💻Middle EastTurkey

Online Scams in Istanbul, Turkey

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers. Below are the online scams scams reported in Istanbul — how they work and how to avoid them.

For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Jerusalem, Izmir, and Jeddah.

Last updated: April 7, 2026

1

Online Scams Scams

15

Total in Istanbul

How it works

Dozens of unofficial third-party websites impersonate the Turkish government's official eVisa portal, appearing near the top of search results through paid advertising. They charge between $80–$180 for a visa that costs approximately $45 on the official site (evisa.gov.tr). Some issue invalid documents that cause problems at the border; others collect payment and deliver nothing.

See all scams in Istanbul

15 total warnings across all categories

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