Turkey Visa Guide for Indian Travelers

Turkey Visa Guide for Indian Travelers

Table of Contents

🏳️ Country Overview

Country Name - Turkey

For Indian citizens planning to visit Turkey, the visa process is straightforward, and there are various options depending on the purpose of the visit. You can apply for an e-Visa, visit a Turkish Embassy, or apply through a Visa Application Center. Read through this detailed guide to help you understand everything you need to know about the Turkish visa application process.

Official Website Link

📝 Visa Types & Basic Requirements

Types of Visas Available

  • Tourist Visa: For leisure, tourism, and visiting friends/family.

  • Business Visa: For business-related travel, meetings, conferences, etc.

  • Student Visa: For those enrolled in educational programs in Turkey.

  • Work Visa: For individuals who have secured a job in Turkey.

  • Transit Visa: For those passing through Turkey to another destination.

Age Requirement

  • There is no specific age restriction for applying for a Turkish visa. However, applicants under the age of 18 must submit consent from their parents or guardians.

Passport Validity

  • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Turkey.

  • Ensure that your passport has at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit records.

Visa Validity

  • Tourist visa validity: 3 months.

  • Business visa validity: 3 months to 1 year.

  • Student and Work visas: Validity depends on the duration of the program or job offer.

Stay Duration Allowed

  • You can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period on a tourist visa.

  • For other visa types, the stay duration will be mentioned on the visa sticker.

Number of Entries

  • Single Entry: For most tourist visas.

  • Multiple Entries: Available for business visas or long-term visas like student/work visas.

💸 Fees & Processing for Turkey Visa

Visa Fee

Visa Type Fee (INR)
Tourist Visa ₹3,500 – ₹6,000
Business Visa ₹4,000 – ₹6,500
Student Visa ₹4,000 – ₹6,500
Work Visa ₹5,500 – ₹8,000

Note: The fees may vary based on the processing time and visa type. Always check the official Turkish consulate website or VFS for the most current fees.

Processing Time

  • Standard processing time: 3 to 5 working days.

  • E-Visa: Approved within 24 hours for most cases.

  • Urgent Processing: You can opt for expedited processing at an additional cost.

When to Apply

  • Apply for your visa at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date.

  • For e-Visas, apply 3 days before your departure.

📄 Documents & Proof

Documents Required

Here’s a list of documents generally required for a Turkish visa application:

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date.

  • Visa Application Form: Complete the application form online or at the consulate.

  • Photographs: 2 recent passport-size photos meeting the Turkish visa photo specifications.

  • Travel Itinerary: Flight and hotel bookings, or an invitation letter if staying with family or friends.

  • Financial Proof: Bank statements, salary slips, or ITR.

  • Cover Letter: A letter stating the purpose of your visit and travel plans.

  • Travel Insurance: Recommended, but not mandatory.

  • Additional documents: Depending on the type of visa (Business, Student, Work), you may need to submit extra paperwork such as business invitations, student enrollment letters, etc.

Financial Proof

You may need to show proof of financial means to support your stay in Turkey. This could include:

  • Bank Statements: Last 3 to 6 months, showing a balance sufficient for the duration of your trip.

  • Income Tax Returns (ITR): For the last 2 years.

  • Salary Slips: Last 3 months (if employed).

  • Sponsorship Letter: If someone else is funding your trip, they will need to provide an affidavit of support.

Translations Needed?

  • Documents that may require translation:

    • Bank Statements

    • Income Proof (Salary Slips, ITR)

    • Invitation Letter (if applicable)

Ensure translations are done by a certified translator.

Visa Photo Specifications

  • Size: 2 inches x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm)

  • Background: White or light-colored.

  • Face Visibility: 70-80% of the face should be visible, no shadows.

  • Expression: Neutral, no smiling or frowning.

👩‍⚖️ Interviews, Biometrics & E-Visa

Interview Required

  • No interview is generally required for short-term tourist visas.

  • An interview may be requested for business or work visa applicants.

Biometric Requirement

  • Yes, biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) is collected at the VFS or consulate.

  • It is taken during the application submission if applying in person.

E-Visa Available?

Yes, Turkey offers an e-Visa system for Indian citizens for tourism and business purposes.

E-Visa Link

📌 Application & Tracking

Application Process

  • Check Visa Type: Decide on the visa type based on your purpose of travel.

  • Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents.

  • Fill Application: Complete the online visa application form or visit the consulate.

  • Submit Application: Submit your application at the consulate or VFS center.

  • Pay Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee.

  • Wait for Approval: Processing time typically takes 3-5 days.

  • Collect Visa: Once approved, collect your visa from the consulate or VFS center.

Appointment Booking Link
Track Visa Status​

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dependents & Work

Dependents Info

  • Dependents (spouse and children) can join the main applicant on a tourist or long-term visa.

  • They must apply separately with their own set of documents.

  • For children, parental consent is required for visa applications.

Working Rights

  • Tourist Visa: No working rights.

  • Business Visa: You can attend meetings or conferences, but cannot engage in employment.

  • Work Visa: You can work only with the specific employer mentioned in your visa.

Visa Extension Info

  • You can apply for an extension in Turkey if you wish to stay longer.

  • Extensions are generally given for 30 to 60 days.

  • Cost: Varies, but generally around €50.

  • Extensions can be applied at the nearest Directorate General of Migration Management.

🌍 Embassy & Support

VFS/Global Partner Centers

VFS Global handles the visa application process in India. They have centers in major cities including:

Embassy Locations

  • New Delhi:
    Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, 50-M, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
    Embassy Website

  • Mumbai:
    Consulate General of Turkey, C-7, Cama Road, Colaba, Mumbai – 400039
    Consulate Website

🦠 Health & Rejections

Covid-19 Guidelines

  • Vaccination: Fully vaccinated travelers can enter Turkey without quarantine if they have a valid vaccination certificate.

  • Testing: Unvaccinated travelers might need a negative PCR test result (taken within 72 hours of departure).

  • Masking and Social Distancing: Following local COVID-19 protocols during your stay.

Common Rejection Reasons

  • Insufficient Financial Proof: Failing to demonstrate enough funds to support your stay.

  • Incomplete Documents: Missing any required documents or forms.

  • Invalid Passport: Passport validity less than 6 months.

  • False Information: Any discrepancies in the application form or documents.

  • Overstay in Previous Visits: If you overstayed on a previous visit to Turkey or any other Schengen countries.

💡 Final Notes

Important Tips

  • Keep copies of all documents you submit.

  • Check the visa validity to ensure it covers your entire trip duration.

  • Avoid last-minute applications; aim to apply at least 2 weeks in advance.

FAQs

Is Turkey visa free for Indian?

No, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Turkey.

How much does a Turkey visa cost?

The cost of a Turkey visa for Indian citizens ranges from ₹3,500 to ₹8,000, depending on the type of visa (tourist, business, work, etc.).

How to apply for a Turkey visa from India?

To apply for a Turkey visa, you can either:

  • Apply online for an e-Visa through the official Turkey e-Visa Portal.
  • Submit your visa application at a Turkish Embassy or VFS Global center in India.

How much is visa from India to Turkey?

The visa fee for a Turkish visa from India typically costs between ₹3,500 and ₹8,000, depending on the visa type and processing time.

Can I get a Turkey visa on arrival?

No, Indian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Turkey. You must apply for a Turkey visa in advance either through an e-Visa or at a Turkish Embassy.