The article will walk you through the process of obtaining a Turkey visa, what it takes to get one, and which types of visas are available.
What do I need to know about getting a Turkey Visa?
Turkey is a visa-free country for visitors who have a passport from a country that is in the European Union or Schengen Area. If you are not from one of these countries, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Turkish consulate.
If you are visiting Turkey for tourism purposes only and do not intend to stay for more than 90 days, then you may be eligible for a tourist visa. This type of visa requires that you have a valid passport and proof of onward travel. You will also need to provide information about your destination, planned duration of stay, and means of financial support. Turkey Visa FAQ
If you are visiting Turkey for business reasons or intend to stay longer than 90 days, then you will need to apply for an investor visa. This type of visa requires that you have a valid passport and proof of funds that will be used in Turkey. You will also need to provide information about the purpose of your visit, the size and nature of your business, and the number of employees that you plan on staffing in Turkey.
How long will my Turkey Visa take to process?
If you are a citizen of a country that is designated by the Turkish government as a safe destination for foreign visitors, your visa will be processed in a matter of days. However, if you are not from one of these countries, your visa may take up to two weeks to process.
Who is eligible for a Turkey Visa?
Anyone who is a citizen of one of the following countries is eligible for a visa to enter Turkey: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine. Turkey Visa for US Citizens
If you are a citizen of any other country and have a valid passport which has at least six months remaining validity you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at any Turkish port. If you are traveling as part of a tour group or organized tour then your visa will be issued by your tour operator.
To obtain a visa you must apply in advance through the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. The application process can take up to two weeks and requires a fee of $30.
Once you have obtained your visa you must carry it with you at all times and show it upon request to immigration officials. Any unauthorised absence from Turkey without prior permission from the immigration authorities will result in immediate arrest and possible deportation.
For more information please visit our website or contact us for a free consultation.
Should I apply for a Turkey Visa at the Embassy if there is already an application pending?
If you have already submitted an application to the Turkish Embassy and your visa has been denied, there is no need to reapply. However, it is always a good idea to check the status of your application and to contact the embassy if there are any changes.
What are the requirements for a Turkey Visa?
Turkey is a popular tourist destination, however the visa requirements are not as lenient as some other countries. You will need a passport valid for at least six months after your intended departure from Turkey, a photo, and your passport’s current visa stamp. If you are coming to Turkey for tourism purposes only and are not intending to stay more than 90 days, you should apply for a tourist visa. For business travelers, you will need a business visa.
For more information on visas and how to apply, please see our guide to visas for Turkey.
Procedure for Applying for a Turkish Visa for Travelers in the US
If you are traveling to Turkey, your first step is to establish whether you need a visa. If you are traveling for tourism, business or to visit family, you will not need a visa. For all other purposes, you will need a visa.
To apply for a Turkish visa, you will need the following:
-Your passport with at least six months remaining validity
-Two passport-sized photos (taken recently in a lighted environment)
-A completed Visa Application Form DS-160 (available from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General)
-The appropriate fees (see below)
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate General in your destination country will require additional documentation if you are applying for a tourist visa and your trip does not include any of the following activities: employment, study, journalism, pleasure/recreation, business activity or transit through Turkey. The additional documents required for tourist visas vary by country; please consult the embassy or consulate for more information.
You may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at some Turkish airports if the visa requirements are met and the airline is willing to process your visa application. However,