How can you take a visa from Turkish Governments?

[Av.Duygu Tekay]

INFORMATION ABOUT TURKISH VISAS AND WORK/RESIDENCE PERMITS

Visa is a form affixed into the passports to prove that the holder of the passport meets the requirements for admission into the issuing country.

There are two types of visas in the Turkish practice:

1) Entry visa (single entry, multiple entry and entry with special annotations)

2) Transit visa (single and double transit)

Single entry visa is valid for one year and allows its holder, depending on the nationality and passport type, to stay in Turkey up to three months and to visit the country only one time.

Multiple entry visa is valid for up to five years and allows its holder to make multiple visits and, depending on the nationality and passport type he/she can stay one to three months each time he/she enters into Turkey.

Transit visa is valid for up to three months and allows the person to travel to another country through transiting the Turkish territory.

If the connecting flight to the third country does not require an overnight stay in Turkey, then no visa is necessary. In other words, Turkey does not issue Airport Transit Visa (ATV).

The passengers of cruise ships are allowed to enter and stay overnight in the port cities of Turkey upon the permission given by local border police authorities. These passengers are not required to obtain an entry visa to Turkey.


What are the requirements for entry visa applications?

As a general rule, the applicant must apply in person particularly when the visa application is lodged for the first time. Visa applications may also be received by mail in exceptional cases, especially in geographically large countries and when the applicant is well known by the Turkish Embassy/Consulate where the application is lodged.

The applicant is required to submit the following documents while applying in person:

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested visa),
    * Completed visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      Documents supporting the purpose and the conditions of the planned visit (e.g. letter of invitation, travel itinerary, round trip ticket, hotel reservation with payment guarantee etc.),
    *

      Guarantees regarding means of subsistence,
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount differs depending on the nationality and visa type),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.
    *

      If the person applies for a business visa, an invitation letter from the counterpart company is also required in addition to the above mentioned documents.

Note: Please be informed that the requested documents may vary according to the local conditions where the Turkish Embassy/Consulate is based.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate exceptionally receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, since the original passport will be returned inside that envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.



If the person prefers to obtain the entry visa at a Turkish border gate (please first go to Step 3 above and check of which countries nationals may obtain their visas at the Turkish border gates), then he/she will be required to have the following documents:

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the visa requested.)
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount differs depending on the nationality and visa type)

Note: Please be informed that any other documents which are relevant to the applicant's visit/stay in Turkey can be requested by the Turkish border officials and also note that only tourist visas may be issued at the Turkish border gates.



What are the requirements for holders of travel documents?

Holders of travel documents, such as alien's passport and refugee travel document, are required to have a consular visa to enter into Turkey. They are strongly recommended to apply to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate for the visa at least 6 weeks in advance, since their application is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Interior of Turkey.

It is also recommended that applicants with travel documents should not finalize their travel plans and arrangements until they are notified about the result of their visa applications.

The applicant is required to submit the following documents while applying in person:

    *

       Valid travel document (such as alien's passport or refugee travel document) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested visa),
    * Completed visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      Documents supporting the purpose and the conditions of the planned visit (e.g. letter of invitation, travel itinerary, round trip ticket, hotel reservation with payment guarantee etc.),
    *

      Guarantees regarding means of subsistence,
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount differs depending on the nationality and visa type),
    *

      Valid residence permit or any document that proves the applicant legally stays in that country where the Turkish mission is based.
    *

      If the person applies for a business visa, an invitation letter from the counterpart company is also required in addition to the above mentioned documents.

Note: Please be informed that the requested documents may vary according to the local conditions where the Turkish Embassy/Consulate is based.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate exceptionally receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, since the original passport will be returned inside that envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Note: Please be informed that the holders of travel documents cannot obtain their visas at the Turkish border gates. They should have a consular visa.



B- Transit Visas

1. Single transit visa; entitles one entry, within three months at most.  Duration of stay cannot exceed thirty days.

2. Double transit visa; entitles two entries within three months. Duration of stay for each entry cannot exceed thirty days.



What are the requirements for transit visa applications?

