Turkey recently launched a visa program for digital workers, enabling telecommuting enthusiasts to set up and work in the country for foreign companies or clients. The program aims to attract more foreigners and contribute to the country's economic growth.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism states on its website GoTurkey.com that Turkey offers "the best options"for nomadic workers.
Requirements for the Turkish digital nomad visa
Among the requirements for obtaining this visa, applicants must have an annual income of at least 36,000 USD (or USD 3,000 per month) and a university degree.
Only digital nomads aged between 21 and 55 are eligible if they come from the European Union, the UK, the USA, Canada, Ukraine, Russia or Belarus. You will then have to go to an embassy to have your passport validated. Digital Nomad Visa.
They can enjoy the country's rich culture, as Time Out magazine pointed out. 97% of residents consider their city to be always lively. Istanbul's culinary scene is also very varied, thanks in part to the influx of refugees from Syria and Iran.
Turkey's dynamic tourism sector
In 2023, some 49.2 million international tourists visited Turkey, an increase of 10.4 % on the 44.6 million visitors in 2022. Data from the culture and tourism sector also specify that revenues from tourism increased by 17 % year-on-year, reaching a record $54.32 billion in 2023.
Citizens of 15 countries are allowed to enter Türkiye with just their national identity card (CNI): Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Ukraine and Greece.
Transit visas and tighter controls for certain countries
Turkey has introduced visa requirements for transit passengers from 10 countries at Istanbul airport. Citizens of these countries traveling via Istanbul to Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela must obtain an electronic airport transit visa.
Turkish Airlines has announced additional controls for travelers to South American countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela. From April 15, 2024, travelers transiting Istanbul airport from India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Somalia, Cameroon, Mauritania and Yemen will also require an electronic transit visa. These measures are designed to counter the growing number of irregular migrants using air routes via Turkey to reach North America from various Middle Eastern and Latin American countries.
Enhanced inspections are being implemented in line with international aviation standards. New screening requirements have also been introduced for passengers bound for Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela.
Application procedure for airport transit visas
Travellers can apply for a visa online on the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On arrival at Istanbul airport's international transit terminal, passengers with a transit e-visa will have their visa checked at designated checkpoints in the concourse.
These air transit visas are part of the criteria for the visa liberalization dialogue with the European Union, in accordance with chapter 24 on justice, freedom and security in the accession negotiations.