The government of Turkey has recently simplified the process of obtaining a Turkey visa for travellers holding valid Schengen, United Kingdom, United States, and Ireland visas. Turkey, with its unique blend of cultures and landscapes, attracts visitors worldwide and serves as a bridge between the East and West. Positioned as a central entry point to Europe, Turkey's popularity has led to strengthened visa policies to ensure safety for both tourists and residents.
Hot air balloons in Goreme National Park
Conditions for obtaining an E-Visa
To secure a Turkish visa with a valid Schengen, United Kingdom, United States, or Ireland visa, certain conditions must be met, including:
- Permitted Visas: Any used or unused Schengen visa, allowing single to multiple entries.
- Permitted Residence Permits: Valid residence permit from a Schengen country.
- Duration of Entry: Up to 30 days.
- Rules of Entry: Single-entry visa valid for 180 days, with e-Visa fee varying by country.
All eligible countries for a Turkey visa can acquire an e-Visa for a 30-day stay by possessing a valid Schengen, United Kingdom, United States, or Ireland visa. Alternatively, having a residence permit from any Schengen member state also qualifies for a Turkish e-Visa.
Schengen Visa's Advantage in Applying for Turkey E-Visa
A Schengen Visa offers broader travel privileges beyond EU borders, extending to countries like Turkey. This visa permits exploration and opportunities within the Schengen area, and holders can also apply online for other non-EU countries, such as Turkey. A Schengen Visa holder can experience seamless entry into Turkey due to these extended benefits.
Application Process and Requirements
To obtain a valid Schengen visa, applicants must meet the specific requirements of the country they plan to visit. Requirements typically include a valid passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodations, travel details, and sufficient funds for the visit.
Turkey offers a quick and convenient online application process for e-Visas, usually approved within 24 hours. Schengen visa holders can easily apply for a Turkey e-Visa, provided they answer a few security questions. However, this privilege is exclusive to Schengen visa holders and does not apply to e-Visas from other countries.
Checklist for E-Visa Application for Schengen Visa Holders
While the basic requirements for an e-Visa to Turkey apply to all travellers, Schengen visa holders need to ensure their passport is valid for over 150 days. Supporting documents include the Schengen Visa and an active email address for e-Visa receipt. A functional credit or debit card is also necessary for online payment of the Turkey visa fee.
Consider Expiry Dates
Maintaining valid documents is crucial. When visiting Turkey with a valid e-Visa, the Schengen visa must also be current. Entering with an expired Schengen visa can lead to denied entry.
Ease of Obtaining E-Visa for Turkey
Turkey introduced the e-Visa in 2013 for simplified tourist entry. Applying online takes minutes, requiring an active internet connection. Alternatively, a visa on arrival is available to some nationalities, but it carries risks of rejection and time wastage. Regardless of the option chosen, truthful and accurate information is essential.
Eligibility for Turkish E-Visa with Schengen, UK, US, Ireland Visas
Schengen visas are accessible to African and Asian nationals. While a Schengen visa allows travel within Europe, it also supports a Turkish e-Visa application. The process encourages seamless travel and exploration while upholding integrity.
UK 180-day multiple-entry visa
Excluding visa-exempt nations, individuals from these countries need a valid visa or residence permit issued by Schengen area countries, United Kingdom, United States, or Ireland. Electronic visas and residence permits from these regions are not accepted for entry to Turkey.
If you are a citizen of the listed states or territories, you qualify for a single-entry Turkish e-Visa with a 30-day validity. Moreover, you must adhere to the specified conditions.
Requirements for a Turkish Visa
Turkey has specific visa requirements that travellers must meet in order to obtain an e-Visa. These requirements include ensuring that your passport covers the entire duration of your stay in Turkey, having a valid hotel reservation, possessing sufficient funds for your stay (calculated at around USD $50 per day), holding a return or onward ticket, and travelling for the purposes of tourism or business. Additionally, you must have a valid Supporting Document, which can be a valid visa or residence permit from one of the Schengen Countries, the USA, the UK, or Ireland. It's important to note that e-Visas are not accepted as supporting documents.
It's crucial to meet all of these conditions to successfully obtain a Turkey e-Visa. If you don't fulfil any of these requirements, your visa application may be rejected.
However, there are a few exceptions to these conditions. For instance, citizens of Egypt who are under 20 years or over 45 years of age are exempt from certain requirements. Similarly, citizens of certain countries like Pakistan, the Philippines, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh are exempt from specific airline approval requirements.
Visa Exempt Vs E-Visa options in Turkey
Turkey has both visa exemption and e-Visa options for citizens of various countries. There are 78 countries with visa exemption and 42 countries where you can apply for an e-Visa. The validity of your passport for 150 days from the date of arrival is typically required, but this condition may not apply to visitors from certain countries like France, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, and Germany. Citizens of Bulgaria, on the other hand, only need their passport to be valid for the duration of their visit.
Visa Free Countries in Turkey
Turkey's visa policy can be intricate due to its candidacy for European Union membership. It has complex visa policies compared to the Schengen area. While citizens of Cyprus require a visa for Turkey and Schengen Annex II territories, there are specific territories and countries where visa-free access is granted.
Turkey allows citizens from various countries like Belarus, Ecuador, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Russia, and more to have visa-free access. The government of Turkey also announced that starting from March 2, 2020, additional countries including Belgium, the Republic of Ireland, Austria, Malta, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal could have visa-free access to the country. This demonstrates the intricate nature of Turkey's visa policy, influenced by its EU candidacy and evolving international relations.
Some FAQs About Turkish e-Visas:
Yes, you can apply for a Turkish e-Visa if you hold a valid visa from Schengen area countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Ireland.
The e-Visa allows for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days within Turkey.
No, electronic visas (e-Visas) are not accepted as supporting documents for obtaining a Turkish e-Visa. You need to have a valid visa or residence permit from one of the mentioned countries.
In addition to holding a valid visa from Schengen area countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Ireland, you must also have a valid passport with a remaining validity period that covers your stay in Turkey. You need to provide a valid hotel reservation, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, a return or onward ticket, and your travel purpose must be either tourism or business.
Yes, there are exceptions. For instance, citizens of Egypt who are under 20 years or over 45 years of age are exempt from certain requirements. Additionally, citizens of Pakistan, the Philippines, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh are exempt from the requirement of travelling with an airline approved by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Yes, citizens of certain countries like France, Azerbaijan, Germany, and more can travel to Turkey with just their ID card as an accepted identity, without the need for a passport.
The e-Visa application process is designed to be simple and efficient. With an active internet connection, you can complete the application within minutes. However, ensure accurate information is provided, and review the application before submission.
No, you cannot apply for a Turkish e-Visa on arrival. The e-Visa must be obtained before your travel to Turkey.