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Türkiye (Turkey) for Sri Lankan passport holders: Embassy visa

Your circumstances

Passport:
🇱🇰 Sri Lankan
Lives in:
Not specified (general rule)
Going to:
🇹🇷 Türkiye (Turkey)
Purpose:
Holiday

Route summary

Embassy visaRanked first of 3 routes

Visa required from a Turkish embassy/consulate

Sri Lankan ordinary passport holders need a visa for Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders need a visa. With a valid Schengen/US/UK/Irish visa or residence permit: e-Visa via evisa.gov.tr (MFA page does not state its duration).

Conditions

Applies if: Ordinary passport holders without a valid Schengen/US/UK/Irish visa or residence permit

  • Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond the permitted duration of stay (Law 6458 art. 7.1b); MFA advises 6 months validity from arrival.

Why this is ranked first

Routes are ranked by type: visa-free, then visa on arrival / eVisa / ETA, then embassy visa. Routes that depend on a visa or permit you may not hold come after the others.

Route type
Embassy visa: you apply through an embassy, consulate or appointed visa centre.
Documents
Document list not published by the official source.
Fee
Fee not published by the official source.
Processing
Processing time not published by the official source.

Next step

Steps not published by the official source — use the official link to start.

Official sourcemfa.gov.tr ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Last checked 2 Nov 2026 against mfa.gov.tr · Checked on the live official page

Documents

Document list not published by the official source.

Fees

Fee not published by the official source.

Processing and validity

Processing time, validity and maximum stay: not published by the official source.

Already hold another country's visa or residence permit?

Some Sri Lankan passport holders can enter Türkiye (Turkey) differently if they hold one of these documents. Add yours (optional – kept only in the page address):

Documents I hold (optional)

If you hold a valid Schengen/US/UK/Irish visa or residence permit: eVisa – One month (single-entry e-Visa)

Qualifying documents: Schengen visa, US visa, UK visa, Irish visa, Schengen-country residence permit, US green card, UK residence permit.

  • A valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit makes you eligible for a single-entry one-month e-Visa at www.evisa.gov.tr, "provided that they meet certain conditions" (shown in the e-Visa application).
  • Age-limited versions of this rule for Algerian, Egyptian, Iraqi and Libyan nationals are not included here.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye (mfa.gov.tr). Checked 16 Oct 2026.

What the source says

India: "Ordinary, Special and Service passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website www.evisa.gov.tr, provided that they meet certain conditions." (same wording for the other listed nationalities)

Border officers decide on entry. Check the official source before you travel.

Other routes

Other general routes for Sri Lankan passport holders, wherever they live. Check the conditions on each.

Option 2
eVisa Conditional eligibilityTourism or commerce

If you hold a valid US/UK/Schengen/Irish visa or residence permit:

Türkiye e-Visa with a valid US / UK / Schengen / Irish visa or residence permit

Applies if: Holds a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit

With a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit, Sri Lankan ordinary passport holders can apply online for a e-Visa (duration not stated).

Conditions

  • Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond the permitted duration of stay (Law 6458 art. 7.1b); MFA advises 6 months validity from arrival.
  • Supporting document: a visa or residence permit of a Schengen country, the USA, the UK or Ireland, valid on the date of entry to Türkiye (used or unused visas accepted; e-visas of other countries not accepted).
  • Further nationality-specific conditions are shown only inside the evisa.gov.tr application ("provided that they meet certain conditions").
  • e-Visa is valid only for tourism or commerce.
Government fee
Fee not officially published
Fee shown on evisa.gov.tr during application.
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
e-Visa (duration not stated)
Max stay
Not verified yet
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Where: Online – www.evisa.gov.tr

Official application page ↗

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Checked on the live official page

Official wording

“Sri Lanka: Official and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Sri Lankan nationals with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr.”

Depends on where you live

Your country of residence can unlock a different route. Find yours below.

If you live in the United Kingdom

  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Option 3
eVisaTourism or commerce

Türkiye e-Visa using your UK visa / residence permit

Applies if: Lives in the UK with a valid UK visa or residence permit (a UK residence permit counts as the supporting document)

Sri Lankan ordinary passport holders living in the UK on a valid UK visa or residence permit can apply online for a e-Visa (duration not stated).

