United States Visa RequirementsFor Turkey passport holders
Turkish citizens require a US B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States, with application fees of USD 185, processed at the US Embassy in Ankara or the US Consulate General in Istanbul.
Turkey passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online via ceac.state.gov. Complete the DS-160 application form, pay the USD 185 MRV fee, and schedule a visa interview at the US Consulate General in Istanbul or the US Embassy in Ankara. Interview wait times can be very long (sometimes months) so apply well in advance. A strong application shows ties to Turkey (employment, property, family) to demonstrate intent to return.
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
Current Travel Situation
Turkey to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States requires a visa for Turkish passport holders. There is no visa waiver program (ESTA) for Turkey. Turkish citizens must apply for a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism) visa, or the combined B1/B2 visa. Applications are submitted at the US Embassy in Ankara or the US Consulate General in Istanbul. The process involves an online DS-160 form, fee payment, and an in-person interview.
Practical Tips
Turkish Airlines and various US carriers fly direct from Istanbul to New York JFK and other US cities. New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and national parks like Grand Canyon and Yellowstone are top American destinations. The US uses the USD. ESTA does not apply to Turkish citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turkish citizens need a visa for the United States?
Yes. Turkish citizens require a US nonimmigrant visa (B1/B2) to visit the United States. Turkey is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA does not apply. Apply at the US Embassy in Ankara or the US Consulate General in Istanbul. The fee is USD 185.
How do Turkish citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Complete the DS-160 application form online at ceac.state.gov, pay the USD 185 MRV fee, and schedule a visa interview at the US Consulate General in Istanbul or US Embassy in Ankara. Attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents.
How long does the US visa interview wait time take in Turkey?
Wait times for US visa interviews in Turkey can vary significantly, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the time of year and application volume. Check current wait times at the US Embassy Ankara or US Consulate General Istanbul websites and apply well in advance.
Are there direct flights from Istanbul to the United States?
Yes. Turkish Airlines operates direct nonstop flights from Istanbul to New York JFK, Washington Dulles, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston, and other US cities. Flight time to New York is approximately 11 hours. Several additional US cities are served with one stop.