Turkish Passport Visa-Free Countries (2025): Full List & Travel Guide

Turkish Passport Visa-Free Countries: Full List (2025 Update)

developer 07 Nov, 2025 Real estate investment

Introduction and the Status of the Turkish Passport Globally

The Turkish passport, especially for foreign investors who apply through citizenship programs, is considered not just a travel document but a strategic tool for expanding global access and securing domestic welfare. In recent years, the international standing of this passport has increased, providing access to a significant number of countries.

Numerical Power and Global Ranking

The global reach of the Turkish passport includes travel to approximately 126 countries and territories. Analyzing these 126 destinations is not merely a list, but rather represents a varied spectrum of entry requirements that applicants must be fully aware of. Access is divided into three main categories:

Visa-Free Countries: Turkish citizens do not require a visa to travel to 66 countries. This status provides the highest level of travel freedom.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Travel to 37 countries is possible under these conditions. In this case, the traveler does not need to apply for a visa before the trip, but upon arrival at the border, the immigration officer issues the visa after reviewing documents and, in some cases, receiving a fee. This type of travel is usually specific to tourist trips.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): For entry into 23 countries, the applicant must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before the trip. This process usually takes a few hours to a few days and often requires a fee. Although eTA is a simpler process than a traditional visa, it does not constitute complete freedom of travel without administrative hurdles.

The Turkish Passport: A Strategic Tool or Merely a Travel Document?

For an investor, the Turkish passport goes beyond ease of travel and brings three major strategic advantages:

Easy Access to Latin American and Asian Markets: The Turkish passport facilitates entry routes to many economic and tourist centers in these continents, which is crucial for business people and investors seeking geographical diversification.
Direct Route to the US E-2 Visa: This is perhaps the most exclusive advantage of the Turkish passport. Due to its "Treaty of Commerce and Navigation" with the United States, Turkey enables its citizens to obtain the non-immigrant E-2 visa and live and work in the US by investing in an American business.
Access to the Social Security and State Health System (SGK): Turkish citizenship provides full social and health rights through the SGK system, which guarantees long-term financial and medical security.

Comprehensive Analysis of Travel Destinations

A comprehensive assessment of passport power requires a close look at key destinations based on geographical region and specific entry conditions.

Regions with the Highest Level of Access (Visa-Free and VOA)

The Turkish passport provides powerful access across several continents, notably standing out in Latin America and the Balkans:

Visa-Free Countries in Europe and the Balkans: Turkey has close ties with non-Schengen countries in Europe and the Balkans. These countries include Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine. These accesses are usually valid for short stays of 30 to 90 days.
Advantage in the Americas and the Caribbean: This region is a major indicator of the Turkish passport's international standing. Turkish citizens can easily travel to the following important destinations:
- Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Many of these countries allow visa-free stays of 90 days.
- The Caribbean Region: This list includes Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Asia and the Middle East: In the Middle East, Iran welcomes Turkish citizens visa-free. Additionally, countries such as Armenia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar are accessible via Visa on Arrival (VOA). Qatar allows 90 days and Lebanon allows a 3-month stay. In Asia, Singapore and Malaysia each permit a 30-day visa-free stay.

Key Destinations with Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

It is essential to understand that some important destinations require an eTA, which, while simple, is not considered complete travel freedom.

Japan: One of the biggest advantages of the Turkish passport in Asia is visa-free access to Japan. This exemption status applies to limited stays of 90 days. This visa exemption demonstrates privileged relations and is highly valuable for many investors and business people.
Mexico and South Korea: These two countries require Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The advantage of Mexico is that, after obtaining the eTA, it permits a 180-day stay.
Other eTA Destinations: Bahrain and Australia are also among the countries where Turkish citizens must obtain an eTA before travel.

