Last Updated: 16 September 2026
South Africans travelling to Turkey (Türkiye) for tourism or trade use the official e-Visa, applied for online before departure.
The official e-Visa has been free for South African passport holders. Paid third-party sites are not official.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a Turkey visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for Turkey (Türkiye)?
Yes. South Africans need an e-Visa for tourism and trade visits of up to 30 days. Longer stays and other purposes need a visa from the Turkish Embassy in Pretoria.
Turkey Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. The e-Visa generally needs passport details, travel dates and an email address.
Passport validity rules apply. Confirm the latest requirements before submitting your application.
Types of Turkey Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| e-Visa | Tourism and trade, up to 30 days, valid 180 days |
| Sticker visa from the embassy | Longer stays and other purposes |
| Residence permit | Applied for inside Türkiye |
Turkey Tourist Visa
Holiday travel uses the e-Visa. The e-Visa is valid for 180 days from issue, but each stay is limited to 30 days.
Turkey Business Visa
Trade visits such as meetings can use the e-Visa. Work or longer business stays need an embassy visa.
How to Apply for a Turkey Visa from South Africa
- Apply on the official Republic of Türkiye e-Visa website.
- Enter passport and travel details.
- Complete any required steps and download the e-Visa.
- Carry a copy when travelling.
Turkey Visa Cost in South Africa
| Cost item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Official e-Visa (South African passport) | No charge at the time of writing | Official fee - confirm on the e-Visa site |
| Embassy visa for longer stays | Set by the embassy | Official fee |
| e-Visa or embassy visa assistance | R300 - R900 | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get the assistance fee for your actual Turkey application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesTurkey Visa Processing Time
e-Visas are usually issued quickly. Apply at least 48 hours before departure. Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
e-Visas are applied for online. For other visas, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Pretoria.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid beyond your stay |
| Travel dates | Arrival date and return |
| Email address | To receive the e-Visa |
| Hotel and return ticket | May be checked on arrival |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Using a paid unofficial website.
- Wrong passport number.
- Staying longer than 30 days.
Visa Application Assistance
Most travellers can do this themselves. For embassy visas or complex itineraries, see visa application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Turkey?
Yes, an e-Visa for tourism and trade visits up to 30 days.
Is the Turkish e-Visa free for South Africans?
The official e-Visa has been free for South African passport holders. Check the official site, as fees can change.
How long can I stay in Turkey on an e-Visa?
Up to 30 days per stay within the 180-day validity.
Can I work in Turkey on an e-Visa?
No. The e-Visa is for tourism and trade only.
Requests sent through Visa Application go to independent providers who handle Turkey applications regularly.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
Tell us where you are travelling and when, and compare visa assistance quotes from independent providers.
Get 5 QuotesGet Turkey Visa South Africa Quotes
Tell us your destination, travel purpose, travel date and number of applicants, and providers will quote you directly.
Free to use, no obligation. Your request goes to LEADERR APPROVED visa assistance providers, who quote you directly.
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
