The Turkey eVisa application is short, but that doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. Most delays we see come down to a handful of avoidable mistakes. Here are the fourteen we catch most often — and how to make sure none of them happen to you.
1. Misspelling Your Name or Passport Details
Your name, passport number, nationality and date of birth must match your passport exactly, character for character. A single typo is the single most common cause of a queried application.
2. Entering the Wrong Passport Number
It’s easy to misread a passport number, especially with similar-looking characters. Since your eVisa is electronically linked to this number, an error here can prevent it from being recognised at the border.
3. A Typo in Your Email Address
Your approved eVisa is delivered by email. If the address is misspelled, the document can be issued correctly but never reach you — which is why we always recommend double-checking this field carefully.
4. Applying With a Passport That’s About to Expire
Most travellers are expected to hold a passport valid for several months beyond their stay. Applying with a passport that’s close to expiry can cause problems even if your eVisa itself is approved. See our full requirements checklist.
5. Confusing the eVisa With a Different Type of Visa
The eVisa only covers recreation, business and transit travel, for a stay of 30 or 90 days depending on your nationality. If your trip involves work, study, or a longer stay, you likely need a different process entirely — see our comparison of the eVisa vs consular visa.
6. Payment Card Issues
A declined card or mismatched billing address can hold up an otherwise straightforward application. Make sure your card details and billing information are accurate before submitting payment.
7. Applying Too Close to Your Departure Date
While most eVisas are issued within a few hours, applying the night before a flight leaves no margin if anything needs to be checked. We recommend applying at least a few days ahead — see our guide on processing times.
8. Not Checking the eVisa Once It Arrives
Once your eVisa is issued, take a moment to confirm your name, passport number and validity dates are all correct, well before you travel — not at the airport check-in desk.
9. Choosing the Wrong Start Date
Your eVisa can only be used during the validity period that begins on the start date you enter. If you choose a date after your actual arrival, you will not be able to use it on the day you land. Enter the date you really plan to arrive, and if your plans change significantly, ask us whether a new application is needed.
10. Applying When You Don’t Need an eVisa — or Need a Different Visa
Visa policy changes regularly. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, most EU countries and, since January 2026, China can visit visa-free, while citizens of other countries need a consular visa rather than an eVisa. Check your nationality in our eligible countries guide before applying.
11. Ignoring the Conditions of the Conditional eVisa
If your nationality is only eligible for a conditional eVisa, you must hold a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit, a hotel reservation, a return ticket and sufficient funds — and in some cases travel with specific airlines. An approved eVisa does not replace these conditions: border officers can check them on arrival.
Want a specialist to double-check your eligibility and every field before submission?
Start my checked application12. One Application for the Whole Family
Each traveller needs their own eVisa, including children and babies. Submitting one application for a family, or entering a child’s details with a parent’s passport number, leads to problems at the border. Prepare a separate application for each person, using their own travel document.
13. Travelling With a New Passport
If you renew or replace your passport after your eVisa is issued, the eVisa remains linked to the old passport number. Travelling with the new passport means your eVisa will not be recognised. Apply again with the new passport details before you travel.
14. Misunderstanding How Long You Can Stay
Your eVisa allows a stay of either 30 or 90 days depending on your nationality, and every visitor is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying can lead to fines and an entry ban. If you want to stay longer, apply for a short-term residence permit before your stay ends — our guide to Turkish residence permits explains how.
Mistakes to Avoid at the Border
Even with a perfect eVisa, a few details can complicate your arrival:
- not carrying a printed or digital copy of your eVisa;
- being unable to show a return ticket or accommodation details when asked;
- travelling with a passport that is damaged or close to expiry;
- for conditional eVisas, leaving your supporting visa or residence permit at home.
A Quick Error-Proof Checklist
- Check your nationality’s entry rules.
- Check your passport validity and condition.
- Enter your details exactly as printed in your passport.
- Type your email address twice.
- Choose the correct start date.
- Prepare one application per traveller.
- Check your eVisa as soon as it arrives.
- Carry a copy when you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a mistake be corrected after the eVisa is issued?
Generally, an issued eVisa cannot be edited. If a key detail such as your name or passport number is wrong, a new application is needed. Contact us immediately if you notice an error.
What if I notice a mistake before submission?
Our specialists review every application before it is submitted, precisely so that errors are caught at this stage. You can start your application with that review built in.
Does a small typo always lead to a rejection?
Not always, but it can cause a delay, a query or problems at the border. See our guide to delayed or rejected applications.
Where can I find the full list of documents?
Our requirements checklist covers everything you need before you apply.
How We Help
Every application submitted through our service is reviewed by a specialist before it’s sent, specifically to catch these kinds of errors. Start your application with that extra layer of checking built in.
Travelling soon? Apply for your Turkey eVisa online in a few minutes — our specialists check every detail before submission.