Types of Turkey Visas and Application Process

Despite the ongoing geo-political tensions in the region and the terrorist attacks of 2016, tourism to Turkey remains strong, with almost 40 million foreign visiting entering the country in 2018, an increase of more than 21% from the previous year, according to an article in Jakarta Post.  

Turkey is the country where you can take a hot air balloon ride in the mesmerizing valleys of Capadocia, or visit the snow white terraces of Pamukkale, spend your day relaxing on a yacht along Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline or immerse yourself in the rich culture of the land. Turkey definitely is an attractive holiday destination for tourists from around the world.

Types of Visas for Turkey

To visit this beautiful country, you need to apply for a Turkish visit visa. There are various types of visas, from which you will need to choose, depending on the purpose of your visit. Here’s a look: 

Turkey Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are single entry visas, issued for a period of up to 90 days. This visa is issued to individuals who wish to travel to Turkey for the purposes of tourism, attending business meetings, conferences, seminars, sports meets, cultural and artistic fests, or for official visits. For those traveling to Turkey for business purposes, you need to provide proof of business in Turkey. Generally, a letter or document from your employer will suffice for such purposes.

Turkey Student Visa

Students who wish to enroll in a university or college in Turkey or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are issued this type of visa. If you wish to apply for a student visa, you would need to produce a letter of acceptance from an educational institution in Turkey. A student visa allows you to enter and leave Turkey as many times as you wish to, while the visa is valid. 

Turkey Residence Visa

If you wish to stay in Turkey for a prolonged period, you can apply for a residence visa. You will need to submit some mandatory documents at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country, at least 60 days before your arrival in Turkey, for this visa. You will also need to prove that you can support yourself financially during your stay in the country.

Turkey Work Visa

If you are traveling to Turkey for the purpose of employment, you need to apply under this category. For a work visa, you will need to apply at least two months before your arrival in the country. You will also need to submit various documents, provided by your Turkish employer, to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Turkey Visa Application Process

There are three simple steps involved in applying for a Turkish visa:

1. Fill the Turkish e-visa application form, save the confirmation page, and upload it by clicking the “Start Your Order” button.
2. Pay the visa fee. The payment can be made by Mastercard, Visa or Unionpay credit/debit cards.
3. The last step is to download your e-visa. You will be provided a link for this download via email.

When applying for a visa, make sure to fill all the details very carefully, since any mistakes or misrepresentation of information could get your visa application rejected.