TL;DR: Most patients do not need a special visa to undergo surgery or medical treatment in Turkey. If you are from the UK, most EU countries, the UAE, Qatar, Japan, or South Korea, you can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. If you are from the USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, or similar countries, you can easily apply online for an e-Visa. However, if you are from certain South Asian, African, or Eastern European countries, you will need to apply for a medical visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate before travelling.
Do You Need a Visa for Medical Treatment in Turkey?
The answer depends on where you’re from:
- ✅ Visa-Exempt Countries: If you’re from countries like the UK, most EU nations, EFTA members (e.g., Switzerland, Norway), Japan, South Korea, Qatar, or the UAE, you can enter Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period-even for medical procedures such as surgery, dental work, or cosmetic treatments.
- ✅ e‑Visa Eligible Countries: If your country is listed on evisa.gov.tr, like the USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, etc., you can apply for a short-stay e‑Visa online, even if your purpose is medical. The process is fast, affordable, and typically takes just minutes.
- ❗ Medical Visa Required (Sticker-Type): If your country is not visa-exempt and not eligible for an e‑Visa, you’ll need to apply for a medical visa (also called a sticker visa) through the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. This applies especially to patients from countries in South Asia, Africa, or parts of Eastern Europe.
💡 Important: While some travelers may think a standard tourist visa is enough, Turkish authorities may require a medical visa for surgical procedures, especially if the treatment involves extended recovery or hospital stay.
How to Apply for a Turkish Visa for Medical Purposes
The process for getting a visa for surgery or any medical treatment in Turkey depends on your visa category. Below are the steps, based on your eligibility:
If You Are Eligible for an e‑Visa:
For countries like the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and many others:
- Go to the official site: evisa.gov.tr
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload your passport and pay the fee (usually around $50)
- Download your e‑Visa instantly-it’s valid for tourism and short-term medical visits
- Bring a printed or digital copy when you travel
⚠️ Note: While the e‑Visa allows medical visits, it is best to have a clinic appointment letter or treatment plan ready in case you’re asked at border control.
If You Need a Sticker-Type Medical Visa:
If your country is not eligible for e‑Visa or visa-free travel, you must apply at a Turkish embassy or consulate. This process typically takes 7-10 business days. Steps to apply:
- Check your eligibility on mfa.gov.tr
- Gather required documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, 1-2 blank pages)
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-size photo
- Letter from your clinic in Turkey confirming your procedure and appointment
- Proof of financial means (~$50/day, bank statements or sponsor letter)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Flight and hotel booking confirmations
- Proof of legal residence (if applying from a third country)
- Book an appointment at your nearest Turkish consulate or embassy
- Submit documents in person
- Pay visa fee and wait for processing (approx. 1 week)
✅ Pro tip: Ask your clinic to provide an official invitation letter-this often speeds up approval and proves the legitimacy of your medical purpose.
Visa-Free Entry Duration and Limits – How Long Can You Stay?
If you’re planning surgery in Turkey, knowing how long you’re legally allowed to stay is crucial especially for procedures that involve recovery time, follow-up appointments, or multiple visits. Here’s how the visa-free and e‑Visa durations typically work:
Visa-Free Countries
If you’re from a country that benefits from visa exemption (e.g., UK, Germany, Netherlands, Qatar, UAE, Japan, South Korea), you can usually stay in Turkey for up to:
- 90 days within any 180-day period
This is generally enough time for most surgical procedures, including consultation, surgery, recovery, and return. However, you cannot extend a visa-free stay-you must leave Turkey before your 90 days are up.
e‑Visa Holders
For e‑Visa-eligible countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Australia), the stay duration also depends on your nationality. Most e‑Visas allow:
- 30 or 90 consecutive days of stay
- Valid for multiple entries within a 180-day window
📌 Check your specific stay limit at evisa.gov.tr when applying.
Medical Visa Holders (Sticker Visa)
If you’re entering Turkey on a medical visa obtained through an embassy, the allowed stay is typically:
- Up to 90 days
- In some cases, extendable upon request if your treatment or recovery takes longer
Your Turkish clinic may help you prepare the necessary documents for an extension if medically justified.