Summary of Entry Conditions with the Turkish Passport by Geographical Region (2025)

Geographical Region	Number of Countries (Approx.)	Key Visa-Free Examples	Key VOA / eTA Examples	Typical Stay Duration
Non-Schengen Europe/Balkans	10+	Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine	-	30 to 90 days
Latin America	15+	Brazil, Chile, Argentina	Mexico (eTA)	90 days to 6 months
Caribbean	20+	Bahamas, Barbados	-	30 to 90 days
Asia and the Middle East	30+	Japan, Singapore, Iran	Oman (VOA), South Korea (eTA)	30 to 90 days

The European Reality: Schengen, Rejection Stats, and Application Strategy

Access to Europe and the Schengen Area is one of the main motivators for obtaining Turkish citizenship. However, data analysis shows that applicants must have a clear and realistic view of the existing challenges.

Current Entry Conditions to the Schengen Area

Despite the Turkish passport's overall strength, Turkish citizens still require a Schengen visa to enter the 27 Schengen member states (which include most EU countries). This is a point that many citizenship applicants (especially those seeking to use citizenship for easy access to Europe) must consider.

Analysis of Hard Schengen Visa Rejection Statistics (2022 to 2024 Data)

The volume of Turkish applicants for a Schengen visa is very high; in 2022, Turkish nationals were the second-largest group of Schengen visa applicants in Europe, after Russian citizens. However, the rejection rate for Turkish citizens has increased significantly in recent years.

A detailed review of 2022 statistics showed that German authorities rejected nearly 40% of Turkish nationals' Schengen visa applications (48,040 cases out of a total of 120,876 applications), making Germany the strictest destination for Turkish applicants. Overall statistics in 2024 show that the rejection rate varied across different consulates; for example, the rejection rate was 27.1% in Ankara, 21.5% in Istanbul, and 13.1% in Izmir.

Smart Strategy: Choosing the Destination Country for Application

An analysis of rejection data reveals that an applicant's chance of success strongly depends on the internal policies of the Schengen member embassy or consulate processing the application. This analysis enables applicants to take a strategic approach to maximize the chance of visa approval.

The Strictest Countries (Highest Rejection Rate 2024): Denmark with 35%, Lithuania with 31.5%, Estonia with 29.9%, Sweden with 29.86%, and Croatia with 28.25% are among the countries that have recorded the highest rejection rates for Turkish nationals.
The Easiest Countries (Highest Approval Rate 2024): In contrast, some countries have shown very high approval rates for Turkish applicants. Romania with 95.51%, Slovakia with 93.30%, and Portugal with 91.30% offer the highest chance of success. It should be noted that Greece, despite receiving the highest volume of applications from Turkey (25.24% of total applications in 2024), recorded a relatively low rejection rate of 9.6% in 2022.

This statistical difference indicates that the diplomatic approach and immigration policies of each Schengen member state are a determining factor in the success of Schengen visa applications for Turkish citizens. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants choose a country for application that, in addition to matching their travel purpose, has a higher approval rate.

Comparison of Schengen Visa Approval and Rejection Rates for Turkish Nationals (2024)

Schengen Member Country	Number of Applications	Approval Rate	Rejection Rate	Strategic Importance
Romania	15,458	95.51%	4.49%	Highest Chance of Success
Slovakia	2,941	93.30%	6.70%	Very High Chance
Portugal	2,163	91.30%	8.70%	Process Facilitation
Germany	215,506	-	22% (in Consulates)	Strict on High Volume
Denmark	10,561	65.30%	34.70%	Strictest Destination

Exclusive Visa Advantages and Domestic Rights

The true value of the Turkish passport for investors often lies in the advantages not visible on the visa-free list, especially regarding access to the United States and the domestic welfare system.

The Golden Advantage: The US E-2 Investor Visa

The E-2 visa (Treaty Investor Visa) allows non-immigrant investors to live and work in the United States by investing in an American business.

Turkey's Role in E-2 and its Validity

Turkey is one of the countries with a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with the United States. This status grants Turkish citizens the exclusive ability to apply for the E-2 visa with their passport. This visa was introduced to strengthen foreign investment and facilitate the entry of individuals making a significant economic contribution to the US.

