Turkey Lifts Visa Requirement for Citizens of Six Countries
A recent presidential decree issued on December 22 has abolished the need for visas for nationals of the United States, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Oman visiting Turkey.
Visa-Free Travel for Tourists
Under the new regulations, tourists from these countries are now allowed to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the requirement of obtaining a visa. This development comes after the decree was officially announced in the Official Gazette on December 23, bearing the signature of the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Elimination of E-Visa Requirement
Prior to this decision, Turkey mandated that citizens of the aforementioned six nations apply for an e-visa if they intended to visit the country for tourism or trade purposes. The removal of this requirement aims to facilitate smoother travel procedures and enhance bilateral relations.
Cost of Electronic Visa
For those who still opt for an electronic visa, the fees range from 61.50 to 78.50 US dollars, depending on the applicant's nationality. These fees were previously mandatory but are now optional following the decree.
Presidential Authority on Visa Policies
Article 18 of the Turkish Law on Foreigners and International Protection grants the Turkish president the authority to unilaterally lift visa requirements for specific nationalities, introduce visa facilitation measures, and determine visa durations based on diplomatic considerations and national interests.
