Türkiye Is Now Visa-Free for Australians: What You Need to Know

Last updated: Apr 20, 2026

Australian passport holders no longer need a visa to visit Türkiye.

A presidential decree published in Türkiye’s Official Gazette on 17 April 2026 scrapped the visa requirement for ordinary Australian passports with immediate effect.

Table of Contents

Eligibility

Key things to know about the new rules:

Effective date: 17 April 2026
Who’s eligible: Holders of ordinary (non-official) Australian passports
Maximum stay: 90 days within any rolling 180-day period
Permitted purposes: Tourism and transit
Visa fee: None

Ordinary Australian passport holders can now enter Türkiye without a pre-arranged e-visa or sticker visa, saving the US$60 e-visa fee previously charged by the Turkish government.

The exemption covers tourism and transit only. Work, study, long-term residence and journalism still require the appropriate visa or residence permit.

The move is unilateral; Türkiye dropped the requirement on its own, and Turkish citizens still need a visa to enter Australia.

Entry requirements and practical tips

You still need to meet standard entry conditions even without a visa. Smartraveller updated its Türkiye advice on 18 April 2026 and keeps the overall level at “exercise a high degree of caution” due to wider Middle East tensions.

Before you fly, check the following:

Passport validity: At least 6 months from your date of arrival in Türkiye, per the Turkish Consulate’s guidance for Australian travellers
Passport type: Ordinary passport; diplomatic and official passports follow different rules
Travel insurance: Recommended to cover medical costs and any transit stopovers, especially via Gulf hubs affected by recent airspace changes
Return or onward ticket: Border officers can ask to see proof of onward travel
Proof of funds and accommodation: Have booking confirmations ready for inspection

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or to work or study, apply for the appropriate permit through Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.

Carry your passport with you at all times while in Türkiye; it’s a legal requirement, not just a recommendation.

Is It Safe to Travel to Türkiye? Safety Guide and Ceasefire Update (April 2026)

Frequently Asked Question

What if I already paid for an e-visa before the change?

Refunds are not automatic. Contact the issuing portal or your travel agent. You don’t need to use the e-visa to enter, but refund policies vary by provider.

Can I use the visa-free rule for multiple trips?

Yes, within limits. You can enter multiple times as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days in any rolling 180-day window.

Does this apply to dual nationals?

Only if you enter on your Australian passport. Travellers using a second passport from a non-exempt country will still be subject to that country’s visa rules.

Is it safe to travel to Türkiye right now?

Smartraveller advises “exercise a high degree of caution.” Check the current advisory and your airline’s route status before flying, particularly if you’re connecting through the Gulf.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.