How to get a medical visa from United States to Turkey step by step guide
Turkey is the global leader in hair transplant and dental tourism, with JCI accredited centres concentrated in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Most international patients enter on a Turkish e-Visa (issued online in minutes) or visa free, then convert to a Short Term Residence Permit if treatment lasts more than 90 days. For longer or more complex treatment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises applying for a sticker visa at the nearest Turkish consulate.
What makes Turkey a leading medical destination
- World leader in hair transplant & dental tourism
- JCI accredited hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara & Antalya
- e-Visa issued online often within minutes for eligible passports
How can I get a medical visa to Turkey from United States?
Patients travelling from United States to Turkey typically apply on the e-Visa (fast track) track. The flow below is the most common path; embassy or hospital sponsorship may add a single extra step.
- 1Prepare your documentsGather everything the Turkey authorities require before opening the application incomplete files are the #1 cause of delay.
- 2Submit your applicationLodge the application using the e-Visa (fast track) channel. Plan for a decision in Issued within minutes 24 hours.
- 3After approvalCarry a printed visa, hospital invitation, insurance and a USD/local currency mix from day one in Turkey.
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most developed economies obtain the e-Visa instantly online for stays up to 90 days. Suitable for hair transplant, dental and most cosmetic procedures done within that window.
- Processing time
- Issued within minutes 24 hours
- Visa fee
- USD 20 (US, UK) – USD 60 (Canada, Australia)
- Validity
- 180 days, multiple entries (90 days / visit)
- Extension
- Up to 12 months via residence permit
Who is eligible for a Turkey medical visa?
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond planned departure from Turkey.
- Confirmed treatment letter or appointment from a Turkish hospital or clinic.
- Proof of sufficient financial means (Turkish missions cite ≈ USD 50 / day of stay).
- Travel medical insurance valid in Turkey for the full duration of stay (mandatory for visa applications and residence permits).
- Return or onward ticket.
What documents do I need for a Turkey medical visa?
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages
- Two biometric photographs (5×6 cm, white background)
- Invitation / treatment letter from the Turkish hospital
- Medical reports from your home country doctor
- Travel health insurance covering the entire stay in Turkey
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or hospital arranged stay)
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Round trip flight reservation
How do I apply for a Turkey medical visa step by step?
- 1For e-Visa eligible passports: open the official portal at evisa.gov.tr only this domain. Anything else is a paid third party reseller.
- 2Select your travel document type, nationality and dates of travel.
- 3Pay the e-Visa fee online with a credit or debit card. The portal shows the exact fee for your passport.
- 4The e-Visa is normally e-mailed within minutes print a copy and carry it with your passport.
- 5For treatment longer than 90 days, plan to apply for a Short Term Residence Permit through e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr after arrival.
- 6Not eligible for the e-Visa, or planning long inpatient treatment? Book a consular appointment at the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate for a sticker medical visa. Allow 5–15 working days.
The portal may require a local language account or supporting documents. Yapita Health coordinators handle this for free.
Treatment packages in Turkey
All inclusive, vetted packages you can book while you arrange your visa.
Hair Transplantation
- Hair Transplantation
- Dr Hakan Clinic
- 1 day in hospital
- 3 nights accommodation
Hair Transplantation
- Hair Transplantation
- Long Hair Center
- 1 day in hospital
- 3 nights accommodation
Facelift
- Facelift
- Lokman Hekim, Istanbul - Turkey
- 2 days in hospital
- 7 nights accommodation
How much does a Turkey medical visa cost from United States?
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most developed economies obtain the e-Visa instantly online for stays up to 90 days. Suitable for hair transplant, dental and most cosmetic procedures done within that window.
What should I do when I arrive in Turkey for treatment?
- Carry the e-Visa printout (or sticker visa) plus your passport and hospital letter all are checked at the border.
- If staying more than 90 days, apply for a Short Term Residence Permit (İkamet) within 30 days of arrival.
- Activate your travel insurance and keep a digital copy on your phone.
- Buy a local SIM at Istanbul / Ankara airport (Turkcell, Vodafone TR or Türk Telekom). Foreign bought phones must be registered with the TRA within 120 days to keep working.
- Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for taxis; in city ATM withdrawals give better rates.
- Confirm your hospital appointment and arrange airport transfer with your medical coordinator before flying.
How do I extend my Turkey medical visa?
- Valid passport and current visa / entry stamp
- Updated treatment letter from the Turkish hospital with extension justification
- Proof of accommodation for the extended period
- Updated travel health insurance covering the new dates
- Proof of financial means (bank statement)
- Completed Short Term Residence Permit application via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr
- Four biometric photographs
How long is a Turkey medical visa valid?
The Turkish e-Visa is normally valid for 180 days from issue, with stays of 30 or 90 days per visit depending on nationality. For longer treatment, the patient applies for a Short Term Residence Permit (İkamet) which is granted for up to one year, renewable on documented medical need. Sticker medical visas issued by Turkish consulates carry validity matching the approved treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions Turkey medical visa
Sources & official references
Verified guidance from official government portals and accredited bodies:

