The Turkish Republic is a beautiful country that welcomes thousands of tourists every year. Some want to spend their time in Turkey studying, while others search for job opportunities. No matter what the purpose of your journey is, make sure you check the entry requirements before the travel.

What is a Visa for Turkey?

A Turkey visa is a travel permit issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allowing foreign citizens to cross the country's borders. It is mandatory for everyone who wishes to stay in the Turkish territory for a more extended period to work or study. In general, the visa requirements differ depending on the purpose of the travel, the duration of the stay, and the visitor's nationality.

• Visa-Free

Nationals of over 90 countries and territories may freely pursue their trips to Turkey thanks to the visa exemption. If they travel for reasons including tourism and business, they may cross the Turkish borders with a valid passport and enjoy visits for up to 90 days within 6 months.

• eVisa

The eVisa is an electronic travel permit introduced by the Turkish government in 2013. Citizens of 28 different countries may apply for an online visa from home without worrying about the lengthy registration process at the Embassy. It is issued for 180 days, allowing a single stay to last 90 days.

However, foreign visitors from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cape Verde, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, India, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Yemen can only apply for a single-entry visa that grants a 30-days stay. This permit is sometimes called the Conditional eVisa.

The application process for the Turkish eVisa is effortless and convenient. All you need to proceed with the registration is your valid passport, personal e-mail address, and online payment method. Fill in the application form and pay the compulsory processing fee. Soon, you will receive the authorized eVisa to your e-mail address.

• Sticker Visa

Everyone who is not exempt from the visa requirement to enter Turkey must apply in person for the Turkish Sticker Visa at the closest Embassy or Consulate. It is a regular entry permit required from citizens of over 60 countries. To obtain this visa, you must fill in an application form and participate in the consular interview.

Types of Visa for Turkey

A Turkish visa is required from every visitor who wishes to spend a longer time in the country. There are a few Turkey visas to choose from, varying in the purpose behind your travel - Tourist Visa, Student Visa, Work Visa, and Transit Visa. Other visas are treated by the Turkish authorities as separate cases, each of them issued individually.

Tourist Visa

The most common type of visa issued for all travelers is the Tourist Visa. It allows you to visit Turkey if you intend to enjoy tourism, take part in business conferences, visit cultural festivals, or participate in sports events. It may be issued in the form of an eVisa.

Student Visa

The Student Visa is for those who wish to enroll in a Turkish university or take part in a language course. The application process for this visa type requires obtaining an invitation letter from a Turkish educational institution. When you arrive in Turkey, you should fill in a registration form at the closest police department to legally reside in the country.

Work Visa

If you plan on performing any work in Turkey, you should obtain a Work Visa first. In general, this travel permit was created for employment purposes of regular workers, athletes, and journalists, but it may also be used by academic professors and lecturers. You should start the application process at least 2 months before your departure. Remember to submit all the mandatory documents to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Transit Visa

If you do not leave the airport's transit lounge, you do not need to apply for the Transit Visa. Otherwise, you must contact the Turkish Embassy to proceed with the visa application. Moreover, foreign citizens traveling to Turkey by cruise may spend up to 72 hours in the Turkish territory without permission.

Turkish Visa Requirements

In order to obtain your Turkey visa, fill in the application form and schedule your visit at the closest Embassy or Consulate. Remember to prepare all the required documentation beforehand:

• passport valid for at least 6 months
• two formal biometric photos
• two tickets (for arrival and departure)
• proof of sufficient funds
• proof of reserved accommodation
• proof of purchased health insurance
• documents confirming the occupation (employment letter, student certificate)

It is advised to carefully check the passport validity before starting the registration process. If it expires before the visa, the entry permit will not be considered valid anymore.

While visiting Turkey, the border control officers will ask you to present your visa document. If you were eligible to obtain the electronic visa, it is accepted both in printed and digital form.

Turkey Visa Application

Because the visa application process may last for a few weeks, it is advised to start the registration as soon as you decide to travel to Turkey. The procedure is not complicated, but there are many steps you must face. The procedure can be divided into seven stages:

1. Check if you need to obtain a visa and what the available Turkish visa types are
2. Complete the visa application form
3. Gather the necessary documentation
4. Schedule the visit at the chosen Turkish diplomatic mission
5. Present the officials with your completed application form and documentation
6. Take part in a consular interview
7. Wait for the processing of your registration

Turkish Visa Validity

In general, a visa to enter Turkey stays valid for 6 months. Depending on the purpose behind your journey, it may grant single entry to the country for 30 days or multiple visits, each of them being 90-days long. Remember not to exceed your stay the moment your visa expires.