The Republic of Turkey has issued a bulletin announcing changes to their visa on arrival policy for foreign travelers:
Pursuant to new practice, visas for tourism and trade purposes will no longer be issued on arrival as of April 10, 2014.
From April 10, 2014 onwards, foreign travelers should obtain an e-visa electronically prior to their departure for Turkey through e-Visa Application System (www.evisa.gov.tr). Each traveler must obtain a separate e-Visa, including infants and kids. (Even though kids/infants are included in their parent’s passports)
E-Visa is only valid for tourism or trade purposes. For other purposes such as work or study, an application should be made through our Embassies or Consulates.
E-Visa application is possible from any place with internet connection. Applicants just need to go towww.evisa.gov.tr and click on “Apply Now”, enter required information and (after the application is approved) make online payment.
After successful application, e-Visa is e-mailed to the applicant. Applicants must print out their e-Visa, show it to airport officials and customs officers and carry it with them at all times during the travel.
Several countries utilize the e-visa method, and as long as you know to do the paperwork in advance the process is surprisingly efficient. I am frequently able to avoid needed a visa entirely due to my EU passport, but given the option I strongly prefer the e-visa. Submitting my information in advance (and paying via credit card!) is much easier than queuing and having to pay cash upon arrival, in my opinion.
It’s worth noting the price of the visa isn’t changing — just the methods through which you can get it.
There has been some discussion of the actual transition date not taking place until November, however every official source I’ve found is quite firm about the visa on arrival policy changing on April 10th, including this statement from The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey:
For the moment, Turkish visa can be obtained on arrival (if you are eligible), from the Turkish missions or over the e-Visa Application system (if you are eligible). Please note that visa on arrival will no longer be available as of 10 April 2014.
Anyways, it seemed worth mentioning, as I’m sure many of you have trips booked on Turkish Airlines this summer. The Turkish Government has set up a page with Frequently Asked Questions regarding the e-visa process, so you may want to look that over as well.
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