Turkey Visa Guide – 5 Easy Steps to Apply for Turkish Tourist and Travel Visa

Part European, part Asian, Turkey is a fabulous destination where visitors can stand in awe of its beautiful sights, and get to know its friendly locals. Greek and Roman ruins, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, its history is there for all to see. Plus, with a stunning countryside, ranging from olive groves and pine woods to breath-taking mountains and magical landscapes there certainly is a lot to see and do in this magical destination! In this article learn more about how to apply for Turkey Visa at the Turkish embassies and consulates worldwide, Turkey visa appointment booking, Processing time at the Turkish visa application center, Turkey visa application form, apply from USA, India, Turkey visa application requirements, itinerary or round trip flight booking or flight reservation without paying for the ticket, Turkish visa types, Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation.

Applying for a Turkey visa

If you hold a passport from any of the following countries, you do not need a visa to be able to enter Turkey as long as you are visiting for tourist or business purposes only. If you plan to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180 day period, an ID card will be accepted instead of a passport for citizens of some countries. Please note the number of days you are permitted to stay:

Please take note of the following regulations which refer to citizens of the above countries:

ID – may enter with an ID card for stays up to 90 days in a 180 day period

T – Visa-free for tourism purposes only

1 – Allowed to enter with an expired passport (up to 5 years)

2 – Allowed to enter with an expired passport or ID card (up to 1 year)

3 – Except for journalists and holders of service passports

In addition, if you hold a “Laissez-Passer” issued by the United Nations, you also do not require a visa.

Holders of passports from the following countries, also do not require a visa, but there are certain conditions to be met to enjoy visa-free status:

1. Cyprus – must be resident in Northern Cyprus and must arrive from Ercan International Airport or Famagusta, Kyrenia, or Karavostassi seaports for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days
2. Libya – as long as not older than 12 years old or younger than 65 years old for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days
3. Palestine – VIP passport holders only

If you hold one of the following passports, you are eligible to apply for an e-visa for a maximum of 90 days. (Some countries are only permitted to stay 30 days):

Please take note of the regulations regarding the above countries:

ID – Can enter with an ID card for stays up to 90 days within 180 days

1 – Only eligible for a single entry e-visa for a maximum of 30 days

2 – Can enter Turkey with an expired passport (up to 5 years)

3 – E-visas are issued free of charge. Mexican citizens who obtain an e-visa on arrival will have to pay a fee

4 – British citizens and British nationals overseas only

5 – Not eligible for e-visas on arrival

6 – Can apply for a multiple entry e-visa for stays up to 30 days

If you are a citizen of any of the following countries, you are eligible to apply for a single entry e-visa OR an e-visa on arrival at Istanbul Ataturk (IST) for a maximum of 30 days as long as certain conditions are met:

1 – E-visas are issued free of charge

Conditions:

1. All nationalities, except for citizens of Gabon and Zambia, must hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the following countries: Schengen countries, Ireland, the UK or the US. Not requested for Egyptian citizens under 20 or over 45 years old
2. All citizens, except for citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, must travel with an airline that has protocols with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I.e. Atlas Global, Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Egypt Air
3. Must have a hotel reservation and sufficient funds (US$50 per day)
4. Algerian citizens must be aged below 18 or over 35 years old to be eligible for e-visa
5. Afghanistan, Iraq, Zambia and Philippines citizens are not eligible for e-visa on arrival at Istanbul Ataturk airport

Citizens of North Korea may be eligible for a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days, but they must hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by any of the Schengen countries, Ireland, or the United Kingdom.

If you come from any of the following countries, you must obtain a standard visa from any of the Turkish Embassies or Consulate Generals located in your country of residence:

Types of visas for Turkey

There are several types of visa for Turkey and the one you need to apply for will depend on your reason for visiting Turkey:

Tourist/Businessperson

1. Touristic visit
2. Single transit
3. Double transit
4. Business meeting/Commerce
5. Conference/Seminar/Meeting
6. Festival/Fair/Exhibition
7. Sports activity
8. Cultural artistic activity
9. Official visit
10. Visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Official visa

1. Assigned for duty
2. Courier

Student/Education visa

1. Internship visa
2. Internship Erasmus
3. Internship AISEC
4. Turkish Language Course
5. Other courses
6. Education purpose
7. Education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Working visa

1. Employment purpose/Special employment purpose
2. Assigned lecturers/Academics
3. Assigned sportsperson
4. Assigned artists
5. Assigned free zone workers
6. Assigned journalists
7. Montage and repairman purposes

Other visas

1. Archaeological excavation, exploration purpose
2. Documentary purpose
3. Tour operator representative
4. Medical treatment purposes
5. Accompaniment purpose
6. Family Unification purpose
7. Freight vısa
8. Seafarer visa

