Introducing Turkey

Turkey, the birthplace of the loved and adored Santa Claus (or St. Nicholas), is an amazing country with rich culture and deep-rooted history that goes back millennia. It is home to over 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites and other fascinating natural attractions. It might even interest you to know that the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is on both European and Asian land. This makes Turkey a transcontinental country.

Turkey is the perfect destination for any purpose, business, tourism, education, or work. Her hospitable citizens and delightful cuisines make your entire experience a memorable one.

Do you wish to visit Turkey, but don’t know how? This article will guide you through the Turkey visa application process. Let’s dive in!

Do I need a Turkey Visa?

If you want to visit any country, you need to ask this question. This is because due to certain agreements between nations, you may be permitted to visit certain countries without prior application for a visa. The Turkish Government permits over 95 countries to visit visa-free.

The Turkish Government offers two categories of visas: a sticker visa and an electronic visa. Electronic visas are issued to eligible individuals visiting Turkey for business or tourism. On the other hand, the sticker visa is issued to individuals who are visiting for reasons that aren’t business or tourism-related. Also, for those that aren’t eligible to apply for the e-visa, the sticker visa is mandatory irrespective of your purpose of visit.

Types of Turkey Visa

There are a plethora of visa types issued to individuals wishing to visit Turkey. The visa issued depends on your purpose of visit. They are:

• Visa for Tourism or Business
• Work visa
• Study visa
• Others

Visa for Tourism or Business

With this visa, you can visit Turkey for a number of purposes including:

• Seminar/conference/meeting
• Business meeting/conference
• Festival/fair/exhibition
• Cultural purposes
• Official duties

Work Visa

For work-related purposes such as:

• Journalistic activity
• Employment
• Sports activity
• Art creation purposes
• Any other work-related purpose

Study Visa

Individuals visiting Turkey for internships, courses in a Turkish university or any other purpose related to education can apply for a study visa. This visa is issued to permit them live and move into Turkey throughout the duration of their study.

Others

For purposes not falling under the ones listed above, you may use this option. Purposes falling under this category may include but isn’t limited to:

• Medical treatments
• Explorations
• Archaeological purposes
• Filming documentaries
• Family reunions

Turkey Visa Application Procedure

The procedures involved in the application of a Turkish E-visa is different from those involved in the sticker visa application.

However, to proceed with the application process it’s best to know which channel of application will be suitable for you. To determine this, you need to try out the pre-application process. This will determine which platform will be best for your application.

Once you have determined the class of visa you are eligible for, you can then learn about the process involved in obtaining them. This is discussed in further detail below.

E-Visa

The eVisa platform offers a quick and easy way to apply for and receive a Turkish visa. However, you must be eligible to apply for an eVisa. A complete list of eligible nations is on the Turkish e-visa website.

Source: Evisa

What are the steps involved in the E-Visa application process?

As stated earlier, it’s a relatively simple process consisting of three steps.

·         E-visa form

After going through the application process, if you are eligible for an electronic visa you will be directed automatically to the e-visa platform. This will bring up a form that will require you to put in personal details. All mandatory fields are required to be filled with honest information. Some information requested are name, address, passport details, travel itinerary as well as some security questions.

·         Application Review and Payment of Fees

After filling in the details you’d have to review the information you have provided to make sure mistakes haven’t been made. When you are certain all is correct and in order, you proceed to make payment. You will be required to use your debit card or any other acceptable means of online payment to proceed.

·         Receive e-Visa

After payment is made, you will receive an e-mail containing your approved e-visa which will grant you access to the Turkish territory.

Additional requirements for a Turkish e-Visa

Additionally, during the application process, it is required that you provide certain documents. They are as follows:

• A valid passport (at least 150 days validity from arrival date).
• A working email address that will receive the e-visa when it has been approved and sent.
• A debit card for payment.

Sticker Visa 

If you are not eligible for an e-Visa based on your nationality or if your purpose of the visit is not covered by the electronic application platform you need the traditional sticker visa to walk on Turkish lands legally.

Turkish Sticker Visa Application Procedure:

1. Fill the pre-application form
2. Obtain details on documents you need to provide based on your purpose of visit. It is stated on the website
3. Book an appointment for your interview
4. Make yourself available at the embassy/consulate for your interview with relevant documents in hand
5. Pay stipulated fees
6. Wait patiently for processing
7. Pick up your approved visa.

The documents you may need for the sticker visa is dependant on your purpose of visit. When you go through the application process, you would be informed of all the documents needed to accompany your visa application.

Covid-19 Guidelines for Travels to Turkey

The covid-19 pandemic has led to restrictions of travel by various governments around the globe. The Turkish government has also taken preventive measures. If you wish to visit Turkey during this period you must:

• Use face masks in the plane and fill a form to enable authorities to locate passengers easily
• Allow officials at the airport to run Covid-19 screening when you arrive in Turkey
• Allow authorities to run a PCR test on you, should you show any symptoms during screening
• Make sure you have medical insurance coverage which will be used in case of medical emergencies during your stay in Turkey.

When you are on Turkish soil, you are expected to adhere to these guidelines:

• Wear your face mask whenever you are in public.
• Be sure to stay updated on various covid-19 rules enforced in the different provinces. This is because rules enforced vary from province to province.
• Follow social distancing guidelines at all times.

Unlike other countries, you are not expected to show a PCR negative result upon arrival, and you don’t need to quarantine yourself. However, if you exhibit any symptoms of flu during the screening at the port of entry, you must undergo a PCR test.

Questions Frequently Asked by Intending Travellers

Can I apply for a visa upon arrival?

The visa on arrival option was available to nationals of certain countries. However, in 2018 the Turkish government made statements on the discontinuation of this process. We, therefore, advise that you apply for your visa before you visit Turkey.

How much does a Turkish visa cost?

The amount charged for a Turkish visa depends on your nationality. For a comprehensive list of costs of Turkish electronic visas, check here. For fees charged for sticker visas, you have to contact the Turkish consulate in your country for more information.

What is the validity of a Turkish visa?

The number of days or allocated to visitors is dependent on your country of origin and also your purpose of visit. They are as follows:

TYPE OF VISA	DURATION
Single Entry
6 months	Up to 30 days
6 months	Up to 60 days
6 months	Up to 90 days
Multiple Entry
90 days within 6 months	Up to 60 days per visit
90 days within 6 months	Up to 30 days per visit

How long does it take to process an electronic visa?

Typically, an e-visa application process takes 24-48hrs after which your visa will be sent to your email address. It is best to apply at least 3 days before your intended day of departure.

 Can I get my money back for unused visa?

No, refunds are not made for sticker or e-visas that were not used.

Can I apply for work and study visa through the e-visa platform?

No, you cannot. You can only visit Turkey for work or educational purposes with a sticker visa.

Is there anything I’m expected to do when arrive Turkey?

This depends on your purpose of visit. If you are going to be in the country for more than 90 days then you need to apply for a residence permit. Also, those coming into the country for the purpose of study or for educational purposes are expected to register their presence at the nearest police precinct.

I’m currently in Turkey and my e-Visa is about to expire, can I apply for another one while I’m in the country?

No, you are not allowed to apply while you’re in the country. You are expected to leave the country and apply for another visa. Alternatively, you can apply for permanent residence in Turkey if you are eligible.

Kindly click here to get more visa guides

 

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