Are you considering a trip to Turkey? If so, then what’s the first step? Well, if you want to travel outside your home country, one important step must be taken ahead of time to secure a valid visa. Obtaining a visa for Turkey may seem overwhelming and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we will provide you with an up-to-date guide on how to successfully apply for Turkish tourist and travel visas in just five easy steps! So get ready, and let’s get started on planning your next visit or holiday to the beautiful country of Turkey.
Applying for a Turkey Visa:
If you want to discover Turkey’s stunning landscapes, historical sites, and exciting culture, passport holders from many countries do not need a visa to visit. You can stay in Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period – ideal for long holidays and business trips alike. The list of eligible countries includes certain European nations and some non-European ones; for citizens of some countries, an ID card can replace their passports when entering the country. No matter where you come from, make sure you know the exact length of your trip before departure: the number of days allowed may vary depending on your nationality. Here is a list of all the countries that are eligible for a visa-free visit.
Where to apply for Turkey visa
Applying for a Turkish visa is simple and easy. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, click “Ministry”, then “Turkish Representations” to find your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Alternatively, click “Consular Info” on the same page and select “General Information About Turkish Visas” to get detailed information on pre-application systems for sticker visas as well as an e-Visa system via www.visa.gov.tr. The website will be directed to the “Consular Procedures of the Republic of Turkey”. Here select “Please select a country and Consular Mission” to find the correct Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Follow the path of guidance, and you’ll be led to the appropriate office – where your Turkey visa adventure begins.
Note: If you’re looking to apply for a traditional visa, head to www.visa.gov.tr, and you’ll be informed if you can obtain an e-visa instead. This may be a simpler option for many people, as the process can be done online at www.evisa.gov.tr/en – no need to even visit an embassy! For starters who are from Algeria, India, Iraq, Nepal, Qatar, or the United Arab Emirates, there’s also an alternative possibility; applying through VFS Global gives them their own submission options too!
The Turkey Visa Application Process and Requirements
To get your visa for Turkey in time, it’s important to plan ahead and apply for it up to one month before your travel date. Applications older than three months won’t be accepted, so make sure to book an appointment with the applicable visa office as soon as possible. You’ll need to submit your application during this appointment and then wait for their decision. Usually, this takes between three and four business days, but depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, your nationality, and in which office you’ve submitted it, the turnaround time may vary.
Step 1: Make an Appointment:
Scheduling an appointment for the Republic of Turkey consular procedures is easier than ever. Go to the website and click on “Make an Appointment”, then select the option “Visa Pre-Application for Foreign Citizens” to get started. Fill out all necessary information, save your progress and select a time that works best for you. In no time, you’ll be ready to have your important documents processed by a professional.
Step 2: Complete Your Application Form:
After making your appointment, the next step is to complete the application form. This form can be easily downloaded from the website and should be filled out correctly and completely with all relevant information, including personal details, passport info, address of stay in Turkey, the purpose of visit, and contact person in Turkey. The process is very simple; go to www.konsolosluk.gov.tr. After clicking “Visa” and “Visa Information”, scroll down the page until you find the link for the actual application form – and that’s not all! You can also use this page to access other useful information about applying for a Turkish visa. Once you fill out the form, you need to both upload it online and print off a physical copy to sign off on before submitting it. Applying is easy once you know what your next steps are!
Step 3: Get Your Documents Ready:
When applying for a Turkey visa, it is up to you to make sure that all the required documents are in order. You are responsible for researching what papers and forms are necessary for your application; the embassy and consulate will not provide this for you. Taking the time to ensure everything is prepared and completed before submitting your visa application can save you from harshly receiving a denial due to missing documents. Don’t let a lack of preparation cause delays or rejections – be responsible and stay informed!
List of Required Documents:
- Passport/travel document valid for at least 6 months.
- Evidence of a return plane ticket or other ongoing travel arrangements such as a bus ticket or itinerary.
- Completed visa application form with one recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Turkey (hotel reservation, rental agreement, etc.).
- Proof of financial means – either a bank statement or credit card statement.
- Depending on the purpose of your trip (tourism/business), you may have to provide additional documents, such as an invitation letter from a Turkish company or organization.
- Your last 6 bank statements
- Police Clearance Certificate (PPC)
- Medical insurance
- Invitation letter including the hostname, address, and contact information
- Proof of any event/conference/internship etc.
- Proof of student enrollment
- Birth/marriage certificate
- Work permit and/or residence permit
How to get docs
Tip: There are Dummy ticket services that can help in getting all the docs you need from hotel to flight such that you don’t have to buy yourself the ticket.
