Tourist Visa For Turkey Requirements
Some people ask me what to expect on the Turkey tourist visa. I started thinking about the requirements you will have to fulfill before applying for your Turkish visa. Turks are friendly and open-minded people, and anybody will feel comfortable when visiting the country. Turkey, being a Muslim society, has its own values in terms of behaviour and there are a few things you can do or not do when visiting the country. Before going in, make sure you fulfil all visa requirements and have your documents ready!
Turkey has agreed to abolish visas for citizens of 80 countries which makes it interesting for those who want to travel all over the country. However, the regulations required for obtaining a tourist visa for Turkey are very stringent and especially country specific. Nothing is as irritating as when you have to turn back because you forgot to bring your high school report card or even your bank statement.
Turkey is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive family vacation or a luxury getaway, Turkey has something for everyone.
For any tourist who wants to visit Turkey, you will need a tourist visa. However, what does it take to get one? Here is a quick guide on how to apply for your tourist visa for Turkey:
- You must be at least 18 years old and have at least one blank page in your passport (more pages are recommended).
- You must have proof of financial support in the form of a bank statement showing that you have at least $100 per day.
- You must have proof of accommodation during your stay in Turkey (hotel booking confirmation or hostel booking confirmation).
Türkiye Visa Types
Different visa types apply for visits to Türkiye on short-term or long-term basis. Single, double or multiple-entry visas are given depending on the holder’s term of stay. Visa holders cannot stay in the country longer than 90 days in periods of 180 days, unless stated otherwise. Visa on arrival applies to citizens of eligible countries. E-visa can be obtained only for tourism or business visits. The applications for an electronic visa are processed through webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All other visa applications are made through the Pre-Application System of Turkish Sticker Visa as of 2016.
Type C (Short-term Stay) Visa
Short-term visa is granted to to third country citizens for designated periods in line with their purpose of stay that shall not exceed a maximum of 90 days.
Türkiye Tourist Visa
Türkiye tourist visa is given to foreign nationals who wish to visit the country for only tourism and entertainment reasons. Tourist visas can be issued in the form of e-visas or visas upon arrival if the applicant is a national of an eligible country.
Türkiye Visa for Business and Fair Visits
Business visa is granted to third country nationals who seek to visit Türkiye only for business purposes. The holder of a business visa can attend conferences, business meetings or other sorts of commercial activities. However, the total term of stay will be restricted to determined periods in line with the dates on your issued visa.
Türkiye Visa for Visit to Family, Relatives and Friends
Third country nationals who intend to visit family, relatives or friends can apply for private visas upon submission of the relevant documents that include a private invitation from relative or friends.
Türkiye Visa for Cultural, Sports Activities and Participation to Conferences
Foreign travelers are requested to apply for an entry visa if they wish to participate cultural or sports related events and conferences in Türkiye. An official invitation letter presented on the official letterhead of the registered host organization in Türkiye is obligatory as part of the application process.
Türkiye Visa for Short-term Education and Traineeship
Short-term student or work visas can be given to foreigners who seek to visit Türkiye for education or training purposes including short-term language courses. Accordingly, an official invitation letter should be provided by the prospective employer or education institution based in Türkiye indicating the definite dates of enrolled program.
Type D (Long-term Stay) Visa
Long-term visa ensures the applicant right to visit Republic of Türkiye for periods exceeding over 90 days.
Foreign students who wish to study at Turkish education institutions must apply for student visas. The study visa request shall be submitted through the Consulate accompanied with a letter of admission.
Applicants shall make their applications through the diplomatic missions in order to get a work visa or a work permit to stay in Türkiye for longer periods. A letter of employment along with the other documents should be submitted to Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) for approval.
Please be aware that foreigners who intend to work or study in Türkiye for long term stays must register immediately at the local police departments upon arrival.
In case of any doubts, please do not hesitate to contact the nearest diplomatic mission in your region.
