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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Required Documents
Valid South African passportMust be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended travel dates.
Credit or debit card for the $12 insurance feeVisa or Mastercard accepted on the e-visa portal.
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.