Turkey Tourist Visa – Eligibility, Application, and Documentation
Turkey is one of the best destinations you can visit on tour. It has many sights, attractions, fascinating history, traditional food, and delicacies with a touch of life. There is no limit to what you can do in Turkey. However, you may stand the impediments to obtaining a turkey tourist visa to enter the incredible country.
Generally, tourists are beautifully welcomed in Turkey, and the country is trying every possible means to increase the number of tourists and visitors they receive. Therefore, many individuals have visa-free access to Turkey. In contrast, some may eventually have to apply for a turkey tourist visa.
So, in this article, we will dive into all you should know about the turkey tourist visa, the eligibility criteria, the documents you need for your application, and how to apply for it.
Turkey Tourist Visa
The turkey tourist visa is your gateway into Turkey if you are not a citizen of countries with visa-free access. This type of visa is only valid for purposes related to vacations, visiting family and friends, as well as sightseeing. Based on your nationality, you can obtain the turkey tourist visa in two forms: an e-visa for tourism purposes and a Turkish Sticker Visa for tourists.
The e-visa for tourism purposes is much cheaper and easier to obtain. So, once approved, you wouldn’t have to apply for the other visa type.
Eligibility criteria for Turkey Tourist Visa
Turkey has been trying all means possible to increase the rate at which individuals from different countries visit Turkey. Therefore, there are a lot of countries with visa-free access to Turkey. For example, Russia has Turkey tourist visa-free access and is eligible to be in Turkey for about ninety days. However, nationals of Costa Rica, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Mongolia, Brunei, Latvia, Macao, Thailand, and Turkmenistan can visit Turkey on tour for just thirty days.
But if your country does not qualify for free entrance, you may consider getting a visa.
Application fee for Turkey Tourist Visa
Applying for a tourist visa to visit Turkey will attract some application fees. These fees differ by the type of visa you’re opting for. They are as follows:
- Single Entry: The turkey tourist visa is about €55 for all nationals, and €117 for UAE
- Double Entry: For double entry, all country citizens will pay €110, while UAE will pay about €233.
- Multiple Entry: Turkey tourist visa is about €180 for all nationals and €465 for UAE.
Documents required for Turkey Tourist Visa
Importantly, you need to be aware of the documents that are required for your application process. This document will prove that you are eligible and meet the criteria for entering and staying in Turkey for a short period. So, read carefully!.
#1. Tourist visa application form
You need to tender the visa application form at the embassy or consulate for your application process. Hence, you can download and complete the forms with your details and append your signature to them.
#2. Valid passport
Your travel passport is an essential document you need to enter Turkey. The front page of your passport must be intact and remain valid throughout your visit to Turkey, having at least three months until it expires.
#3. Passport photograph
You will need at least two passport-size photographs that meet the requirements for a Turkish visa photograph. And yes, the photo must not be more than three months old, showing all your facial features and characteristics.
#4. Proof of finances
No doubt, you need evidence to prove that you have sufficient income to support your tour in Turkey. On average, you’d need about fifty Euros daily for your day-to-day life in Turkey. You must also submit either a letter of support or a statement of account as evidence.
#5. Travel plan
Your travel plan could be in the form of your flight ticket from your country of residence to Turkey and from Turkey back to your country of residence. Also, it could be a bus ticket or any other evidence that supports or clarifies that you will return to your home country before your visa expires.
#6. Travel health insurance
Having travel health insurance is non-negotiable to obtaining a turkey tourist visa. And yes, the insurance you subscribe to must be able to function in Turkey.
#7. Proof of accommodation
Having a place to lodge in Turkey is sacrosanct, and you must prove where you will stay to obtain the turkey tourist visa. You must submit proof of your reservation if you are lodging in a hotel. However, suppose your friends invite you over, or you have a relative you can stay with in Turkey. In that case, you can proceed to tender a letter of invitation from any of them.
#8. Police clearance
Also, you need to obtain a certificate for a police clearance from your country of residence. Technically, it certifies that you are not a criminal and have not engaged in any criminal activity that can pose a threat to Turkey.
#9. As an employee
As an employee wanting to obtain a turkey tourist visa for holiday or sightseeing, you will get a guarantee letter from your employer and probably a payslip for your application.
#10. As a business owner
However, suppose you are self-employed or a business owner. In that case, you will need your company certificate of registration and the establishment of your company’s bank account statement that shows transactions and the company’s trade license, for your application.
How to Apply for a Turkey Tourist Visa?
To apply for the turkey tourist visa, you must pay absolute attention to the steps provided below.
Step one: Check when to apply
Firstly, knowing and understanding when to apply for the visa is the first step and the first thing to do for your application. If you apply too early, your may lose your trip, and if you are applying lately, your application may not be accepted.
So, applying on time is the best and safest way to ensure a successful application. Note that you cannot submit your application earlier than 60 days before your trip and later than one month after the travel date.
Step two: Know where to submit your application
To apply for a turkey tourist visa, you can visit any authorities in your home country. For example, it could be a Turkish embassy, consulate, or visa Centre.
Step three: Complete the online form for a Turkey Tourist Visa
Once the points above have been set, you can proceed to the Turkish websites to complete the visa application form online. You will need to answer a few questions such as:
- Your name and surname.
- Date of birth.
- Place of birth.
- Purpose of application.
After submitting your application for the turkey tourist visa, you will be assigned a date for your visa interview at the embassy, consulate, or visa center near you.
Step four: Collect the documents for your application
Without a doubt, you are halfway prepared once you can compile all the documents you need for your visa application. The list of the essential documents you need for this visa type has been given above. So it would help if you started compiling them as soon as possible before your interview date.
Step five: Attend the visa interview
Attend the visa interview with courage and assurance. More so, try to be there on time, and take the risk of lateness- it could be costly!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Turkey visa easy to get?
Turkey is visa-easy to get for most nationalities. You can obtain a visa on arrival. But for countries that require a pre-arranged visa, you can apply for one at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
Can I apply for a Turkey visa online?
Yes, you can apply for a Turkey visa online. First, you will need to provide information about yourself and your trip. Afterward, could you pay for your visa and print it?
Which countries can visit Turkey without a visa?
Citizens of the following countries can visit Turkey without a visa:
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland.
Is Turkey a free country?
Turkey is a partially free country, according to the Freedom in the World report from Freedom House. However, while the constitution guarantees freedom of speech and assembly, these rights are often violated in practice. The government has been known to crack down on dissent, and journalists and other critical voices have been arrested or harassed.
Is Turkey an emerging country?
Turkey is not an emerging country but is not as wealthy as some other European nations. For example, the GDP per capita in Turkey is around $10,000, while in Germany, it is over $40,000. However, Turkey’s economy is increasing, and it is expected to become one of the world’s top economies in the next decade.
Conclusion
Coupled with its beautiful landscape and welcoming weather, Turkey is generally a beautiful place with numerous sites of attractions you will find fun. So, if you must obtain a turkey tourist visa to visit Turkey, you can consider doing now!.