Türkiye Transit Visa
Transit visa is given to foreign travelers who will have stopover at the international zone of a country’s airports on the way to third destinations. However, Turkish authorities do not ask for transit visas given that the traveler will not be leaving the transit lounge at the airport.
General Requirements to Apply for Türkiye Visa
Please find below the tourist visa requirements for Türkiye. Mind the fact that the required documents may change depending on the term and purpose of your stay, hence the category of your visa. The Consulate reserves its right to ask for additional documents.
Türkiye Visa Applications
- A passport or travel document with at minimum two blank pages, valid for at least six months and for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page including personal data and previous visas if obtained.
- Completed and signed visa application form along with two biometric photo that is not older than 6 months.
- Proof of travel with confirmed both-way tickets.
- Bank account details proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund his/her travel.
- Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents through employer letter, student certificate, document of registration or demonstration of pension funds.
- Accommodation details through an invitation letter or proof of your hotel reservation throughout your stay.
- Documentation of travel health insurance which will be valid in the country for the entire period of stay.
Additional specific documents may be asked to enclose your application depending on your employment status.
Employed:
- Employment contract (original certificate of employment indicating the position in the company and the salary)
- Bank account statement of the past 6 months
- Approval letter of leave from employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
Self-employed:
- Proof of business license (company registration)
- Company’s bank account statement of the past 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
Student:
- Documentation of University enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school management
Retired:
- Pension statement documenting the past 6 months
Unemployed:
- Proof of financial resources is nevertheless required
- If the person is not able to finance his/her own expenses, proof of a sponsor is mandatory.
What is Visa Sponsorship for Türkiye?
Students or unemployed/retired people who are not in a position to cover their own travel expenses will need to demonstrate support from a sponsor who will borne the full costs. The sponsor is entitled to certain requirements. Hence, only first grade relatives can fulfill this position. If the sponsor is an inviting official party registered in Türkiye , a letter of guarantee undertaking all the commitments including payment of costs that cover the foreigner`s stay and exit from Turkish territory is requested. You can check our website for further details.
Türkiye Visa Rules
- Foreign travelers who would like to shoot a documentary, conduct a research or visit an archeological site are requested to obtain a special permission from the relevant authorities prior to their trip.
- Foreigner travelers who are passing through Turkish territory by cruise may enter Türkiye without visa obligations, given that the maximum period of stay will not exceed 72 hours. In any case, an official permission by the local security authorities is necessary.
- Citizens of Northern Cyprus can enter, reside, study, and work in Türkiye without any immigration restrictions.
- Please keep in mind that the entry requirements may change based on decisions of the authorities and it is strongly advised to have solid information from the local diplomatic missions in your country of residence prior to your departure.
Türkiye Visa Requirements
In addition to above mentioned application documents, general requirements include:
Türkiye Visa for European countries
Ordinary and official passport holders of the EU member states are exempt from visa requirements to visit Türkiye for stays up to 90 days within 180 days period.
Türkiye Visa for Russian citizens
Citizens of the Russian Federation are not asked to have entry visas for tourist or business travels and transit to/from Türkiye for up to maximum of 60 days.
Türkiye Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens
A passport that is valid for at least six months after the travel date is required.
- US citizens holding US passports must have visas to visit Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get e-visas.
- UK citizens holding UK passports are not asked to get an entry visa to enter Türkiye for visits.
- Canadian citizens holding Canadian passports are entitled to visa regulations for visits to Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can apply for e-visas valid for three-month on multiple entry.
Türkiye Visa Fees
The visa fee may change depending on the type of visa and place of application. It includes the consular fees. The visa fees that are non-refundable are listed online as categorized by the applicants’ country for e-visa and visa upon arrival.
NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.
Conclusion
On this site you will find all the information you need to know regarding Turkey tourist visas. Everything you read on this site is easy to understand and doesn’t require higher education or complex terminology to comprehend. All information is provided in plain English and presented in an organized manner for maximum understanding.