What is a Turkey Visa?
A Turkey visa is an official authorization granted by the Republic of Turkey to international travelers that permits them to enter the country for a variety of purposes, including tourism, business, and education. It is a crucial document that regulates and monitors the entry of foreigners into Turkey and it is mandatory that you comply with the requirements stated on your Turkish Visa.
The validity of your visa to enter Turkey is based on what type of Turkush visa you have, your nationality, and the purpose of your visit. For example, a Tourist Visa may have a validity period of 30-90 days, allowing tourists to explore the country for a specified duration while a Student Visa will typically have a longer period of validity based on the student’s educational program. It is essential for applicants to check the specified details of their Turkish visa type to understand the allowed duration so they can plan their trip accordingly.
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Types of Turkey Visas
Turkey offers various types of visas to accommodate different purposes of travel. The requirements for the different Turkey visas may vary based on your nationality so it is important to check with your country’s Turkish embassy or consulate for the exact details about the Turkey visa you wish to apply for.
Tourist Visa
The Turkish Tourist Visa is for individuals that wish to visit the country for tourism and leisure purposes, including sightseeing and visiting friends and family. This visa is generally available to any tourist who wishes to come to the country. Not all nationalities are required to obtain a Tourist Visa to enter the country, but if you do, you can apply with a completed visa application form, a valid passport, proof of accommodation reservations, and a flight itinerary. Tourists can apply for an e-visa online or in person at their local Turkish embassies or consulates in their home countries.
Business Visa
The Turkish Business Visa is designed for individuals engaged in business-related activities in Turkey, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating business deals. This Turkish visa is open to all individuals with business engagements in the country. Requirements include an invitation letter from a Turkish business, proof of the business activities, and a valid passport. You can apply for a Business Visa at your local Turkish embassy or consulate.
Work Visa
Allowing foreign nationals to work and reside in the country, the Turkish Work Visa is granted to individuals that have a job offer from a Turkish employer. You must have a job offer or contract and sponsorship from a Turkish employer. In order for your visa to be accepted, you must have a valid work permit, health insurance, and a valid passport. When applying, it is required to apply in person at your local Turkish embassy or consulate.
Student Visa
This Turkey visa is for international students enrolled in Turkish educational institutions, allowing them to pursue studies in the country. The Turkish Student Visa is open to students that have been accepted by a university or educational institution in Turkey. In order to qualify for the visa, you must have an acceptance letter from the institution you will be attending, proof of financial means to cover your stay in the country as well as tuition, and a valid passport. You must apply in person through your local Turkish embassy or consulate.
Transit Visa
The Turkish Transit Visa is designed for travelers that are passing through Turkey en route to another destination. In order to be eligible you must have confirmed onward travel, and if required, a visa for your next destination. If you must acquire a Transit Visa, you can apply in person at the Turkish embassy or consulate nearest you.
Family Reunion Visa
The Turkish Family Reunion Visa allows family members to join relatives residing in Turkey. In order to be eligible you must have a familial relationship with a Turkish resident and be able to provide the proof of it. It is required to submit your invitation letter from a Turkish resident, documentation proving your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, and a valid passport. You can apply for this visa in person at your country’s Turkish embassy or consulate that is nearest you.
Residence Permit
With the intention to permit individuals to stay in the country for an extended period, the Turkish Residence Permit is for people such as property owners, retirees, or investors. The eligibility for this varies, based on the type of residence you are seeking. In order to apply for this, you must submit an application form, a valid passport, and supporting documents based on the type of residence you are applying for. Residence permit applications are processed at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in Turkey.
Diplomatic and Official Visas
The Turkish Diplomatic and Official Visa is for individuals visiting the country for diplomatic or official duties. People who are eligible may be government officials, diplomats, or individuals on office duty. Requirements for this visa include a note verbale, an official invitation, and a valid passport. Diplomatic and official visa applications are submitted in person to the Turkish embassy or consulate nearest you.
Applying for a Turkey Visa (Application Steps)
Depending on which Turkey visa you are applying for, the application steps will differ. Your nationality will also potentially affect the application steps. It is important to check with your country’s Turkish embassy or consulate’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Below is a general guideline for the steps you should take when applying for a Turkey Visa.
Applying for a Turkish Tourist Visa (e-visa)
Your first step is going to the official Turkish e-visa website (https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/) to start the application process.
You must choose your nationality and the purpose of your travel, such as tourism. You will be prompted to provide your planned arrival date and departure date.
You can find the application form on the website. Complete this form with your personal details, such as your passport information and your travel itinerary. It is essential to double-check this form to ensure it is completely filled out and accurate before submission.
You will be required to upload a digital copy of your passport’s main page and a recently taken passport-size photo. Ensure that the photo meets the specified requirements, found on the official website.
You can pay the required visa fee online using the accepted payment methods. The cost of your e-visa can vary based on your nationality and whether you are applying for a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. You should keep the receipt for reference.
