US and Canadian citizens no longer need a tourist visa to visit Turkey

Following a presidential decree, Turkey (also known as Turkiye) has lifted its tourism visa requirements for six new countries — including the United States and Canada.

The decree, signed by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Dec. 22, has largely slipped under the radar. It was announced in the Turkish Official Gazette on Dec. 23 and applies to tourists visiting Turkey from the U.S., Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Citizens of any of these six countries can now spend 90 days in Turkey in any 180-day period without the need to apply for a travel visa.

Related: 11 of the best hotels in Turkey, from Istanbul to Cappadocia

The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by Turkey to improve international relations and travel accessibility.

Previously, visitors from the U.S. had to obtain an e-visa, which cost around $20, if visiting Turkey for tourism or trade purposes.

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Curiously, while the new rules were announced Dec. 23, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkiye, along with the Turkish government's e-visa application site, both still flag that U.S. and Canadian visitors require an e-visa.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye confirmed with TPG that changes are in place, saying: "Visa exemption for citizens of six countries (USA, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Oman) had approved, these passport holders no longer need a visa, and they are exempted from visa 90 days within 180 days."

The changes have been updated on the U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Bottom line

Tourists from the U.S. and Canada no longer need to pay for a tourist visa to visit Turkey. The new changes permit travelers to freely visit the country for 90 days every 180 days without needing a visa.