ISTANBUL
More than 16 million foreigners were issued Turkish visas between April 2013 and Jan. 1, 2017, since a new electronic system was launched, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Turkey collected over $355.3 million in visa fees from people hoping to travel to Turkey during the period.
The country received 18,452,733 “e-visa” applications out of which 87.79 percent (16,199,968) were issued visas at an average of 17,000 per day.
The largest number of visas were given out to people from the U.K. (4.6 million), followed by Iraq (around 2 million) and Holland (1.8 million) within the same timeframe.
The highest number of visas was issued on July 13, 2015, when 46,747 visas were given.
Visitors can obtain Turkish visas via the website "www.evisa.gov.tr" in about three minutes, according to the ministry.
The electronic visa system (e-visa) eliminates the need for queues at Turkish embassies, consulates, border gates and airports around the world.
Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering the required information and making a payment through credit cards online.
Reporting by Sumeyye Dalkilinc; Writing by Tuba Sahin
