Turkish visa requirements for Indian citizens mandate a visa prior to travel, with options for both e-visa and Sticker visa. The application process is streamlined and involves submitting different types of documents specific to the type of visa.
Understanding the different documents required for a Turkey visa and proper preparation will ensure a hassle-free application process, allowing you to fully enjoy your visit to Turkey, whether it is for a vacation or other purposes.Turkey is renowned for its ancient history and vibrant, modern cities like Istanbul. If you are planning to explore this country or travel for business reasons, filing an accurate Turkey visa application is the primary step. Here is what you need to know before you go!
Eligibility Conditions to Apply for a Turkey Visa
Indian citizens planning to visit Turkey should apply for and receive a visa in advance. Visa on arrival is not applicable to Indian citizens.However, government officials with a diplomatic passport are exempt from obtaining a visa for up to 90 days of travel to Turkey.All other passport holders, ordinary, special and service passport holders need to apply for a Turkey visa.The eligibility conditions differ for the various types of visas. Therefore, it is important to check the Turkey visa requirements specific to your needs and ensure that you are eligible for the applicable visa process. Here are some of the common eligibility conditions.
You should hold a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond the planned duration of your stay in Turkey.
You should have valid travel insurance for at least the duration of your stay in Turkey.
Your bank account balance should be at least ₹1 lakh per person.
To apply for a one-month single entry e-Visa, you must have a valid Schengen, UK, USA, or Ireland visa or residence permit.
You must have the corresponding cover letter, invitation letter, or leave letter based on the documents required for a Turkey visa, specific to the intended purpose.
Types of Turkish Visas
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa allows you to explore Turkey on your vacation for leisure and sightseeing purposes. It will mainly require a valid passport, travel insurance policy, proof of travel and accommodation and proof of financial stability.
Business Visa
A business visa is required if you are travelling to Turkey to attend business meetings, conferences, seminars or any other business-related activities. You will typically need a cover letter from your employer and an invitation letter from your Turkish business counterpart.
Education or Student Visa
An education visa is required if you plan to move to Turkey to pursue an education programme or internship. You will primarily need an acceptance letter from the university or institution offering the educational programme.
Work Visa
A work visa allows you to work legally in Turkey. It requires an employment contract with supporting documents from the Turkish company.
Medical Visa
A medical visa is required if you plan to get treatment for your medical condition in Turkey. It typically requires a cover letter from the medical institution and the doctor detailing your health condition and the need for treatment.
Other Visas
There are also other visa types, such as for Archaeological exploration and excavation, film shooting, seafarer, and freight purposes.
How to Apply for a Turkey Visa?
There are two ways to apply for a Turkish visa.
e-Visa for tourism and business purposes, subject to eligibility conditions
Sticker Visa for all other purposes
e-Visa - Turkish Online Visa
The Electronic Visa, or e-Visa, is applicable when travel is for business or tourism. It is a simple three-step online process.Eligible ordinary, service and special passport holders with valid Schengen, USA, Ireland or UK visas or residence permits can apply for a one-month-valid e-Visa for single entry. In addition, starting from 15th April 2024, Indian citizens travelling to Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela transiting through the Istanbul airport can apply for the Electronic Airport Transit Visa (e-ATV). It is absolutely offered free of charge.
Steps to apply for a Turkish e-Visa
Visit the official website of the
Republic of Turkey - Electronic Visa Application System.
Click on “Apply Now” to access the Turkey visa application form.
Under “Visa Type”, choose between “Electronic Visa” and “Airport Transit Visa”.
Provide Country, Travel Document details and Security Verification.
Save and Continue.
Moving forward, fill out the necessary details as prompted by the system based on your travel plan, duration of stay, etc., and upload all the supporting documents.
Pay the applicable fees online.
Upon approval, the Turkey e-Visa will be sent to your registered Email ID.
Download the e-Visa document for future reference.
Also Read:
15 things to know before you apply for a Turkey Visa.
