Turkey Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens must obtain a Turkish e-Visa online before visiting Turkey. The e-Visa costs USD 60, is valid for 90 days, and is quickly obtained through the official Turkish e-Visa portal.
New Zealand passport holders require a visa to enter Turkey.
NZ citizens must apply for a Turkish e-Visa at evisa.gov.tr before entering Turkey. Cost: USD 60. The e-Visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue and allows stays of up to 90 days in total. Processing is almost instant (minutes to hours). Apply at least a few days before travel to allow for any issues. The e-Visa is electronic and linked to your passport; no physical document is required though having a printout is helpful. Turkish border officers may still check the visa, so have it accessible on your phone. Istanbul Ataturk has been superseded by Istanbul Airport (IST), opened in 2019 as one of the world's largest airports.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
Turkey e-Visa
Apply online at evisa.gov.tr before travel. Cost: USD 60. Valid 180 days from issue date, allows stays up to 90 days. Processing is usually instant. Have digital or printed copy accessible.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Turkey. Turkish immigration may request this.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or address for your stay in Turkey.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit card or bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for Turkey. Good medical facilities in Istanbul and major tourist areas.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Turkey: What You Need to Know
Turkey is one of the world's most popular travel destinations and a frequent choice for New Zealand visitors. Istanbul is a truly unique city straddling Europe and Asia: the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus waterway are extraordinary. Beyond Istanbul, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and hot air balloons are iconic; the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts (Bodrum, Antalya, Fethiye) offer excellent beaches; Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world; and Pamukkale's white calcium terraces are a natural wonder. Turkey is geographically accessible for NZ travellers transiting via the Middle East.
How to Get There
Turkish Airlines is a major hub carrier connecting Auckland via various codeshare partners. Most NZ travellers reach Istanbul via Dubai, Singapore, or other Asian/Gulf hubs. Istanbul Airport (IST) has become one of the world's busiest and is well-connected globally. Domestically, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines serve all major Turkish destinations cheaply. The Istanbul-Izmir (Ephesus gateway) flight takes 1 hour.
Money & Banking
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Currently around 20-25 TRY per NZD. Turkey is very affordable due to significant currency depreciation. A simit (sesame ring bread) from a street cart costs TRY 5-10. A three-course meal at a mid-range Istanbul restaurant costs TRY 200-400. Cappadocia accommodation (cave hotels) is excellent value internationally. Card payments widely accepted in tourist areas. Carry some TRY cash for bazaars and smaller establishments.
Practical Tips
Istanbul is vast and requires at least 3-4 days to cover main sights. A 2-3 day Cappadocia visit requires flying from Istanbul to Nevsehir (1h) or Kayseri (1h) airports. Hot air balloon flights over Cappadocia must be booked in advance (especially in peak spring and autumn seasons). The Aegean coast (Bodrum, Cesme) is best in May-June and September-October, avoiding summer peak. Turkish Airlines' domestic network is extensive and cheap: Istanbul to any major Turkish city is affordable with advance booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Turkey?
Yes. NZ citizens must obtain a Turkish e-Visa before entering Turkey. Apply at evisa.gov.tr. Cost: USD 60. The e-Visa is valid for 180 days from issue and allows stays up to 90 days. Processing is usually instant. Have it accessible on your phone or printed.
How do I apply for a Turkey e-Visa as a NZ citizen?
Go to evisa.gov.tr (official Turkish government portal). Only apply through this official website to avoid higher-cost third-party sites. Enter your NZ passport details and travel dates, pay USD 60 by credit card, and receive the e-Visa immediately by email. The e-Visa is valid 180 days from issue with 90 days stay allowed.
What are the must-see sights in Turkey?
Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Galata Tower), Cappadocia (fairy chimneys, hot air balloons, underground cities near Goreme), Ephesus (ancient Roman city near Selcuk), Pamukkale (white calcium travertine terraces), the Turquoise Coast (Fethiye, Oludeniz, Antalya), and Troy.
How much does a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia cost?
Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia cost approximately USD 150-300 per person, depending on the operator and duration (1-1.5 hours). Book through reputable operators (Royal Balloon, Butterfly Balloons, Turkiye Balloons) directly or through your hotel. Sunrise flights are most popular and must be booked weeks to months in advance in peak seasons (April-May, September-October).
Is Turkey safe for NZ tourists?
Turkey is a major tourist destination and generally safe in tourist areas. Areas to exercise increased caution: the border region with Syria, the southeast near the Iraq border, and areas near the Bulgarian and Georgian border zones. Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and Ankara are all considered safe for tourists. Check NZ MFAT travel advisories before departure.
What currency does Turkey use and how has inflation affected prices?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Turkey has experienced significant inflation and currency depreciation in recent years, making it very affordable for NZ visitors. USD, EUR, and GBP are widely accepted in tourist areas and can be used directly in Cappadocia hotels and tour operators. ATMs are widely available. Notify your NZ bank before travel.
How do I get from Istanbul to Cappadocia?
Fly: Istanbul to Kayseri (1h, Turkish Airlines or Pegasus) or Istanbul to Nevsehir (1h). Flights are cheap when booked in advance. Night bus: Istanbul to Goreme (10-12 hours overnight, very cheap). The bus is a classic backpacker option. Once in Goreme (the main Cappadocia tourist village), the area is compact and walkable with tours available everywhere.
What is the Istanbul Bosphorus and why is it significant for NZ visitors?
The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia, making it the only city in the world on two continents. A Bosphorus boat cruise (public ferry from Eminonu: very cheap, authentic experience; or private tour) shows both the European and Asian shores with palaces, fortresses, and wooden summer mansions (yalis). Karakoy area on the European side has excellent cafes and the Galata Tower nearby.