Turkey Arrival Card 2026: How to Fill, Requirements & Entry Rules

Turkey Digital Arrival Card (officially called TRDAC) replaced paper arrival cards entirely on May 1, 2025, and must be completed before arrival. This guide covers exactly who needs it, when to submit it, how to fill it correctly.

What Is Turkey Digital Arrival Card (TRDAC)?

The Turkey Digital Arrival Card, officially known as TRDAC, is a mandatory electronic entry registration form that has completely replaced the old paper arrival card. It is free to apply for via the official government website and is used by Turkish immigration to record travelers’ personal information, travel plans, and accommodation details.

Is the arrival card the same as a customs declaration form?

No, they are two separate documents.

• Turkey arrival card (TRDAC): For immigration registration, required for almost all foreign arrivals.
• Customs declaration form: For declaring goods, cash, or valuables that exceed duty-free limits, only required when you have items to declare.

Is Turkey arrival card only available digitally?

Yes, Turkey has fully switched to a digital arrival card system. There are no paper arrival cards available at airports, land borders, or seaports, and all applications must be completed online in advance.

Do I Need a Turkey Arrival Card?

In short, most foreign nationals entering Turkey must complete the digital arrival card (TRDAC) before arrival, with clear exemptions for certain groups including transit passengers who stay within the international transit area.

Who needs the Turkey arrival card

All foreign visitors entering Turkey by air, land, or sea for tourism, business, family visit, or short-term stay are required to fill in the digital arrival card. This applies to visa-free travelers, e-Visa holders, and those with a stamped visa.

Who is exempt

The following groups do not need to complete the Turkey arrival card:

• Turkish citizens and Turkish Cypriot citizens
• Foreign nationals with a valid Turkish residence permit
• Diplomatic passport holders and official mission travelers
• Transit passengers who remain in the international transit zone of Turkish airports and do not pass through passport control

How to Fill Turkey Arrival Card Online

You should complete the Turkey digital arrival card within 72 hours before your arrival in Turkey. The application is done entirely on the official website, and no third-party services are necessary.

Information you need to prepare

• Personal details matching your passport
• Passport number, issue and expiry date
• Arrival date, flight or vehicle number
• Accommodation address in Turkey
• Contact email and phone number

Basic application steps

1. Visit the official Turkish arrival card / e‑Visa website
2. Select your nationality and passport type
3. Fill in all required information accurately
4. Submit the form and receive the digital confirmation with a QR code
5. Save the confirmation on your phone or print a copy for inspection

What are Turkey Entry Requirements

To enter Turkey smoothly, foreign travelers must prepare the following documents:

• A valid passport with a validity period of at least 6 months from the date of entry
• Completed Turkey Digital Arrival Card (TRDAC) confirmation
• Valid entry permission, which can be visa-free entry, e-Visa, or a regular visa
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Turkey
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay

When Should You Fill the Turkey Arrival Card?

Submit the TRDAC within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Turkey.

• Earliest: Do not submit more than 72 hours before arrival—early applications may expire or be invalidated.
• Latest: Complete it before checking in for your flight / departing for the land/sea crossing; you cannot fill it on arrival at immigration.
• If plans change: If your flight, arrival date, or accommodation is altered, update or resubmit the form with correct details.
• Validity: The TRDAC is valid only for one single arrival; you must complete a new one for every entry into Turkey.

Turkey Digital Arrival Card vs e‑Visa

Many travelers mix up the digital arrival card and e‑Visa, but they serve completely different purposes.

In short: if you need a visa to enter Turkey, you must prepare both an e‑Visa and a digital arrival card.

Arrival Process in Turkey

Once you land or cross the border:

1. Proceed to Passport Control (Foreigners queue).
2. Present:
3. • Your valid passport
   • TRDAC confirmation (digital or printed)
   • e-Visa/visa (if applicable)
3. The officer scans your QR code, checks documents, and stamps your passport.
4. Collect your baggage.
5. Go through Customs:
6. • Green channel: No goods to declare (most travelers).
   • Red channel: Items/cash over duty-free limits (declare on form).
6. Exit to the arrivals hall.

What If You Make a Mistake or Need to Change Details?

• Minor typos (name, passport number): Errors can cause delays or refusal of entry. Do not guess—always correct the form.
• How to fix: Resubmit a new TRDAC with accurate information; the old incorrect form will be invalidated.
• Lost confirmation: Re-access the official site and re-download your confirmation using your passport details and email.

TRDAC for Children & Infants

Every child and infant—regardless of age—needs a separate TRDAC. Parents or legal guardians may complete the form on their behalf.

• Children cannot be included on a parent’s TRDAC; each requires an individual application.
• A valid passport (or travel document) is required for the child to apply.

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