Competitive Advantages of the E-2 Visa

The E-2 visa offers significant advantages over other US investor visa categories:

Lower Investment: Unlike visas like the EB-5, which require a minimum investment of $800,000, the E-2 has no specific minimum amount; instead, the investment must be "substantial" and sufficient to guarantee the success and sustainability of the business (usually around $100,000 is suggested). This feature makes the E-2 highly accessible for mid-level entrepreneurs.
Long-Term Validity: For Turkish investors, the E-2 is often issued with full validity of 60 months (five years). This duration is one of the most favorable terms among treaty countries with the US and provides unparalleled flexibility and stability for planning life and business activities in America.
Family Benefits: The applicant's spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the application; the spouse is eligible for a work authorization upon arrival in the US.

Access to the State Social Security Services (SGK)

Turkish citizenship provides the right to state health and social security benefits (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu or SGK) based on Article 60 of the Turkish Constitution.

SGK Health Coverage and Benefits

SGK, as a comprehensive state insurance, covers vital services:

Free Treatment in State Facilities: Holders of this insurance can receive completely free medical services in Turkish state hospitals and health centers.
High Coverage in Private Centers: In private hospitals and centers, SGK insurance covers about 80% of the costs, and only 20% of the cost is borne by the patient. This coverage is critically valuable in situations where healthcare costs in Turkey without insurance can be very heavy for foreigners.
Other Benefits: SGK also includes disability allowance, old-age pension, marriage allowance for working daughters, and allowances related to childbirth and breastfeeding.

Difference from Private Insurance and Requirements

Applicants who obtain Turkish residency are initially required to purchase private insurance, unless they are connected to the SGK system through work or investment. Foreigners residing in Turkey are usually eligible to join the SGK scheme after one year of living in the country.

Important Note: To maintain trust and provide complete information, it should be noted that SGK has limitations. For example, pre-existing chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes may not be covered by SGK. These details are very important for the long-term health planning of applicants.

Domestic Banking and Financial Facilities

Turkish citizenship provides easier and more favorable access to financial services compared to foreigners who only have residency.

Citizens in Turkey need to provide documents such as a copy of their passport, employment and income certificate, and have a resident guarantor in Turkey to obtain bank loans. Bank loan interest rates in Turkey usually vary between 8 and 13 percent. Citizenship also facilitates the process of opening a bank account.

Conclusion and Practical Steps

A comprehensive analysis of the Turkish passport's credibility shows that the power of this document lies not only in the number of travel destinations but also in its strategic economic and welfare advantages.

Summary of the Turkish Passport's Value Proposition

The value of the Turkish passport for international investors can be summarized in three main pillars:

Travel Power: Unparalleled access to Latin America and key Asian points like Japan, along with widespread access to the Balkans and the Middle East, makes this passport a powerful tool for international mobility.
Economic Security: The ability to use the US E-2 visa route with long-term five-year validity and relatively low investment (compared to other US immigration pathways) is a strategic and exclusive opportunity.
Life Security: Access to the State Social Security Services (SGK), which provides free treatment in state hospitals and extensive coverage in private centers, guarantees quality of life and reduces healthcare risks in the host country.

Final Considerations for Applicants

To maximize the benefits of the Turkish passport, attention to the following points is essential:

Strategic Schengen Planning: Investors should not have the misconception that the Turkish passport simply provides free access to the EU. To obtain a Schengen visa, a detailed review of rejection statistics and a smart choice of a country with a high approval rate (such as Romania, Portugal, or Greece) for the initial application is a critical strategy.
Clarity on SGK Benefits: While state healthcare services are excellent, applicants must be aware of the time limitations for eligibility (usually after one year of residency) and the non-coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Specialized Consultation: Due to the complexities of E-2 visa regulations (especially maintaining an active investment in the US) and the precise differences in SGK regulations, obtaining legal and immigration advice from experts is essential to ensure compliance with visa legal requirements and maximum enjoyment of citizenship rights. Also, due to continuous changes in visa laws, applicants should regularly monitor status updates.

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Turkish Passport Visa-Free Countries: Full List (2025 Update)