Sticker Visa
All types of visa applications to enter Turkey must be made through the Pre-Application System of Turkish Sticker Visa.In India, the Turkish Embassy is located in New Delhi, with consulates present in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The Turkish Embassy and Consulates do not accept sticker visa applications directly from applicants. They must be submitted through authorised Visa Application Centres (VAC). The authorised agency to apply for a Turkish visa in India is
Gateway International. It has established offices across the country.
Authorised Agency in India for Turkey Visa Application
Steps to apply for a Turkish Sticker Visa
Visit the official website of Gateway International and
schedule an appointment. You will have to pay a portion of the total Turkey visa application fee (₹6814) at the time of booking the appointment.
Visit the VAC with the Turkey visa requirements. The corresponding officials will guide you through the process, and upon completion, you must pay the remaining balance of the applicable visa fee in cash at the office.
The information required for the Turkish visa application will be uploaded to the system by the VAC.
After completing the online application, the applicants may be asked to visit the Turkish Embassy or Consulates with the duly filled-out Turkey visa application form, passport and original copies of the supporting documents uploaded to the system to complete the procedure.
Important Note:
If you want to apply for a Turkish visa, it is crucial to schedule an appointment at the Gateway International website. Walk-in customers are allowed only in specific scenarios, such as VIP or Premium Lounge applications.
If you are travelling as a group, each individual has to submit separate applications by scheduling the appointment individually.
Turkey Visa Requirements
The documents required for a Turkey visa differ for the various types of visa applications. Here is a list of common documents, followed by specific documents required for different visa types. The Embassy in New Delhi may ask for additional documents based on specific scenarios and call you for an interview. Therefore,
visa interview preparation is imperative to ensure you provide all the required information accurately and address concerns the consular officials have regarding your visa application intentions.
Turkey Visa for Indians - Documents Required
Type of Documents |
Details with Instructions/Conditions |
Basic Documents | Duly filled and signed application form. Click
here for the Turkey visa application form. You should manually fill it out with black or blue ink and affix one biometric photograph. The applicant or the guardian, in the case of minors, should sign it. An original passport with at least two full blank pages issued less than ten years ago and a minimum validity of six months beyond the planned duration of stay in Turkey. Two biometric photographs must have been taken within the last six months. The photograph must have a white background, the full face clearly visible and a 2.5-inch x 2.5-inch size. The undertaking letter, filled and duly signed if you are above 18 years of age. Copies of the first and last pages of the passport Proof of identity, such as Aadhar Card, PAN, etc. FIR document if the passport is lost.
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Travel Documents | A travel insurance policy valid for at least the duration of your stay in Turkey. Confirmed flight tickets for the round-trip Hotel accommodation reservation documents
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Financial Documents | The bank account balance should be at least ₹1 lakh per person. Last three months’ bank statements, original or copies attested by the bank of the company for an employer or the applicant, as applicable. Last three months’ salary slips and Form 16 for employees. For employers, company registration and GST registration documents with notary attestation. If you do not have sufficient funds in the bank account, a financial support letter from the sponsor and notarised is imperative. However, it is not applicable to parents, spouses and children. For retired individuals, proof of income with the last six months’ personal bank statements. For freelancers, contract documents or cover letters with proof of income along with last 6 months’ bank statements.
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Other Documents | Marriage Certificate or Affidavit attested by the Notary Public if travelling with spouse and spouse’s name is not mentioned in the passport. If an agency makes the application on behalf of the applicant, a letter of attorney in the original is required for every applicant. If the applicant is a minor, consent from both parents is required, even if the minor is travelling with the parents. The NOC (No Objection Certificate) should be on stamp paper with the photos of the minor and parents and also notarised. An NOC from the school or college is also required for a student.
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Turkey Tourist Visa Requirements
Cover LetterCovering letter detailing the travel plan, purpose and duration of stay, accompanying persons and the expenses clause with contact details, duly signed.
