How to Get a Turkey Visa: Application Guide for Tourists
Turkey, a fascinating country that straddles the Eurasian continent, is rich in historical sites and magnificent natural landscapes. The first step in starting your Turkey tour is to apply for a visa. Whether you are traveling for a short period of time or staying for a long time, this guide will help you understand the necessary information for getting a Turkey visa, ensuring your journey goes smoothly.
Who Needs a Turkey Visa
Before you travel to Turkey or decide to apply for a Turkey visa, check whether you can be exempt or get an e-visa. The following is a list of countries for reference only, it's recommended to check the official website or ask the staff in advance for specific requirements.
Istanbul, Turkey
Countries Exempt From Turkey Visa
Citizens of exempting countries can enter Turkey with a valid passport and usually stay for no more than 90 days. If you're planning to travel to Turkey multiple times, there may be restrictions on the cumulative stay time within a year. It is recommended to check the latest policies in advance to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Europe
Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
South America
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Central America and the Caribbean
Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago
Asia
Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Africa
Morocco, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
Oceania
New Zealand.
Countries Apply for E-Visa
Eligible Countries
North America
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United States.
Europe
Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and United Kingdom.
Asia
Bahrain, China, Greek Cypriot Administration, Indonesia, Kuwait, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Africa
Mauritius and South Africa.
Oceania
Australia.
Countries Need Certain Conditions
North America
Mexico.
Europe
Republic of Moldova.
Asia
Bangladesh, India, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen.
Africa
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'lovoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
E-Visa Applying
Types of Turkey Visa
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is for travelers who wish to travel to the country for tourism and leisure, including sightseeing and visiting relatives and friends. The specific duration of stay is generally 30-90 days.
Transit Visa
A transit visa is for travelers who plan to travel to a third country through Turkey and need to stay for a short period of time, usually three or five days. It is important to provide a valid third-country visa and a travel plan for transit through Turkey.
Visa Validity
The validity period of a Turkey visa depends on your nationality and visa type. Typically, tourist visas are valid for 180 days, allowing you to enter the country multiple times during this period, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. In addition, the validity and duration of other long-term visas vary on a case-by-case basis, and more detailed information can be found on the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
The Best Time to Apply
The best time to apply for a Turkey visa depends on your travel plans. Generally speaking, it is recommended to start the visa application process between 1-3 months before your planned departure date. This period of time is usually enough for you to prepare the required materials, submit your application, and wait for the visa to be processed and approved. If you plan to travel during the peak tourist season or holidays, it is better to apply as early as possible to ensure that you can get the visa on time.
Channels to Apply for A Visa
Choosing which channels to apply for a Turkey visa depends on your nationality and visa type. If you are eligible to apply for an e-visa, it is best to apply on the website a week in advance. If you need a paper visa, you can go to the Turkish embassy or consulate in the local area to apply offline, usually requiring an appointment in advance and submitting relevant materials. Before choosing the way, it is best to confirm the latest visa policy to ensure that you meet the application requirements.
Visa Requirements
Typical Requirements
Valid Passport
Your passport should be issued within the last ten years, valid for six months longer than the expected period of stay in Turkey, and has at least two blank pages.
Passport-Size Photos
Usually, the face should be clear, the background should be white, and the photo should have been taken recently. It's better to check the official website for the latest requirements.
Visa Application Form
Fill out completely and accurately, including the purpose of the visit, estimated length of stay, and personal information.
Flight Itinerary
Provide a round-trip flight itinerary or confirmation of how to enter and exit the country.
Accommodation Reservations
Submit confirmation of accommodation reservation or invitation letter from the host.
Financial Proof
Provide a bank statement, pay slip from your employer, or a letter of financial support.
Travel Insurance
Cover the entire duration of your stay, including accidents and medical emergencies.
Additional Requirements
Employment Certificate
Provide a letter from the employer stating your position, salary, years of employment, and approved vacation time.
Criminal Record Certificate
Depending on the consulate's requirements, a criminal record certificate may be required.
Other Supporting Documents
Depending on the specific circumstances, other documents may be required, such as a marriage certificate, property ownership certificate, vehicle registration certificate, etc.
7 Steps to Get a Turkey Visa
1. Choose the Types
Determine the visa type you need to apply for based on the purpose of your visit to Turkey. The requirements and application process for different types of visas may vary.
2. Gather all Supporting Documents
Sort out and arrange all the documents required for your visa in the order.
3. Choose the Channels
Online Application
If you're eligible to get an e-visa, you can apply online directly through the Turkish website.
Offline Application
If you need to apply for a paper visa, you can make an appointment to submit your application materials to the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country, and an interview may be required.
4. Make an Appointment
Online Application
You can apply online through the Turkish e-visa website, without an appointment.
Offline Application
Make an appointment through the embassy's official website or by phone. It's recommended to check the specific requirements in advance to ensure that you make an appointment for a suitable time.
5. Submit Application
Online Submission
Fill out the application form online and upload the required documents. Then pay the visa fee (approx. 14-17 euros) online and submit your application.
Offline Submission
Bring all the required documents to submit your application within the appointment time at the embassy or consulate, and pay the visa fee (approx. 117-180 euros) as needed.
6. Wait for Approval
Online Application
E-visas are usually processed within a few minutes to a few days, and the application results will be sent by email.
Offline Application
Visas applied offline are usually processed within a few days to a few weeks, depending on your nationality and visa type.
7. Collect Your Visa
Online Collection
After the e-visa is approved, you will receive an email with the visa, which you can download and print.
Offline Collection
After the visa is approved, you can go to the embassy or collect your passport and visa by mail as required.
Get A Turkey Visa and Plan Your Trip With Odynovo
By understanding Turkey visa requirements and planning your trip with Odynovo, you'll be on your way to an unforgettable journey. Let Odynovo guide you through every step, ensuring your trip is comfortable and tailored to your interests. Feel free to contact us or drop a message at [email protected]!
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