takes just 15 minutes online. Simply provide some basic personal details, passport information, travel plans, and make your visa payment. Here are the key steps:
1. Access Turkey’s official e-Visa website (www.evisa.gov.tr)
2. Select Philippines as your country and the type of visa needed
3. Fill out the online Turkey visa application form
4. Upload digital copies of your Philippine passport personal information pages
5. Pay the visa fee (usually around $60 USD) via credit card
6. Submit your Turkey e-Visa application digitally
Once approved, you’ll receive your Turkey e-Visa via email in PDF format within 1-3 business days on average. Make sure to print multiple hard copies to carry with your passport for arrival.
What is the Validity of a Turkey e-Visa?
A Turkey e-Visa for Filipino citizens can be valid for up to 90 days from the approved start date, with a maximum duration of stay of 90 days per entry. The validity refers to the entire period within which you can use the visa to enter Turkey one time.
For example, if you obtain a Turkey e-Visa valid from January 1 to March 31, 2023 – you must enter Turkey at least once within those 3 months. You can then stay in Turkey with tourist status for up to 90 continuous days counting from your Turkish entry date.
What Else Should I Know Before Traveling to Turkey?
Here are some additional tips for Philippine travelers headed to Turkey with an e-Visa:
– Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining beyond the planned Turkey trip end date
– Have travel/medical insurance to cover emergencies and healthcare expenses while in Turkey
– Check if your airline requires any COVID tests or other health paperwork before allowing boarding
– Print out e-Visa approval letters plus booking confirmations for lodging and any internal Turkey transport (trains, flights)
– Have at least $50 USD per day of stay readily available, plus extra contingency funds
– Avoid bringing in over 200 cigarettes or over 5 liters of alcohol per person as duty-free allowances
– Expect to pass through customs & immigration checks at Turkish airports/land borders upon arrival & departure
– Apply for your Turkey e-Visa well in advance – at least 2-4 weeks before intended travel
Following these tips and securing your e-Visa early will all help make for a smooth, enjoyable visit to magnificent Turkey! From Istanbul’s stunning mosques to balloon rides over Cappadocia to golden beaches along the Turquoise Coast – an unforgettable adventure awaits you.