Visa requirements for Turkey

Istanbul at dusk
Istanbul at dusk

New Zealand citizens who intend to travel to Turkey for tourism-related reasons for up to 90 days do not require a visa in advance of travel to Turkey.  Provided they can show sufficient funds to support themselves and onward travel bookings, they are usually granted entry to Turkey for a period of 90 days.

New Zealanders in Turkey with a 90 day tourist visa who wish to stay longer in Turkey should apply to the provincial governors office for up to an additional six month touristic residence permit.

New Zealanders travelling to Turkey to work or study in Turkey, should contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate for information about how to apply for approval.  

As of 1 January 2013 New Zealanders travelling to Turkey whose passport or travel document does not have empty space in their pages for entry/exit visa stamps will not be allowed entry into Turkey. 

Please be aware that the New Zealand Embassy is unable to provide advice on or assistance with Turkish immigration policy and practices.  Individuals are responsible for their immigration status and for ensuring that they abide by Turkish immigration requirements. For further information, you are advised to contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or an office of the Turkish Foreigners Police Department in Turkey.

Student Visa Requirements for Turkey

For information on student visa requirements for Turkey, please contact your nearest Turkish Embassy.

A list of contact details can be found at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (external link).

Work and Residence Visa Requirements

For information on work visa and immigration requirements for Turkey please contact your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate (external link).

Getting married in Turkey

If you are planning on getting married in Turkey the Turkish authorities require you to have a document stating that you are legally able to marry. The Births, Deaths and Marriages Office (external link) in Wellington issues this document, known as a Certificate of No Impediment.

Applications for a Certificate of No Impediment (BDM 189) can be downloaded from the Births,Deaths and Marriages (external link) website.

The Turkish Authorities require an official consular letter stating the facts of the Certificate of No Impediment from the Embassy as well as an affirmation. The current cost of these is 120TL total. Once you have the certificate you will need to call the Embassy and make an appointment to come to Ankara for the affirmation.

All fees paid to the Embassy in Ankara must be made in cash. We are unable to accept payment by credit card, cheque, bank transfer or eftpos.

Please note: This process takes around six weeks generally, so make sure you start in plenty of time. You are not able to start the official Turkish legal process for your wedding until you have completed this.