5 Types of Turkish Visas: Which Turkey Visa Do You Need?

If you’re considering a move to Turkey, understanding the intricacies of a Turkey visa is crucial. Turkey offers a range of visa options to accommodate various purposes of visit, from tourism to long-term residency. In this article, we will explore the different types of Turkish visas, their eligibility criteria, and help you determine which one suits your needs.

It is imported to decide what your visa type should be before you move to Turkey as your residence permit application is closely linked to your visa. How so? It is because your purpose of entry should match your purpose of residence permit application. For example, you cannot enter the country on a tourist visa and apply for a work visa, or enter the country with a student visa and apply for a touristic residence permit, and so on.

Here are the possible visa types that you can select from when coming into Turkey, as listed on the official visa information webpage.

1. Tourist Visa (Short-Stay Visa):

The tourist visa, also known as a short-stay visa, is ideal for individuals planning a short-term visit to Turkey for touristic or official visits, business meetings, conferences, seminars, meetings, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, sportive events, cultural and artistic events. This visa generally allows you to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on your country.

This is the most common visa type for foreigners who are aiming to enter Turkey.

For the specific allowed duration of your tourist visa and the visa application fee, please check your country’s regulations for travel to Turkey.

2. Education Visa:

For those pursuing education in Turkey, a student visa is necessary. This visa permits students to stay for the duration of their studies and it is issued to foreigners who wish to come to Turkey for education, training, internship, course, student exchange program, Turkish language course.

Eligibility: To apply for a student visa, you must have an acceptance letter from a Turkish educational institution and proof of financial means to support your studies.

3. Work Visa:

If you’re planning to work in Turkey, a work visa is essential. This visa includes foreigners within the scope of Article 55 of the Implementing Regulation of the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners published in the in 29/8/2003 and numbered 25214, and foreigners who are not within this scope and who wish to come to Turkey for work purposes.

Turkey has specific work permits for foreign employees, and your employer must apply for one on your behalf. Entering the country on a work visa allows you to apply for a work permit to gain eligibility for residence and employment in Turkey.

Eligibility: Eligibility depends on your job offer and the approval of your employer’s application for a work permit.

4. Transit & Airport Transit Visas:

The transit visa is for foreigners who wish to enter Turkey through any border gate and pass through Turkey within the specified period of time. The start date for this visa type resets at every entrance through a border.

The airport transit visa is issued only to foreigners who wish to pass through the air border crossing without entering Turkey.

5. Diplomatic / Official Duty Visa:

Diplomatic and official visas are issued to government officials, diplomats, and individuals traveling on official government business.

Eligibility: These visas are granted based on diplomatic relations and official government requests.

Now that we’ve covered the primary types of Turkish visas, you may be wondering, “Which one do I need?”

To determine the right visa for your situation, consider the purpose and duration of your stay in Turkey. If you’re visiting for a short vacation, a tourist visa will suffice. If you’re planning to work or study, you’ll need a work or student visa, respectively.

Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements, gather the necessary documentation, and submit your visa application well in advance of your intended travel date. Keep in mind that visa requirements and procedures can change, so it’s essential to check with the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

In conclusion, the type of Turkish visa you need depends on your specific circumstances and the purpose of your visit. By understanding the various visa options and their eligibility criteria, you can navigate the Turkish immigration process more efficiently and make your move to this beautiful country a seamless experience.

For more information on Turkish visas and the latest updates, refer to the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or consult with your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.

Remember that visa requirements and regulations can change, so always verify the latest information before planning your trip to Turkey!

For more information about moving to Turkey, don’t hesitate to ask us questions through the contact form.