All participants whose COP31 registration has been approved by the UNFCCC must apply through Türkiye’s e-Visa platform. Depending on their visa status, they will receive either a COP31 Visa or a COP31 Visa Exemption Certificate. This also applies to participants who already hold a valid Turkish visa.
The exemption certificate is the official document confirming that a participant does not need a visa. Both documents are part of the dedicated entry arrangements for COP31.
How do I apply?
You can start once your UNFCCC registration has been approved. Your registration confirmation email will give you access to your UNFCCC Acknowledgement Letter, which contains the Registration Code needed for the application.
Create an account on Türkiye’s e-Visa platform using a valid email address, then activate it through the confirmation link.
Enter your Registration Code, personal and contact details, travel document information, and intended arrival and departure dates.
Upload a passport-size photograph in JPG, JPEG or PNG format, up to 4 MB.
Check that your details match your travel document exactly, then submit the application.
You do not need to provide a flight booking or accommodation details. No other supporting documents are required unless they are specifically requested. Once your document has been issued, you can download it from the portal; you can also check your application under “My Visa Applications.”
When should I apply?
Apply as soon as your UNFCCC registration is confirmed. COP31 Visas are normally issued within seven working days, but processing times can vary.
The COP31 Visa is free of charge and allows multiple entries. It is valid from 1 to 30 November 2026, with a maximum stay of 30 days. If you plan to travel outside those dates or stay longer, check the entry rules that apply to the rest of your trip separately: a COP31 Visa generally cannot be extended.
What should I check before travelling?
Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after your arrival in Türkiye. You also need valid travel medical insurance. You do not have to upload the insurance policy with your application, but border officers may ask to see proof when you arrive.
Check every detail on your issued document against your passport or other accepted travel document. If the information does not match, the COP31 Visa is invalid. Contact visas@unfccc.int and apply for a new one before travelling.
In exceptional cases, the e-Visa platform may direct an applicant to a Turkish diplomatic mission for a sticker visa. If that happens, follow the instructions shown during your application. The COP31 sticker visa is also free for approved participants.
Ready to apply? Start at the official Türkiye e-Visa platform. For specific cases and further details, read the full UNFCCC COP31 Visa FAQ.