Once your application has been approved, you will be notified. You should download and print the document showcasing your e-visa. It is advised to bring a physical and electronic copy of your visa with you to enter the country.
Upon arrival in Turkey, present your e-visa to immigration authorities and follow any additional requirements given to you.
Applying for Other Turkey Visas (In Person)
Determine the specific visa type that is best for your travels based on your purpose of travel, such as work, study, or business. You should fully understand the requirements associated with the visa you decide to pursue.
Reach out to the relevant Turkish authorities that will need to provide documentation for your visa application, such as your employers, educational institutions, or business partners. Obtain the necessary documents, which may be an invitation letter, work contract, or acceptance letter.
You can get the required application form from your Turkish embassy or consulate. Contact the embassy or consulate you will be applying at to find out if you can download these forms online or if you must pick them up in person. Fill out the forms completely and accurately, providing detailed information about your intended stay and your purpose of travel.
Compile all of the supporting documents for your visa. Keep them organized and in the order they are required to submit.
Check if there are any visa fees associated with your application. Pay the fees based on what is accepted by your Turkish embassy or consulate. The price of the fee varies based on the visa you are applying for. Make sure to keep your visa receipt.
Submit your completed application to your Turkish embassy or consulate. You may have to schedule an appointment in advance or you may be required to come during certain walk-in visa application times. Check with your embassy or consulate to determine the process they follow.
Based on your visa category you may be required to attend an interview. You should attend any scheduled interviews and be prepared to discuss your intentions for traveling to Turkey.
Once your visa has been approved, you should collect your passport. It is essential to verify that all details on your visa are accurate.
Make sure to bring your passport and visa with you to enter Turkey. Once you arrive, be sure to follow any additional requirements given to you by Turkish immigration officials.
Turkey Visa Requirements
When applying for a Turkey visa, the required documents will vary based on the type of visa you are applying for and your specific nationality. It is essential to check the requirements for your specific situation at your country’s Turkish embassy or consulate’s official website. However, there are some common requirements that are typically needed during the visa application.
Valid Passport
A valid passport with a minimum of six months worth of validity beyond your intended stay in Turkey is required. Your passport must have been issued within the last ten years and have at least two blank pages available.
Passport-Size Photos
You must submit recently taken passport-size photos. You can find the specific requirements for these photos at your embassy or consulate’s official website but typically requirements include a clear photo with an unobstructed view of your face and a white background.
Visa Application Form
Regardless of your visa, you will be required to submit an application form. Make sure this is filled out completely and accurately with information such as the purpose of your visit, your intended duration of stay, and your personal details.
Flight Itinerary
You should provide proof of your planned entry and exit dates by either a round-trip flight itinerary or a confirmation of however you intend to enter and exit the country.
Accommodation Reservations
You must include documentation proving that you have accommodation reservations for the duration of your stay. This can either be a reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from a Turkish resident who will be hosting you.
Proof of Financial Means
You must be able to provide proof that you have the financial means for your time in Turkey. This can either be with a bank statement, a pay stub from your employer, or a letter of financial support.
Travel Insurance
It is often required to prove that you have travel insurance covering the entire duration of your stay. This should provide coverage for unexpected events, including medical emergencies.
Where to Apply
Where you apply for your Turkish Visa depends on which visa you are applying for. If you are applying for the Turkish Tourist Visa, you can simply apply for an e-visa online at the official e-visa website. If you are applying for any visa other than the Tourist Visa, you must apply in person at your country’s Turkish embassy or consulate that is closest to you.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Turkey visa can vary based on the type of visa you are applying for and the specific circumstances of your application. The Tourist e-Visa is typically processed quickly and can be done within a few hours. After applying, you will receive an electronic confirmation once it has been approved. For any other visa (work, student, family reunion, etc) the processing time will take longer. It typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months to process a visa. Varying factors include the type of visa, if any issues arise with the visa application itself, such as incomplete information or the need to verify information, and the workload of the specific embassy or consulate you are applying at. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates to account for any unforeseen circumstances in the application process. For the most accurate information on how long it will take for your visa to be processed, you can refer to your specific Turkish embassy or consulate for an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The e-visa is typically valid for 180 days once you have been approved. It is important to note that the maximum stay in Turkey is 90 days and these days must be within your 180 timeframe of validity.
Yes, you are eligible to reapply if your application is denied. It is advised to very carefully review the reasons for denial and address all issues before submitting a new application. Some embassies or consulates may have a timeframe you must wait before applying for a second time. It is advised to provide additional supporting documents or clarifications about your visa rejection to enhance your chance of approval.
No, the e-visa must be obtained before you enter the country. You will not be permitted access into the country if you are from a country that requires a visa and you do not have one.
Typically, changing the type of your visa while still in Turkey is not permitted. If your circumstances change while you are in Turkey and you require a different type of visa, it is advisable to leave the country and apply for the new visa from your home country. It’s possible that there may be exceptions to this, you should check with government officials while you are in Turkey to advise you as they may take these situations as a case-by-case approach.