Top 10 Countries Visiting Türkiye
Türkiye continues to attract record numbers of foreign visitors each year, with around 49 million tourists arriving annually. The leading countries reflect Türkiye’s strong tourism ties with both Europe and neighbouring regions. Russians and Germans make up the largest visitor groups, followed by British and Bulgarian tourists. The table below summarises the most recent available figures and visa arrangements for short visits.
| Rank | Country | Approx. Number of Tourists | Visa / e-Visa Status for Short Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | ~6,314,000 | Visa-free for short stays |
| 2 | Germany | ~6,193,000 | Visa-free; can enter with national ID |
| 3 | United Kingdom | ~4,433,000 | Visa-free for tourism stays up to 90 days |
| 4 | Bulgaria | ~2,918,000 | Visa-free; can enter with national ID |
| 5 | Iran | ~2,504,000 | Visa or e-Visa required |
| 6 | Netherlands | ~1,866,000 | Visa-free for short stays |
| 7 | Switzerland | ~1,466,000 | Visa-free for short stays |
| 8 | Poland | ~1,442,000 | Visa-free for short stays |
| 9 | Belgium | ~1,303,000 | Visa-free for short stays |
| 10 | Austria | ~1,173,000 | Visa-free for short stays |
Top Expat Communities in Türkiye
Türkiye also hosts a diverse and growing expatriate population. Istanbul is home to the largest and most cosmopolitan expat community, including professionals from across Europe and Asia. Antalya has one of the biggest foreign resident populations, particularly Russians, Germans and British citizens who have settled along the coast. Muğla Province, covering Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, is especially popular with British, Dutch and Scandinavian expats attracted by the sea, scenery and relaxed lifestyle. Izmir and its suburbs have also become popular among Europeans looking for a quieter Mediterranean base.
There are large Russian and Ukrainian communities across Türkiye, particularly in Antalya, Alanya and Istanbul. German expats are widespread in coastal areas and Istanbul, often linked by family or business ties. British expats are concentrated mainly in Aegean and Mediterranean resort towns, while Bulgarian, Iranian and Azeri residents often settle in both Istanbul and border regions. The expat communities are supported by international schools, language centres, and vibrant social networks that make life easier for long-term foreign residents.
Embassies and Consulates of Top Tourist Countries in Türkiye
Below are the main diplomatic missions for the top ten visitor nations, all based in either Ankara or Istanbul, with additional consulates in coastal regions such as Antalya and Izmir.
- Russia: Embassy in Ankara; Consulates in Istanbul and Antalya.
- Germany: Embassy in Ankara; Consulates in Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya.
- United Kingdom: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul; Honorary Consulates in Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Antalya.
- Bulgaria: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul; Honorary Consulates in Bursa and Antalya.
- Iran: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul, Erzurum and Trabzon.
- Netherlands: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul.
- Switzerland: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul.
- Poland: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul.
- Belgium: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul.
- Austria: Embassy in Ankara; Consulate-General in Istanbul.
Visa Summary
Citizens of Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium and Austria can enter Türkiye without a visa for short tourist stays. Most are permitted to remain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Iranian citizens must obtain either a visa or an e-Visa prior to travel. It is always advisable to check the latest regulations on the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or e-Visa website before travelling, as entry rules are subject to change.
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