Step 4: Submit Your Application:
Once you have all the necessary documents and forms, head to your local visa office and book an appointment. Submit your application during this appointment, after which you’ll need to wait for their decision. Depending on the type of visa being applied for, processing times can range from three to four business days – so be sure to take that into consideration when planning your trip. After the decision is made, you will be informed either by mail or email.
Step 5: Collect Your Visa:
Once you have been notified of the visa approval, it’s time to collect your visa! Depending on the type of Turkish visa you’re applying for, there may be different collection processes. You can pick up your passport and visa for most visas at the consulate or embassy where you applied.
Applying for a visa can be stressful, but thankfully staying up to date on the status of the application can be easy. By visiting www.visa.gov.tr and clicking on the “Application/Appointment Status” tab, you’re one step closer to finding out where you stand with your application. Input the relevant details in the “Search visa pre-application for foreign citizens” prompt and hit search to be directed to your application status page. Enough stressing – it’s as easy as that!
FAQs
How many types of visas for Turkey?
There are several different types of visas for Turkey, depending on the purpose of your visit. Tourist and business visa applications can be made online. Short-term visitors may also choose a transit visa for stays of up to three months or an e-visa for travel within 90 days. A student visa is also available for those wanting to extend their stay in the country for more than three months. For longer visits, a residence permit must be obtained from the local Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country before travelling. It’s important to note that the application process can take up to six weeks, so please plan ahead!
Can I apply for a visa online?
Yes, most visas can now be applied for online. Tourist and business visa applications can be made through the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website. An e-visa is available for short-term stays of up to 90 days and is issued within minutes of submitting your application. Please note that applications for longer stays require an appointment at the local Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country.
How long does it take to get a visa for Turkey?
The visa process for Turkey can take up to 15 days, depending on the individual’s circumstances and nationality. Applying for a visa can seem daunting, but the Turkish Republic has a straightforward process that is easy to follow. All applicants must complete an online application, pay the applicable fee, submit two passport-sized photos, and provide a copy of their valid passport with enough blank pages. Once all requirements are met, approval for your visa should be quick – usually within a few days. With careful preparation and accuracy in completing documents, you will be able to speed up the visa process without a hitch.
Reasons why your visa application may be denied:
- Incomplete or incorrect applications
- Documentary evidence of false information or omissions in your application
- Insufficient funds to support yourself while in Turkey
- Evidence that you intend to stay longer than the time period specified on the visa or residence permit
- Not meeting the requirements for the visa type being applied for (such as not having a valid passport)
- Previous criminal convictions in Turkey or other countries
- Failed medical tests
- Security reasons, such as links to terrorism, espionage, human trafficking, illegal immigration, and more
- Violation of Turkish laws and regulations during previous visits
- Lack of strong ties to your home country, such as family ties or employment
Will the visa fee be refunded if my application is refused?
Applying for a visa is an essential step in planning travel to many countries, but it also requires a fee that may not be refunded in the event your application is denied. Before submitting your visa application, carefully review the details and requirements of the country you plan to visit. Be sure all documents are prepared accurately and completely to minimize your chances of a denied application; if needed, utilize resources such as assistance from traveling agencies or legal experts that specialize in international travel.
Can I appeal the decision if my Turkey visa application is denied?
Yes, if your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Depending on your individual circumstances, you might be able to submit a reconsideration request with additional evidence or correct any mistakes in your original application. An experienced traveling lawyer may also be able to help you with the necessary paperwork and provide guidance through the appeals process.
Does Turkey have a visa-free policy?
Yes, Turkey has a visa-free policy that allows citizens of certain countries to enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa. If your nationality is listed on the visa-exempt list, you will not need to apply for a visa prior to travel. However, you should ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival to be allowed entry into the country. Additionally, some nationalities may be eligible for an e-visa which can be obtained online within minutes. Please check with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate nearest you for information about any eligibility requirements.
Conclusion:
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the process for obtaining a visa to travel to Turkey. It’s important to note that the Turkish government automatically refuses all unsuccessful visa and residence permit applications and cannot be appealed via the online portal. You will need to present an appeal in person at a local Turkish embassy or consulate. In some cases, you may have grounds for appealing the decision based on international law or human rights legislation – again, consulting with legal experts is highly recommended for such situations. Whether or not your appeal is successful, the decision will be made in the best interest of Turkey and its citizens. Good luck!