Turkey visas are usually issued as single or multiple entry depending on where you are from and the type of visa you are applying for:

1. Single entry – Tourist, business, seaman, work, student, medical
2. Multiple entry – Tourist, business

Where to apply for Turkey visa

To find the correct Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your region, go to www.mfa.gov.tr and click on: “Ministry”:

On the next page, click on: “Turkish representations” and you’ll find the list of Turkish Embassies and Consulates based worldwide:

Alternatively, you can go to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and click on: “Consular info”:

On this page, click on: “More”:

Then, click on: “General information about Turkish visas” (on the left):

On the next page, scroll down until you see: “General information” and you will find 2 links. One for the Pre-Application System for Turkish Sticker Visa and the other for the e-Visa system. Click on www.visa.gov.tr:

You will be directed to the website of the “Consular Procedures of the Republic of Turkey”:

In order to find the correct Turkish Embassy or Consulate located in your area, you need to click on: “Please select a country and Consular Mission”:

From there, you will be directed to the correct office where you will submit your Turkey visa application:

Please note, if you start to apply for a standard visa at www.visa.gov.tr, the system will tell you whether you are eligible to apply for an e-visa and redirect you to www.evisa.gov.tr/en

If you come from Algeria, India, Iraq, Nepal, Qatar, or the United Arab Emirates, you also have the option of applying through VFS Global.

The Turkey Visa Application Process and Requirements

General turnaround times are 3-4 business days, but it could take longer depending on where you are applying, the type of visa, and your nationality. It’s advisable to apply for your Turkey visa up to 1 month in advance. That way the chances of it being processed in time are high. If you leave it too late, there might not be enough time for a decision to be made before you plan to leave for Turkey. Please note, applications older than 3 months will not be accepted.

To help you apply for your Turkey visa, there are a series of steps you need to follow and the first one is to make an appointment in order to submit your application to the visa office you are applying at.

Step 1: Make an appointment

In order to make your appointment, go to the website of the consular procedures of the Republic of Turkey and click on: “Make an appointment” and choose: “Visa pre-application for foreign citizens”:

Then, you’ll need to complete the requested information, save and proceed. From there, you’ll be able to make a suitable day and time for your appointment.

Step 2: Complete your application form

In order to complete your visa application form for Turkey, go to www.konsolosluk.gov.tr and click on: “Visa” and choose: “Visa information”:

On the next page, scroll down and you will find the link for the form. You’ll also find other useful information about applying for a Turkey visa here:

You can print this off to complete and sign it. You will need to input application details into the online system, but you still need to hand over all the documents, including the application form, which have already been uploaded.

Step 3: Get your documents ready

It is your responsibility to gather all the required documents for your Turkey visa application. It is not up the embassy or consulate to tell you what you need, so take the time to find out what is needed before you start this step. If you fail to meet the prerequisites for your visa application, it could result in your application being refused.

Also, you need to provide original documents as well as photocopies of everything.

Documents you need to get ready are:

1) Passport with at least 60 days remaining at the end of your trip to Turkey. For example, if you have a 90-day visa for Turkey, your passport should be valid for an additional 60 days which equals 150 days (90 days + 60 days). Plus, 1 or 2 pages free for your Turkish visa to be attached. Also, provide 2 copies of passport data pages

2) Visa application form fully completed and signed. You would have already uploaded this to consular procedures website, but you still need to take a copy when you submit your application

3) Passport-sized photograph x 2 – make sure these are not older than 6 months

4) Proof of confirmed hotel booking and round trip flight reservation. (It is highly recommended that you do not confirm the tickets before the visa is issued)

5) Evidence of flight bookings

6) Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Turkey – at least $50 per day

7) Your last 6 bank statements

8) Cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of stay

9) Police Clearance Certificate (PPC) – If you have traveled to the UK, USA, or any other Schengen country this is not required

10) Proof that you intend to leave Turkey at the end of your trip – a document to prove you have ties in your home country

11) Medical insurance valid during your trip – to cover medical evacuation and repatriation, personal accident and death, personal liability, daily allowance in hospitalization cases, and should be for a minimum of $35,000 (Please note, travel insurance should end 2 days after departure from Turkey

12) Parental consent in the case of minors (under 18 years old)

13) Invitation letter including inviting person’s ID, contact details, length and reason for stay, relationship to the visitor, and proof of financial responsibility (tourist visa ); Tax registration certificate and proof of financial responsibility (business visa)

14) Letter from employer confirming absence, purpose, and duration in Turkey with 3 x payslips and/or income tax return; business license or ownership proof with 3 months bank statements (if self-employed); leave letter and/or ID (if student); proof of income (if retired)

15) Work permit and/or residence permit

16) Proof of any type of event/conference/internship etc.

