Types Of Visas In Turkey: Explained
Turkey, a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, is a destination that calls for exploration beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, bustling bazaars, or stunning landscapes, finding the right visa is your first step on this enchanting journey. Worry Not! We’ve got your back!
This guide aims to unravel the intricacies of Turkey’s visa system, ensuring your Turkish adventure starts off without a hitch. Let’s delve into the world of Turkish visas, opening doors to a land where East meets West.
Let’s dive in!
Do You Need A Visa To Travel To Turkey?
You will need to know how to get a Turkey visa depending on why you are entering the country, the length of your stay, and your nationality.
Visa regulations are continually being updated, and as recently as March 2020, Turkey exempted several nationalities from needing a visa if the purpose is tourism and the stay is less than 90 days.
What Are The Types Of Visas In Turkey?
To travel to Turkey for tourism purposes, you must apply for an online Turkey Visa (e-Visa Turkey). You can choose between the Turkish visas for tourism in existence.
In some cases, an extension can be granted.
Multiple Entry Visa
This visa allows a person to enter and leave the country as many times as required. You can stay in the country for a maximum of either 30 or 90 days per stay, depending on the nationality of your passport.
A multiple entry visa for Turkey will be valid from the time the visa is approved and for 180 days.
Single Entry Visa
The Single entry visa allows for a maximum 30-day stay in Turkey. It is also valid for 180 days from its approval, but once used, you will not be able to re-enter the country with the same visa.
If your trip to Turkey is for any reason other than tourism, you must apply for a different visa at the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy. These are:
Work Visa
The first step to knowing how to get a visa for Turkey that allows you to work is that you must have an employment contract and a letter from the employer in Turkey.
You will also need to send in a series of personal documents that will be requested by the embassy. If you apply for a work permit and are going to work and live in Turkey, then you must also apply for a residence permit.
Residence Permit
A residence permit is required if you are going to spend more than 90 days in Turkey.
To apply for a residence permit, you must demonstrate the reason why you are going to spend an extended stay, or why you are going to reside permanently in the country.
The residence permit can be applied for once you are in Turkey, assuming you already have an approved work or study visa.
You will have 30 days to process a residence permit, and upon entry, you will need to register with the Foreigners Department of the Ministry of the Interior’s General Directorate of Migration.
Study Or Research Visa
To apply for a visa to study or research in Turkey, you must present your study registration or research contract. The relevant university or school must provide you with all of the appropriate documentation requested by the embassy.
As with the work visa, you must also apply for a residence permit if you intend to be in the country for more than 90 days.
These visas and permits can also be obtained from within Turkey. You could enter the country with a tourist visa, and process your residence or corresponding permission before the original document expires.
However, this process is not advisable. If there is any delay, you will have to leave the country without the permits and start the application process all over again.
What Is The Turkish Visa Application Process?
To apply for a visa to enter Turkey, you will need to complete some procedures. You should make sure you complete all of them correctly, in the given order.
If you make a thing, your application may be rejected, which can also affect any future applications.
Before you start taking concrete steps, you should first find out a few things, regarding the Turkey visa application in your home country.
First, ask yourself if you need a visa at all. If you do, then continue reading this article for more information.
- Check what type of Turkish visa you need to apply for.
- Find out when is the right time to apply.
- Check here to submit your Turkey visa application.
- Collect the required documents.
- Submit the application
- Wait for processing
What Are The Requirements To Apply For A Visa To Turkey?
Tourist e-Visa
- A passport with more than 6 months validity from the initial entry date in Turkey, and at least one blank page.
Work Visa
- A passport with more than 6 months validity from the initial entry date in Turkey, and at least one blank page.
- Recent photo.
- Invitation letter from the Turkish company.
- Employment contract signed by both parties.
Student Visa
- A passport with more than 6 months validity from the initial entry date in Turkey, and at least one blank page.
- Recent photo.
- Letter of acceptance from the university or educational institution in Turkey.
- Erasmus agreement.
- In the case of research, a project letter and invitation from the research team.
Special Requirements
Some nationalities need to have extra documentation when applying for a visa to Turkey. For example, you can be asked to provide:
- A return flight ticket confirmation
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Minimum funds of 1,434 TRY for each day you stay in Turkey
How Much Does It Cost To Apply For A Turkish Visa?
You will need to pay a particular Turkish visa fee when you lodge your application. The fees for a Turkey sticker visa and an e-visa are different.
Depending on your nationality, the Turkish e-visa fees range from 437 TRY to 2,216 TRY.
On the other hand, the Turkish visa fees for sticker visas start at 3,652 TRY the lowest, to 5,618 TRY the highest, for most nationalities.
Yet, citizens of some other countries, such as the UAE may have to pay higher visas, up to 14,515 TRY.
How Long Is The Turkish Visa Valid For?
With a Turkish visa, you can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within six months. Note that depending on your nationality you will be permitted to remain in Turkey for:
- Up to 30 days within six months
- Up to 60 days within six months
- Up to 90 days within six months
- Up to 60 days per visit, 90 days within six months
- Up to 30 days per visit, 90 days within six months
Note that the validity of a visa is the same for e-visa holders and sticker visa holders.
How Much Time Does It Take For A Turkey Visa To Process?
The Turkey e-Visa process is finalized within days, while the Turkey sticker visa process takes around 15 days for tourist and business visas, and 25 days for student and work visas.
In all cases, you are advised to start the application process early, in case of delays.
How to Apply For A Turkish E-visa?
On the other hand, if you need a Turkish visa, the application process is way shorter and easier. You need to complete the following steps to get an eVisa for Turkey.
- Go to the Turkish eVisa Website and complete the online application form.
- Check Your Email: Within minutes, you must receive an email asking you to confirm that you have started an application for an eVisa. If you do not find this email in your inbox, you probably have received it in your spam folder. Click the link you have received, which will take you back to the visa application website.
- Pay The Fee: You will then need to pay the fee for an eVisa application online at the eVisa application website. Once you pay the fee, the web will tell you that you will receive an email with the eVisa.
- Download Your e–Visa: You will again receive an email. This will not be the eVisa but rather a button that will take you again to the same website, where you will have to download your eVisa.
- Print Your e–Visa: The Turkish authorities want you to present your e-visa in printed form. Showing the border authorities a version of your e-visa on your phone or other gadgets is not acceptable. The e-visa must be printed.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our guide through Turkey’s diverse visa options, remember that each visa type is a key to unlocking different facets of this captivating country. From short-term explorations to long-term stays, the right visa will pave your way to experiencing Turkey’s rich culture, delightful cuisine, and warm hospitality.
So, arm yourself with this knowledge, choose your path, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Turkey.
Adventure Unlocked!
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