United States entry requirements for Turkey passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This requirement remains unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before travel. Apply at the US Department of State visa portal — expect an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Ankara or Consulate in Istanbul. Processing times vary from a few days to several months depending on visa type and season.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Turkish passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No specific remaining validity beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may refuse boarding if your passport expires within 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their US address ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officers can ask how you will support yourself during your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip length and planned activities. | Recommended |
No visa-free entry or ESTA for Turkish citizens
Turkey is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the embassy or consulate before traveling. Plan ahead — interview wait times can be several weeks.
Visa validity and duration of stay
A US B-1/B-2 visa is typically valid for 10 years for Turkish citizens, but each entry is limited to a maximum of 180 days (as determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry). You cannot stay longer than the date on your I-94 form.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to ceac.state.gov, select 'Ankara' or 'Istanbul' as your post, fill in all sections accurately, upload your photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll bring this to the interview.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası, or Akbank branch, or via online banking. Keep the receipt. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information Service website (ais.usvisa-info.com) to book an appointment at the embassy in Ankara or consulate in Istanbul. Wait times vary — check current estimates. You'll need your DS-160 confirmation number and payment receipt.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the embassy/consulate 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. Expect a brief interview (usually 2–5 minutes) about your trip purpose and ties to Turkey. No bags, phones, or electronics allowed inside.
5
Wait for Processing
If approved, your passport with visa will be returned via courier (PTT or ARAS Kargo) in 3–7 business days. You can track the status online. If refused, you'll receive a written explanation.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Standard visa for tourism or business; may be issued with single or multiple entries.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits over visa validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee
For full-time study at accredited US institution; requires I-20 form.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityUp to 6 years total
Cost$190–$780 USD (190–780 USD) + fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$190–$780 USD (190–780 USD) + legal fees
For professionals in specialty fields; requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time academic study at accredited US institution. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000–$1,800,000 USD investment + fees
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. Requires significant capital investment and job creation.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to 7 years for some categories)
$220 USD (220 USD) + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, research, or teaching. Requires sponsorship by designated program. May include 2-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most visa types. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Turkish citizens. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to fines, bars, or deportation; avoid overstaying. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home country30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Turkish citizens generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (any type) may transit without a C-1 visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without a C-1 visa under certain conditions.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries do not need a transit visa (Turkey is not in VWP).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; use insect repellent in rural or wooded areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
High hygiene standards; risk minimal for most travelers.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks after hiking.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required for most services; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for TR travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing time varies. After the interview, passports are usually returned within 3–7 business days via courier. However, interview appointment wait times can be 2–8 weeks depending on the season and embassy workload. Check the current wait time on the U.S. Visa Information Service website before planning your trip.
No. All Turkish passport holders aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate General in Istanbul. Only children under 14 and applicants over 79 may be eligible for interview waiver.
The most common reason is insufficient ties to Turkey — the consular officer must be convinced you'll return. Other reasons include incomplete application, previous visa violations, criminal record, or unclear travel purpose. Refusals are usually under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The non-refundable MRV fee is $185 (approximately 5,600 TL as of 2026). This covers application processing. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited service or a visa renewal by mail.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa is for temporary visits only. You cannot extend your stay beyond the date stamped on your I-94 form. Overstaying can result in a ban from re-entering the US for 3–10 years.
Yes. Even if you're only changing planes at a US airport, you need a visa or an ESTA (if eligible). Turkish citizens are not eligible for ESTA, so you must apply for a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no visa-free transit for Turkish passport holders.
You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal. Common fixes: provide stronger evidence of ties to Turkey (job, property, family), clarify your travel purpose, or wait until your circumstances change. There is no appeal process — you simply submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.