Conditions

  • Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond the permitted duration of stay (Law 6458 art. 7.1b); MFA advises 6 months validity from arrival.
  • Supporting document: a visa or residence permit of a Schengen country, the USA, the UK or Ireland, valid on the date of entry to Türkiye (used or unused visas accepted; e-visas of other countries not accepted).
  • Further nationality-specific conditions are shown only inside the evisa.gov.tr application ("provided that they meet certain conditions").
  • e-Visa is valid only for tourism or commerce.
Government fee
Fee not officially published
Fee shown on evisa.gov.tr during application.
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
e-Visa (duration not stated)
Max stay
Not verified yet
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Where: Online – www.evisa.gov.tr

Official application page ↗

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Checked on the live official page

Official wording

“Sri Lanka: Official and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Sri Lankan nationals with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr.”

How to apply: Visa required from a Turkish embassy/consulate

Where to apply

Where: Turkish embassy or consulate (pre-application: www.visa.gov.tr)

Quick answers

Do Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa for Türkiye (Turkey)?

Visa required from a Turkish embassy/consulate. Sri Lankan ordinary passport holders need a visa for Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders need a visa. With a valid Schengen/US/UK/Irish visa or residence permit: e-Visa via evisa.gov.tr (MFA page does not state its duration). Conditional eligibility — if you hold a valid US/UK/Schengen/Irish visa or residence permit: Türkiye e-Visa with a valid US / UK / Schengen / Irish visa or residence permit. Source: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

Does it depend on where I live?

Türkiye e-Visa using your UK visa / residence permit: if you live in United Kingdom.

Business, work or just passing through?

The rules above are for a holiday: tourism and visiting family and friends. Business visits, paid work and transit are covered separately below.

Business visits to Türkiye (Turkey)

Not verified yet (not yet covered). We haven't verified the business rules for Sri Lankan passport holders, and we don't publish rules we haven't checked against an official source. A rule that is awaiting verification or not yet covered is not a negative visa decision: it only means we haven't confirmed it on an official source yet. Until then, see mfa.gov.tr.

Working in Türkiye (Turkey)

Main work visa routes for Türkiye (Turkey)

These are the main routes and what they require. Whether you qualify depends on your circumstances; the official page decides.

Work permit (fixed-term, employer-tied)

For: Foreigners employed by an employer in Türkiye

  • From abroad: apply in person at a Turkish embassy/consulate for a 16-digit reference number; the employer then applies online (e-İzin) with it
  • Workplace normally employs at least five Turkish citizens per foreign employee (exemptions apply)
  • Employer financial criteria (e.g. paid-in capital of at least TRY 500,000)
  • Minimum pay as a multiple of the gross minimum wage: 5× senior executives and pilots, 4× engineers and architects, 3× other managers, 2× expert/master jobs, 1× other jobs
Length
Up to 1 year on first application (not longer than the employment contract)
Longer term
Permanent work permit possible after at least eight years with a long-term residence permit or legal work permit

Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Türkiye) – Work permit FAQ; Work Permit Evaluation Criteria (csgb.gov.tr).

What the source says

"In the first stage, the foreigner applies for a work permit in person at the embassy or consulate general of the Republic of Türkiye" … "his/her employer is required to apply for a work permit to our Ministry through the e-Government portal" … "the foreigner is granted a work permit valid for up to one year at the first application" … "Foreigners who have a long-term residence permit or a legal work permit for at least eight years in Türkiye may apply for an permanent work permit." … "it is essential to employ at least five Turkish citizens in the workplace where the foreigner will be working." (https://www.csgb.gov.tr/uigm/en/calisma-izni/calisma-izni-degerlendirme-kriterleri/) … "the workplace must have a paid-in capital of at least 500,000 TL." (https://www.csgb.gov.tr/uigm/en/calisma-izni/calisma-izni-degerlendirme-kriterleri/) … "a) Five times the minimum wage for senior executives and pilots, b) Four times the minimum wage for engineers and architects, c) Three times the minimum wage for other managers, d) Twice the minimum wage for those employed in jobs requiring expertise and mastery" (https://www.csgb.gov.tr/uigm/en/calisma-izni/calisma-izni-degerlendirme-kriterleri/)

Checked 16 Oct 2026. Overview: MoLSS – Foreign National Employment. Requirements, fees and thresholds change; confirm on the official page before applying.

