Apologies I have never posted on this before. Have any of you been required to obtain a visa for Turkey? We are all Australian and New Zealand passport holders so don't need one for all the other ports but getting conflicting advice re Turkey. Thanks and apologies if this is not the place to ask such questions!
If on a cruise ship staying a day you are exempt from the rules, it's not required.
Do I Need a Visa to Leave the Ship?
Foreigners who arrive in Turkey by cruise liner and sleep on the ship are allowed to enter Turkey without a visa for a maximum period of 72 hours, with the permission given by the local security authorities as soon as you set foot ashore. If you stay longer or stay in Istanbul (or Turkey for that matter) before or after your cruise, you are obliged to obtain a visa.
ıf you are unsure contact the turkish embassy or consulate in your area
It's best to double-check with your cruise company. Some 'blanket visas' will only cover you for time spent in port
However, in the case of cruise passengers, what normally happens is that the cruise company organises (free) 'Quick-Stay visas' on behalf of their passengers -- allowing for just 72 hours in the country. These are usually organised while you're still on the boat.
also have a read here
mfa.gov.tr/frequently-asked-questions.en.mfa
Answer: Foreigners who are travelling to Turkey by cruises are allowed to enter Turkey without visa for a maximum period of 72 hours, with the permission given by the local security authorities.
Also,
Quote from Turkish Embassy website - under general list of Visa info, not under list of countries :
"The passengers of cruise ships are allowed to enter and stay overnight in the port cities of Turkey upon the permission given by local border police authorities. These passengers are not required to obtain an entry visa to Turkey."
So if you arrive and depart Turkey from another Country by cruise ship, whether you go on a day trip whilst at a port in Turkey, or sleep overnight on a cruise boat at a Turkish port you are covered.
The only time you need a Visa is if you arrive in Turkey by air then join cruise ship, or arrive in Turkey by cruise ship and then fly out .
So if you fall into Category 1 at home on the cruise ship calling at Turkish ports NO Visa required.