Having a US passport is advantageous for the globetrotters, as it allows entry to over 180 countries without requiring a visa. And now US citizens can add Turkey to the list of the world’s popular travel destinations they can explore without visa restrictions.

Turkey has announced the removal of visa requirements for citizens from six countries, which include the United States of America, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

The announcement of the decision was made through a presidential decree that was published in the country’s Official Gazette.

Tourists visiting Turkey from the USA, Bahrain, UAE, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are now allowed to stay in the country for a duration of 90 days within each 180-day period without requiring a visa. This recent change was implemented through a decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The decision in query was rendered in accordance with Article 18 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection No. 6458.

Before the change, visitors had to acquire visas in order to enter Turkey. As per the Foreign Ministry, Bahraini individuals holding regular passports had to acquire an online visa, granting them a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Canadian citizens could obtain multiple-entry visas valid for three months through the ministry’s e-Visas website. Omani passport holders were also required to have e-Visas and could stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. Saudi Arabian and UAE nationals also obtained multiple-entry e-Visas, valid for three months. Similarly, American citizens applied for e-Visas to gain entry into Turkey.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his government are prioritizing the reduction of the current account deficit in order to address persistent inflation, with tourism playing a crucial role in generating revenue for Turkey.

The European Union‘s visa rules will remain unchanged throughout 2024, but starting in 2025, non-EU passports holders will be required to obtain authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) prior to their travel to Europe.

ETIAS will grant permits to non-EU residents to enter European Union countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Nevertheless, it does not guarantee automatic admission. Upon arrival, border guards will verify if the foreign visitors fulfill the admission criteria.

Currently, Turkey is exempt from the ETIAS requirement since it not officially the member of the European Union.

Turkey’s tourism sector accounts for approximately 10% of its gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, the accommodation and food services industry employed roughly 1.7 million individuals in 2022, representing around 5% of the country’s total workforce.