Quick Facts
Requirement
evisa
Visa Fee
ZAR 222
(~$12)
Processing Time
0–0 working days
Appointment Wait
~ weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 30 days
E-Visa
Available online
Turkey is one of the most accessible destinations for South Africans — a $12 e-visa completed online in minutes. Istanbul is a world-class city connecting Europe and Asia, with a rich history, incredible food, and good value for the ZAR. The 30-day stay is enough for most trips.
Key Warnings
- Apply at evisa.gov.tr — the official portal. Avoid third-party sites that charge significantly more for the same service.
- The e-visa is valid for a single entry of up to 30 days within 180 days of the date you specify. Choose your entry date carefully.
- Turkey can be affected by political events and regional tensions. Check the South African Department of International Relations (DIRCO) travel advisories before booking.
Insider Tips
- Istanbul is one of the best-value luxury city break destinations for South Africans. The Turkish Lira (TRY) has weakened significantly — your ZAR buys an exceptional experience.
- Direct flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul operate with Turkish Airlines — approximately 10 hours. Turkish Airlines has one of the most convenient connections for South Africans travelling globally.
- Cappadocia (hot air balloons), the Aegean coast (Bodrum, Antalya), and Istanbul's historic Old City are must-see highlights. Turkey is diverse enough for multiple trips.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Go to evisa.gov.tr
Visit the official Turkish e-visa portal at evisa.gov.tr. Select 'Apply' and choose South Africa as your nationality.
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Enter your passport details
Enter your passport number, expiry date, and personal details exactly as they appear on your South African passport. No document uploads required.
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Choose travel dates
Enter your intended entry date. The e-visa is valid for 180 days from the date you specify, for a single stay of up to 30 days.
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Pay the $12 insurance fee
Pay the mandatory $12 travel insurance fee by Visa or Mastercard. This is the only cost for South Africans — the visa grant itself is free.
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Receive your e-visa instantly
Your e-visa is issued almost immediately after payment. Download and save the PDF to your phone or print it. Present it at Turkish immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Turkey?
Yes, a Turkish e-visa is required. The good news: it takes about 5 minutes to apply online at evisa.gov.tr and costs just $12 (ZAR 222) — a mandatory travel insurance charge. The Turkish government visa grant itself is free for South Africans. Approval is near-instant.
How much is the Turkish e-visa for South Africans?
The total cost is $12 (approximately ZAR 222 at April 2026 rates). This is a mandatory travel insurance fee paid on the e-visa portal. The visa itself is free for South African passport holders. Apply only at evisa.gov.tr to avoid third-party markups.
How long can South Africans stay in Turkey?
The Turkish e-visa allows a single stay of up to 30 days. The visa is valid for 180 days from your specified entry date — but you must enter and leave within that 30-day window. For longer stays, apply for a residence visa or tourist extension at a Turkish immigration office.
Is Istanbul worth visiting for South Africans?
Absolutely. Istanbul is consistently rated one of the world's top city destinations — and it's particularly good value for South Africans given the weakened Turkish Lira. A 30-day e-visa for $12 opens up Istanbul, the Aegean coast, Cappadocia, and more. Turkish Airlines also offers excellent connections to Europe and beyond.