Hi Sammy!
Yes, I've been caught-out a few times by those huge "hold" charges on lodging. They sure were a surprise the first time! Not a big deal with credit cards (although it can take a surprisingly long time to get them reversed if the proprietor actually runs them as a matter of course -- yikes! *That* was the surprise to me...registered, and the whole lot was actually charged and not just as a "hold-in-case"), but they can lockup a debit card for awhile. A good thing to keep in mind for any card. By the way, I am in full sympathy for the reasons behind this. As I have related elsewhere on this Forum, on an early tour I left the hotel briefly to buy groceries and came back to find my partner had decided to clean his bike. In the room. Using *all* the hotel linen including the white towels, the bedspread, and some of the curtains. Oh, yeah I made sure he paid. Never in my life have I been so embarrassed to be associated with someone.
Matt, yes...What you do is select your arrival date and then the visa is good for 90 days from that. I set my start date for 20May, since that's when I plan to enter Turkey. I'll leave 25May, but that doesn't matter, since it is within the 90-day limit. By the way, this e-visa is for multiple entry during that 90-day window so you can come and go as you wish within that timeframe.
I am *most* impressed by the efficiency of the Turkish website, and they actually read and respond to feedback. I complimented them yesterday on how nicely the whole process worked and received a personalized email this morning thanking me and wishing me a pleasant visit. As jags would say, "Class".
Here's their landing page, Matt:
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ You can see the process required by clicking on the 1, 2, 3 buttons. To actually initiate an application, you just click on the word "Application" and you'll be done in 10 minutes, tops. You'll need your passport handy to enter the requested data and your credit card as well (it is a secure site). After this, there's a 2-hour window to reply to their confirmation email else you have to start again; it is for security purposes. I think the USD$20 cost was very reasonable and a great way to avoid delays getting this done at port of entry.
Checking every other country on my route, it appears my passport alone will do, no visa required except for Turkey.
Best,
Dan.