17) Birth/marriage certificate

18) Proof of student enrollment

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2. Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

Please be aware, this may not be everything that is required for your application. The office you are dealing with will tell you whether they require anything else when you submit your application, but this could delay your application. So, it’s a good idea to check what you need prior to your appointment. Check the website of VFS Global in India for a list of documents. It’s better to have too many than not enough!

Step 4: Submit your application

On the day of your appointment, you need to get to the embassy or consulate early. Whatever you do, don’t miss your appointment because you’ll have to reschedule and this will delay things for you – even to the point of you not going to Turkey as planned.

Also, don’t turn up in jeans and t-shirts, this is a sure fire way of coming across to the visa staff that you don’t really care whether you get your visa or not.

Lastly, remember to take all your documents. If your application has missing paperwork, the embassy or consulate won’t be able to make a reasonable decision as to whether they should grant your visa or not.

The visa staff will look over your application and supporting documents and if they need to clarify anything with you they will ask you extra questions like:

1. Have you got enough funds to support your stay in Turkey?
2. Do you have family in Turkey?
3. What do you know about Turkey?
4. What are your plans when you arrive in Turkey?
5. What do you do in your home country?

If you get asked any questions like these, simply answer them precisely and honestly. The visa staff is only trying to get full information from you in order to make a decision about your visa application.

You’ll also have to pay the relevant fee for your Turkish visa. Please check the consular procedures website for a list of e-visa fees and visas on arrival. The fees depend on your nationality. If you are applying through VFS Global, there will also be an additional service fee payable. These fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Please note, these fees will be charged in the local currency of the country you are applying from.

You may also have to provide biometric data in the form of a scan of your fingerprints and a digital photo.

Step 5: Receive your visa

You can track the status of your application by going to www.visa.gov.tr and clicking on: “Application/Appointment status” and then: “Search visa pre-application for foreign citizens”. Key in the requested information and hit: “Search”:

When your visa application has been processed, you will receive notification and you can collect it from the Turkish Embassy, Consulate, or 3^rd party office you have been dealing with. In most cases, you can also arrange for your passport to be mailed back to you.

If your visa has been approved, you will find it attached to your passport. Sometimes, visa applications get refused for any number of reasons:

1. Missing documents
2. You don’t have enough funds
3. The purpose of your trip is not clear
4. You have provided false information

Whatever you do, do NOT give false information and/or provide fake documents – you will be found out! You must make the purpose of your trip clear either to the visa staff and/or with the documents you provide – you should provide a cover letter explaining the details of your trip. You should be able to afford your trip and, again, the documents you provide should confirm this. Lastly, if you fail to provide all the required paperwork, it may lead to a denial – so check everything before you hand over your file to the visa office.

Here are the links you need to apply for your Turkey visa:

1. www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/Visa/Index – for standard visas applied from the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your area
2. www.evisa.gov.tr/en – for e-visas available to citizens of certain countries (see above)

FAQs

1) I want to visit Turkey, where can I find out about information on visas?

You can visit the following websites:

1. www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/ekonsolosluk
2. http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.en.mfa?cc4e437c-6769-4d79-9017-10b63c651224
3. http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa

2) If I am visiting Turkey as part of a cruise ship, do I need a visa?

As long as you are granted entry by the immigration authority, you are permitted to come ashore for a maximum of 72 hours without a visa

3) How long is my visa valid for?

Turkey visas are valid for 30, 60, or 90 days within a 180 day period depending on your nationality

4) Can I apply for an e-visa?

Only nationals of certain countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa. See the countries which are mentioned above

5) I am traveling to Turkey for 90 days, but I only have 1 month remaining on my passport after my trip. Can I still get a visa?

No. You must have at least 60 days remaining on your passport beyond your trip. If not, you must apply for a new passport before you apply for your visa

6) Will the visa fee be refunded if my application is refused?

No. You must pay the fee before your application is processed and it will not be refunded in the event your visa is denied

7) I come from Belgium. Do I need to apply for a visa to Turkey?

Yes. If you hold an ordinary passport, you need to apply for a Turkey visa. You can apply for a 3-month multiple entry e-visa through www.evisa.gov.tr

8) If my Turkey visa application is denied, can I appeal the decision?

Yes. You will receive information on how you can appeal. First, you can write to the visa authority that you dealt with. If this is unsuccessful, you can approach the Turkish court system

Conclusion

After you find out which Turkish Embassy or Consulate you will be submitting your application to, there are just 5 easy steps to follow to help you apply for your Turkey visa:

1. Make an appointment
2. Complete your application form
3. Get your documents ready
4. Submit your application
5. Receive your visa

Once you get to step 5, you’ll hopefully have your Turkey visa and you’ll be able to get ready for your fabulous trip to one of the most fascinating countries in the world!

At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.

See Also

Worldwide Visa Requirements