Do I Need A Visa For Turkey From Canada
As a member of the Schengen Area, your Canadian passport gives you visa-free access to many countries within the area. However, there are select countries that Canada requires visas to enter before entry. If your trip involves going to Turkey, read on as we take a close look at whether you need a Turkish visa for travel.
Applying for a Turkish e-visa is the best way to make sure you get your visa as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are a few reasons this is beneficial, with the most notable being that you save time and money. Your travel experience will also be made much easier by applying for a visa before you leave for Turkey. This article has all the information you need to know about what to do when applying for your e-visa to Turkey. Read on to ensure that your holiday goes smoothly.
Do I Need A Visa For Turkey From Canada
Border with Syria
Extremist groups have carried out attacks at border crossings and other locations in Syria close to the Turkish border. The Turkish government has declared some areas in villages along the border with Syria special security zones as part of cross-border military operations. Expect a heightened military presence and movement restrictions in these areas.
The security situation remains unpredictable.
- Exercise extreme caution
- Review your security measures regularly
- Monitor these events very closely
Southeast region
Terrorist groups have launched deadly terrorist attacks against Turkish security personnel in several cities and regions in the south and southeast of the country.
- Remain vigilant
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local and international media
There is a risk, particularly to foreigners, of kidnapping in the area (see Kidnapping, below). Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.
Avoid overland travel. If you must, drive during the day and stay on major roads. Don’t use public transportation.
Mountaineering and hiking
Mount Ararat, between the eastern provinces of Agri and Igdir, is designated a special military zone. You must hire the services of a locally licensed guide agency if you intend to hike in the area. A licensed company will obtain the necessary permits and assign you a registered Mountaineer to accompany you throughout your hike.
If you intend on engaging in mountaineering or hiking:
- never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
- ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
- inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
- know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
- obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails
Accurate information on mountain conditions can be difficult to obtain. Weather in mountainous areas can also be unpredictable.
Attempted coup
On July 15 and 16, 2016, an attempted coup took place in Türkiye. Random ID checks and roadblocks may still take place in large cities and on intercity roads. Cooperate during ID checks and always carry your passport and visa or residence permit. Failure to produce these documents or non-compliance with Turkish officials during identity checks could result in fines, detainment or deportation.
Turkish authorities have detained and prosecuted large numbers of people over social media posts criticizing the government, state officials, president, military operations, etc. You could be subject to scrutiny if you posted similar comments, even if a post was published years ago or outside of Türkiye.
- Keep in mind the sensitivities
- Think twice before posting or reacting to online content criticizing the government
- Restrain and limit your social media footprint
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism from domestic and international terrorist groups in Türkiye. Many attacks have occurred throughout the country. Although most have occurred in the south and east, some also took place in major cities.
Attacks have targeted:
- Turkish military and government facilities
- tourist attractions and popular public places
- nightclubs and entertainment venues
- public transportation
- airports
Further attacks may occur, and terrorists may also target:
- crowded places
- places with high pedestrian traffic and where foreigners may gather
- commercial establishments
- local government offices
- public transit stations
- busy streets
- long queues at tourist attractions
- places of worship
Turkish security officials may set up roadblocks or close streets when they receive reports on specific threats. It is common to have a proactive police presence.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places
- Avoid large crowds
- Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times
Kidnapping
There is a threat of kidnapping-for-ransom along Türkiye’s borders with Syria and Iraq. Extremist groups take advantage of porous borders and an unpredictable security situation to carry out operations and use kidnapping as a means of raising funds.
They may target the local population, foreigners and even foreign aid workers.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur throughout Türkiye.
- Avoid showing signs of affluence
- Ensure that your belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times
- If travelling by car, keep valuable belongings out of sight, windows closed and doors locked.
Muggings, assaults and sexual assaults occur.
Spiked food and drinks
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, even if the wrapping or container appears intact.
Don’t go to down-market bars and neighbourhoods. One scam, particularly common in Istanbul, involves locals inviting tourists to bars for food and drinks and then forcing them to pay a steep bill.
Don’t accept letters, parcels or other items from strangers. Drug traffickers sometimes attempt to convince foreigners to deliver packages and messages into and out of Türkiye.
Fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
- pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
- use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
If you’re travelling to Türkiye to meet someone you’ve only met online, or the person in Türkiye asks to wire money, you may be the victim of a scam. Don’t send money to someone you have never met in person.
Women’s safety
There is a risk of sexual assault.
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Be aware of your surroundings.
Dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts.
Road safety
Türkiye has a modern road network. However, uneven surfaces and poorly marked lane changes near construction zones, are common. Exercise caution, especially when driving in the rain. Severe weather conditions may seriously affect road conditions.