What Is A Turkey Tourist Visa? How To Obtain One?
Turkey Tourist Visa
A visa is, in the simplest terms, a permit issued by the official authorities of a country to foreigners traveling to that country and stamped in their passports. Countries use their national sovereignty to subject foreigners traveling to their countries to different visa regimes depending on their nationality.
Every year, a large number of tourists come to our country for vacation. Some of these tourists are citizens of countries to which Turkey applies visa exemptions, while others are citizens of countries to which Turkey applies visa regimes. The visa regime applied by Turkey varies from country to country in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.
Citizens of countries subject to Turkey’s visa regime must obtain a visa before coming to our country. Foreigners coming to Turkey for vacation, travel, and tourism purposes must apply for a Turkey Tourist Visa.
How to Obtain a Turkish Tourist Visa?
As a rule, tourist visa applications are obtained from the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Turkey in the foreigner’s country of permanent residence. However, citizens of some countries can apply for a tourist visa electronically without physically going to the diplomatic mission. Foreigners applying for a visa are required to provide proof of income, proof of return, hotel reservations, and an invitation letter. The purpose here is to verify that the purpose of the visit is appropriate.
Foreigners applying for a visa to Turkey are required to have a passport or other valid travel document valid for at least 60 days after the visa expiry date.
When a foreigner applies for a tourist visa to come to Turkey with an invitation letter, the invitation letter must include the Turkish citizen’s ID number, residence address, contact number, the length of the foreigner’s stay, and the purpose of their visit. If the foreigner applying for a visa is related to the Turkish citizen who invited them, this must be stated in the invitation letter. Furthermore, if the person inviting the foreigner states that they will cover all accommodation expenses, the applicant is not required to have sufficient financial means. In this case, a document showing the income status of the inviting person is required.
The person sending the invitation letter to the foreigner may not always be a real person (individual); sometimes legal entities also send invitation letters. When companies or institutions send invitation letters, a tax certificate is required. Furthermore, a declaration is required stating that the inviting institution will cover the foreigner’s accommodation and living expenses. In this case, no documentation is required from the foreigner to prove sufficient financial means. This documentation is provided by the inviting institution.
When applying for a tourist visa, the foreigner is required to provide documentation supporting their return. The consulate’s purpose in requesting this documentation is to establish evidence of the person’s intention to return. In particular, citizens of countries with underdeveloped economies and high unemployment rates come to Turkey on tourist visas with the intention of working unofficially. Official authorities request proof of return to prevent illegal immigration. Documents proving that the foreigner has property or permanent employment in their country are accepted as supporting documents. For example, a person’s pay slip, place of work activity certificate, student certificate, bank account statement, and real estate title deed are considered supporting documents.
Documents Required for a Turkish Tourist Visa
Foreigners applying for a tourist visa through a Turkish diplomatic mission are required to bring all documents with them to their appointment on the day of their appointment. For electronic visa applications, the online application form must be completed, and the requested documents must be scanned and uploaded to the system. Although the documents required by Turkey for tourist visa applications vary from country to country, the following documents are generally required.
Passport or valid substitute document;
Biometric photograph;
Document showing income status or the income status of the inviting person;
Airline reservation;
Hotel reservation or invitation;
Document supporting return (property deed, workplace permit, pay slip, bank statement, etc.);
Travel insurance.