The same documents, stated as for the tourist visa applications, are required for the transit visa applications. Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate for more information.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate exceptionally receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, since the original passport will be returned inside that envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Note: Passengers who will have to wait at the Turkish International Airports for their next connecting flights are not required to have an "Airport Transit Visa (ATV)". However, should those passengers wish to take a tour at the city or stay over, they have to either obtain their transit visas at the Turkish Embassies/Consulates in advance or they should ask for a "permission document" from the Turkish border security officials upon their arrival. Please be informed that the Turkish border security officials have the authority to grant or deny permission.

 

C- Entry visas with special annotations (Work, Education and Research Visas)

Foreigners who intend to work, study or conduct an academic or a scientific research in Turkey are obliged to obtain their visas at the Turkish Embassies/Consulates prior to their arrival.



1. Work Visa

Work visa is given to the work permit holders and is issued for single entry.

The person can only apply for a work visa after he/she has signed a work contract with a Turkish employer and has applied for a work permit to the Ministy of  Labor and Social Security (MLSS) of the Republic of Turkey.

- Application for Work Permit inside Turkey

Foreigners who have already been granted residence permits in Turkey which is valid for at least six months (for any reason, except education and training) may apply for work permits to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

- Application for Work Permit from Abroad

Foreigners may submit their application forms for work permits through Turkish Embassies/Consulates. Work permits are generally valid for one year.

Please click here to visit the homepage of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security for detailed information concerning the work permits for foreigners.



What are the requirements for work visa applications?

First Step:

In the first step, the applicant should submit the following documents to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate in person to apply for a work permit and work visa.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested work visa),
    * Completed work visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      One copy of the work contract,
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

The issue of work permit by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security may take 6-8 weeks after the application has been lodged. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be informed about the outcome through e-mail or phone. When the work permit is issued and work visa application is approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the applicant must submit the following documents in person to the Turkish Embassy/Consulate where he/she has lodged the work permit application.

Second Step:

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested work visa),
    *

      Non-refundable work visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      Non-refundable work permit processing fee

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Work visa and work permit holders must apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit. Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.



2. Academics desiring to work at a university in Turkey

University instructors are exempt from work permit. Thus, they can set aside the first step described above and directly apply for a work visa to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate. However, a letter of permission from Turkish Higher Education Board (YÖK) is necessary. In addition to this letter, they are requested to submit the following documents for work visa application.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested work visa),
    * Completed work visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      Letter of permission from Turkish Higher Education Board,
    *

      Non-refundable work visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

Academics must also apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit. Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.

 

3. Education Visas

Foreigners may apply for education visa only after they have enrolled in a Turkish university, school or a language course certified by the Ministry of Education. Education visa is generally valid for one year for single entry. The person concerned should apply to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate in person with the following documents.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested education visa),
    * Completed education visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      An official acceptance letter from the Turkish university, school or a language course certified by the Ministry of Education,
    *

      Non-refundable education visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

This visa will allow the bearer to enter into Turkey and apply for a residence permit. Education visa holders must apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit. Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.



4. Research Visas

Researchers who plan to carry out archeological excavation and/or survey in Turkey

Researchers who plan to carry out archeological excavation and/or survey and underwater archeology research are requested to send their application forms (please be informed that hand written application forms are not preferred) to the Turkish Embassies/Consulates before December 1 of each year. There is no such deadline for cadastral registers research/survey applicants.

If research requires teamwork, the team leader should fill out the Research Application Form entirely. Each member of the team should also read and answer the all questions in the application form. The passport size pictures of the team members should be affixed at the top right corner of the application form. The team leader is responsible for collecting each team member's application (please click here for application) and submitting the seven (7) copies with seven (7) passport size photos for each member (Please glue the pictures on the upper right corner of the first page, do not staple). The applicants are responsible for the mailing cost of their applications to Turkey. Therefore, they are kindly requested to attach the prepaid express mail envelope to mail the seven (7) copies of the application to Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey.

All properly completed applications are processed as soon as possible and forwarded to Turkey to be reviewed. The Turkish Embassy/Consulate will inform the applicant/team leader about the result of the application via mail or e-mail.

