Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially published a list of 21 countries whose nationals are permitted to enter the country using only a national identity card, eliminating the need for a passport. The exemption applies under the European Agreement on Regulations governing the Movement of Persons between Member States of the Council of Europe.
List of Countries Eligible for National ID Entry
According to the official visa guide, the countries whose citizens can enter Turkey with a national ID card include: Germany, Belgium, France, Georgia, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Ukraine, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Romania. Most of these are European nations, with Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova also included among the exempted states.
Passport Rules for Other Travelers
For travelers not on the exemption list, Turkey enforces a strict passport validity rule tied to the length of the intended visit. Under Article 7.1b of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (No. 6458), any foreign national entering Turkey must hold a passport valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of their permitted stay. For example, a traveler entering on a 90-day visa must have a passport with at least 150 days of remaining validity at the point of entry, while someone on a 30-day visa needs at least 90 days left on their passport.
How to Apply for a Turkey Visa
Travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt and not on the national ID list must obtain a visa before traveling. Applications can be submitted through Turkey's Pre-Application System for Turkish Sticker Visa at visa.gov.tr. Depending on eligibility, some applicants will be directed to the e-Visa platform at evisa.gov.tr. For nationals of countries where Turkey has no consular representation, the online scheduling system can be used to book an appointment at the nearest accredited Turkish consular office.
Related Updates
In related news, Japan updated its eVisa eligibility list in May 2026, opening online visa applications to nationals residing in several countries. The update allows travelers from selected countries to apply directly through the Japan eVisa website, while others must apply through accredited agencies.
