Turkey, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, is a dream destination for travelers. The Turkey tourist visa makes it easier for Indian citizens to explore this beautiful country. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Turkey Tourist Visa.

What is a Turkey Tourist Visa? The Turkey Tourist Visa, officially known as the ‘touristic’ visa, allows individuals to visit Turkey for tourism-related activities. While citizens of many countries don’t require a visa or can obtain one on arrival, Indian citizens need to apply for a visa in advance. However, if you hold a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Ireland visa or residence permit, you are also eligible for the tourist e-visa.

Visa Characteristics:

• Sticker Visa: Allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is available as a single, double, or multiple-entry visa.
• E-visa: Grants a maximum stay of 30 days within a 180-day period and is available only as a single-entry visa.
• Note: The e-visa type of Turkey tourist visa for Indian citizens will not be valid if your UK, US, or Ireland permit is also an e-visa.

How to Apply for Turkey Tourist Visa? Before applying for a Turkey Tourist Visa, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Here’s how to apply:

At the Embassy:

1. Visit the website of the Turkish diplomatic mission in India based on your jurisdiction.
2. Start by completing the online visa application form (pre-application) available on the website.
3. If eligible for an e-visa, you may be redirected to the relevant portal. Otherwise, proceed with the application form.
4. Note the reference number received via email.
5. Schedule an appointment at the diplomatic mission based on your jurisdiction.
6. Download the offline application form and manually fill it, specifying the purpose of your visit as ‘tourism.’
7. Attend the appointment with the signed application form, required documents, and fees.
8. Submit the application and pay the fees at the mission.

At Visa Application Centres (VAC):

1. Visit the website of the embassy’s outsourced VAC as per your jurisdiction.
2. Manually complete the application form using a blue or black ink pen, written in capital letters, and indicating the purpose of the visit as ‘tourism.’
3. Contact the VAC call center to schedule an appointment for application submission.
4. Attend the appointment slot with the application form, supporting documents, and fees.
5. Submit the application and pay the fees at the VAC.

E-visa:

1. If eligible, visit the e-visa portal of the Turkish Ministry.
2. Fill out the visa application form with all the required details.
3. Pay the fees and submit the application. Note: Ensure you provide accurate information and genuine documents, as using fake documents or providing false information can result in visa rejection.

Eligibility for Turkey Tourist Visa: To be eligible to apply for a Turkey Tourist Visa as an Indian citizen, you must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in India while submitting the application. If you hold a residence permit in another country, you must apply through the respective authority there.
• Possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Turkey.
• Have a primary purpose of engaging in tourism alone.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay (a minimum of $50 per day for e-visa).
• If applying for an e-visa, hold a valid entry permit or residence permit for Schengen countries, UK, US, or Ireland.

Documents Required for Turkey Tourist Visa: The Turkey Tourist Visa requirements for Indian citizens include the following documents. Note that specific documentation requirements may vary slightly based on the Turkish mission to which you are applying:

• Fully filled and signed application form.
• Two photos meeting specified specifications.
• Travel insurance.
• Proof of funds, such as bank statements.
• Proof of employment or studies, including an employment letter or retirement letter.
• Round-trip flight tickets.
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter.
• Proof of ‘intent to return,’ such as house agreements or property agreements.
• A covering letter from the applicant.
• For e-visa applications, a valid Schengen/UK/US/Ireland visa or residence permit.

Photo Specification for Turkey Tourist Visa: Photos submitted for the Turkey Tourist Visa must adhere to the following specifications:

• Size: 35mm X 45mm.
• Color: Colored.
• Head must occupy the central position.
• Taken within the last 3 months.
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey.
• 80% face coverage.
• Neutral expression.
• Thin-framed and prescription glasses are allowed.
• Headgear is permissible for religious reasons.
• Facial hair is permitted.

Processing Time for Turkey Tourist Visa: Processing times for the Turkish ‘sticker’ tourist visa typically take around 12 working days. However, this duration can vary based on factors such as application volume, entry type, visa category, document authenticity, and more. To ensure a smooth process, it is advisable to apply well in advance.

The e-visa type of tourist permit is usually processed within 48 hours. However, it is recommended to apply at least 2 days in advance to accommodate any unexpected delays.

Turkey Tourist Visa Fees: The fees for the tourist permit depend on the number of entries and foreign exchange rates. Fees for the tourist e-visa must be paid in USD. Therefore, when making the payment, the exact amount may vary depending on the prevailing exchange rates. For sticker visas, additional service charges and delivery fees may apply. It is essential to verify the exact fee amount before starting your application.

After Submission: After submitting your application, it will be processed accordingly. If you applied through a VAC, note that the processing of tourist visa applications is carried out by the embassy/consulate, and the VAC has no influence on the process. Once approved, you can collect your passport directly from the mission/VAC or have it delivered to you for an additional charge. The jurisdictions of Turkish missions in India are as follows:

• Turkish Embassy in New Delhi: Covers states including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
• Turkish Consulate in Mumbai: Includes states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep Islands.
• Turkish Consulate in Hyderabad: Serves states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Orissa, and Chhattisgarh.

If you have applied for the e-visa type of tourist permit, you will receive a link via email upon approval, allowing you to download the permit.

How to Check Visa Status: You can check the status of your tourist visa application using various methods, depending on your mode of application:

• Embassy/Consulate: If you applied at the embassy/consulate, you can track your application status by entering your reference number and passport number on their website.
• Visa Application Centre (VAC): If you applied through a VAC, you can check the status on their website or contact their customer service for updates.
• Travel Agency: If you applied through a travel agency, you can also inquire about the status of your application through them.

When You Have the Visa: After receiving your Turkey Tourist Visa, here are some important points to keep in mind for a hassle-free journey:

Before You Travel:

• Check the validity and number of entries specified on your visa; ensure compliance with the entry type and duration.
• Carry all necessary travel documents with you.
• If you have an e-visa, ensure you have a digital or hardcopy of it.

At the Border:

• Present your passport with the visa to the immigration officer for entry stamping.
• Be prepared to show copies of other documents submitted with your application.
• Provide accurate details about your visit to Turkey confidently and honestly.

During Your Stay in Turkey:

• While on a tourist permit, you are not allowed to engage in work or business activities.
• If you have a valid reason, you may apply for an extension of your visa.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa when traveling within the country.
• Respect Turkish culture, customs, and immigration laws during your stay.