When the research visa is approved,  the person will need to visit the Turkish Embassy/Consulate in person with the following documents to obtain the research visa before travelling to Turkey.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested education visa),
    *

      A letter mentioning the name of the team leader, travel date, research date and the name of the excavation.
    *

      Non-refundable visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

All researchers must apply to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Department (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) in the city, where they will be conducting the research, within 30 days upon their arrival at Turkey to obtain a residence permit.

For further information, please click here to visit the homepage of American Research Institute in Turkey and read the information under the title of "Turkish Research Permit Procedures".

 

Library and Museum Researchers

Nationals of countries who are exempt from visa requirement, are also exempt from this type of research visa as well. Otherwise, as a general rule, library and museum researchers should obtain research visa from the Turkish Embassies/Consulates in advance before their arrival at Turkey. In this case, they are required to submit the letter of consent written by the Turkish institution that allows the applicant's research in Turkey. This letter of consent will be provided to the applicant by the Turkish Institution after he/she submits the research application to that office.

For obtaining a letter of consent; please send a letter explaining your project details and accompanying documents to the below address (The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism) by mail (preferred) or fax. (A letter written in Turkish will expedite the process.)

T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı

Kültür Varlıkları ve Müzeler Genel Müdürlüğü

2. Meclis Binası Yanı

Ulus, 06543, Ankara, TURKEY

Phone:(+90 312) 310 49 60

Fax:(+90 312) 311 66 03

e-mail: kulturvarlikmuze@kulturturizm.gov.tr

Applications through e-mail are not acceptable.

The applicant may apply from abroad or in Turkey. Please be advised that processing the application may take some time and it may be worth allowing several weeks to obtain the permit. If the applicant plans to utilize from a library in a museum, he/she may apply directly to the museum director.

For further information, please click here to visit the homepage of American Research Institute in Turkey.

 

Visa Application Process for Filming and Photographing

The Turkish Embassies/Consulates do not accept any filming and photographing permission applications. All completed pemission application forms should be mailed directly to the below address by the applicants.

T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı

Telif Hakları ve Sinema Genel Müdürlüğü

Eski Adliye Binası Kat:3

Ulus, 06330, Ankara, TURKEY

Tel: (+90 312) 310 08 11 – 310 00 26 – 310 01 42

Fax: (+90 312) 310 00 63

e-Mail:telifhaklari_sinema@kulturturizm.gov.tr

Please click here to reach the homepage of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in order to download the application form for filming and photographing.

When the applicant receives filming and photographing permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism he/she can apply to the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to receive the filming and photographing visa with the following documents.

    *

      Valid travel document (passport) (It should be valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested education visa),
    * Completed visa application form,
    *

      One passport size photograph of the applicant (It should be affixed on the top left side of the visa application form),
    *

      The copy of the filming permission letter,
    *

      Non-refundable education visa processing fee (the amount may differ depending on the nationality),
    *

      If the person applies from a country other than his/her homeland, then he/she should also submit his/her valid residence permit or any document that proves he/she legally stays in that country.

Note: If the relevant Turkish Embassy/Consulate receives the visa applications by mail or by courier service in exceptional cases, the applicant must send the above mentioned documents and also a pre-paid or self-stamped return envelope (DHL, Fed Ex, Express, UPS, or some sort of insured/certified mail is highly recommended, as the original travel document will be sent inside the return envelope). Please contact with the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate to learn whether they receive the applications by mail or not.

 

D- Residence Permits

An entry visa enables the bearer to stay in Turkey for the duration stated on the visa sticker. However, if the person intends or is obliged to stay in Turkey longer than the permitted duration, this extension is subject to the approval of the Ministry of Interior. In this case, the person has to obtain a residence permit.

Applications for residence permits should be made to the Alien's Branch of Local Police Departments (Emniyet Mudurlugu Yabancilar Subesi) within 30 days upon arrival at Turkey. Applicants are generally required to submit work permit, work visa, education visa or research visa and a letter describing his/her circumstances (i.e. employment, education, marriage to a Turkish citizen).

Once the person is granted with the residence permit, he/she can enter into Turkey multiple times as long as his/her residence permit is valid and thus he/she does not need a visa for entry into Turkey. If the extension of the residence permit is required, the extension or renewal should be made timely before the expiry date. The person is recommended to have the validity of the residence permit extended before leaving Turkey, if the validity of residence permit is to expire or has already expired.