Visitor visa
Turkish visitors need a visitor visa — not an ETA
Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa
Turkish passports are not on the UK ETA list. You need a Standard Visitor visa for tourism in London. Turkish e-Visa logic for entering Turkey does not apply in reverse. IST–LHR flights still require the UK visa to be granted first. If you have a UK work or student visa, travel on that. Dual British–Turkish citizens use the British passport. Apply on GOV.UK, not via an ‘ETA for Turkish citizens’ advert. Turkey is not in the April 2025 EU/EEA ETA wave even though it sits next to EU members on a map.
Standard Visitor visa on GOV.UK →
Turkish travel facts
| Passport | Turkey |
|---|---|
| Roll-out | Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa |
| What you need | Standard Visitor visa |
| Stay | Usually up to 6 months as a visitor |
| Work | Not allowed on visit permission |
| Landside transit | Usually a visa or transit visa — check GOV.UK |
Mistakes turkish visitors make
- Istanbul agencies selling ETA packages for Turkish passports.
- Landside self-transfer at Heathrow toward the US without the right UK transit/visit permission.
London notes for Turkish arrivals
Turkish Airlines into T2 is common. After a visa, Piccadilly or Elizabeth line. Visitor permission is not a work permit for kitchens in north London.
FAQs
- Do Turkish citizens need a UK ETA?
- No. They need a visitor visa (or another visa type).
- Is Turkey in the EU ETA wave?
- No. Turkey is not in Appendix ETA National List with EU states.
- Does a Schengen visa help at Heathrow?
- No. A Schengen visa is not UK permission.
Other passports
Bodhixt is not affiliated with UKVI. Confirm on GOV.UK before you book. Apply via https://www.gov.uk/eta only.