Transit through Türkiye (Turkey)

Option 1
Visa-freeAirside transit (changing flights without entering)

Airside transit: no transit visa needed (stay in the transit lounge)

If you don't leave the transit lounge at a Turkish airport you don't need a transit visa. Otherwise you need a visa (or e-Visa / visa exemption, as for a visit).

Conditions

  • Check with your airline whether your connection lets you stay airside; if you must clear immigration (e.g. to collect baggage or change terminals/airlines) the normal entry rules apply.
Government fee
Fee not officially published
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
Not verified yet
Max stay
Not verified yet
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Checked on the live official page

Official wording

“Türkiye MFA – Frequently Asked Questions: 'If you will not leave the transit lounge at the airport you are not required to have transit visa. Otherwise, you have to make visa application to the nearest Turkish Representation.'”

Alert me if this route changes

Get an email when we update the guidance for Sri Lankan passport holders going to Türkiye (Turkey), after we've checked the change against the official source. Nothing else.

Tell me about changes to

We send a confirmation email first. Unconfirmed sign-ups are deleted after 7 days.

Before you go to Türkiye (Turkey)

Customs cash limits and the scams official travel advice warns about in Türkiye (Turkey).

Cash you can bring in and take out

Not yet confirmed — check the official customs page. We couldn't confirm Türkiye (Turkey)'s cash limits on an official page yet, so we don't show a number. Check the current rules on gumrukrehberi.gov.tr →

Official source: gumrukrehberi.gov.tr · Last checked 4 Oct 2026 · Details

Common tourist traps

  1. Friendly stranger, spiked food or drink

    How it works: Someone offers to change money or take you to a restaurant or club; food or drinks are spiked and you are robbed.

    How to avoid it: Decline such offers, buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.

  2. Fake USD 50 and 100 notes

    How it works: Counterfeit 50 and 100 dollar bills are circulating; banks and exchanges may refuse them.

    How to avoid it: Avoid accepting these notes in change.

  3. Methanol in bootleg alcohol

    How it works: Illegally made spirits and fake branded bottles have killed people, including in Istanbul and Ankara.

    How to avoid it: Buy alcohol only from reputable outlets; get urgent help if you feel ill after drinking.

All 7 traps for Türkiye (Turkey) →

Emergency numbers in Türkiye (Turkey)

Other traps paraphrased from official travel advice: gov.uk · FCDO page updated 21 Sept 2026 · Last checked 4 Oct 2026.

Explore Türkiye (Turkey)

Planning more than the paperwork? Our Türkiye (Turkey) guide picks out places to visit, things to do and where to shop, with a source for every tip.

Places to visit:
Hagia Sophia · Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern · Topkapı Palace and Süleymaniye Mosque
Things to do:
Hot-air balloon over Cappadocia · Dinner at a meyhane · Fish by the Galata Bridge
Shopping:
Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) · Neighbourhood street markets · Grand Bazaar
Read the full Türkiye (Turkey) guide
Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Istanbul© Arild Vågen · CC BY-SA 3.0
Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque, Istanbul
Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque, Istanbul© Moonik · CC BY-SA 3.0
Galata Tower, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Galata Tower, Beyoğlu, Istanbul© User:Ggia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), Istanbul
Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı), Istanbul© Jorge Franganillo · CC BY 4.0
The Bosphorus, Istanbul
The Bosphorus, Istanbul© Alexxx Malev · CC BY-SA 3.0

Stay alert in Istanbul

Theft and scam hot-spots from official travel advice and Wikivoyage.

Sri Lankan passport: of the 148 destinations with a rule verified from an official source, 14 visa-free, 8 visa on arrival, 39 eVisa or travel authorisation, 87 embassy visa.

Türkiye (Turkey): rules verified from an official source for 194 of 198 passports. Türkiye (Turkey) guide and every passport →

Where else can Sri Lankan passport holders travel? See every destination we cover →

Optional travel offers

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Plan your trip to Türkiye (Turkey)

Verify with the embassy before you book. Visa rules change without notice. We link every rule to its official source and last checked it on 2 Nov 2026, but the embassy, official e-visa portal and your airline have the final say. MyVisaPort is not a visa agent and is not affiliated with any government.