Leave Letter
Approved leave letter with the actual dates from the employer signed by an authorised representative with name, designation and company seal. It should contain the travel dates, duration and purpose of the visit.
If you are self-employed, a cover letter with a personal business letterhead will be required.
For students, an NOC from the school with a copy of the ID.
If you are visiting a Turkish citizen, an invitation letter with your name and passport number, proof of identity and contact details of the inviting person is required.
Tour ItineraryTour Itinerary can also be submitted. However, it is optional.
Turkey Visa Requirements for a Business Visa
Cover LetterA personal covering letter detailing the purpose of the business trip, its duration and the financial guarantee for the trip expenses, duly signed with contact details.
Leave LetterThe original leave letter sanctioned by the company on letterhead, detailing your designation, purpose of visit, salary, duration and the clause for the expenses covered, signed by an authorised representative with name, designation and company seal.
Invitation LetterOriginal invitation letter from the company in Turkey and details of the long-term relationship if it is a multiple entry visa. It should contain your full name, designation, coverage for business expenses, and passport number, along with the contact details of the inviting person and company.
A copy of the Turkish company’s registration with Tax ID from the Chamber of Commerce and Trade Gazette is also required.
Professional CertificateIf you are travelling as a tour chef, you need a professional certificate issued by the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA).
Turkey Visa Requirements for a Work Visa
Cover LetterA personal covering letter detailing the purpose and duration of stay is required.
Educational DocumentsCopy of educational qualification certificates, professional certifications and work experiences.
Invitation LetterInvitation letter from the corresponding Turkish company in English and Turkish.
Turkish Company Documents
Trade Registry Gazette
Tax ID document
Signature Circulars
An original employment contract with the name of the employer and employee, job description, address and contact details is required. It should be in printed format, both Turkish and English, and duly signed by an authorised representative.
Police Clearance CertificateA PCC with the validity date issued by the local passport office or police station is required. If the validity date is not mentioned, the card is considered valid for up to three months from the date of issue.
Turkey Visa Requirements for an Education Visa
Cover Letter
A personal cover letter including the purpose, duration of stay and details of the course and university or institution to be attended.
Covering letter from the Indian school or college, if applicable. In the case of exchange programmes, the related details should be clearly mentioned.
If you are going for the AIESEC/IAESTE internship programme, an original letter from the AIESEC/IAESTE institute in India and Turkey with letterhead, authorised signature and seal.
If you are attending an educational programme in the Turkish language, the cover letter should contain details of reference persons in India with proof of identity, address and contact details. If there are people, friends, or relatives in Turkey who are reference persons, their details should also be provided.
Acceptance letter from the university or institute where you are going to pursue the educational programme.
Receipt of payment of the tuition fees.
Certificates of completion of previous educational programmes from the last school or college.
A PCC with the validity date issued by the local passport office or police station is required. If the validity date is not mentioned, the card is considered valid for up to three months from the date of issue.
Turkey Visa Requirements for a Medical Visa
Cover Letter
A personal cover letter detailing the purpose of treatment, duration of stay and guarantee clause for the applicable expenses is required.
If you are self-employed or a businessman, a cover letter with the company’s letterhead with the contact details and company seal.
If you are a student, a cover letter from the school, college or university with a copy of the ID.
An invitation letter from the medical institute specifying your full name and passport number, including your medical condition and the cost of treatment. It should be on a letterhead with the doctor’s name, designation and official stamp.
Letter from the hospitalLetter from the doctor mentioning your medical history with the respective hospital’s letterhead, doctor’s name, designation and diploma number.
In case of donations of organsA personal covering letter from the donor and recipient, separately stating the purpose and having free will to donate, attested by a Notary.
Turkey Visa Application - Validity and Fees
Type of Visa |
Validity of Visa |
Total Fees (₹) |
Single Entry Visa | 3 Months | 5,090 |
Single Entry Turkey Visa Application | 3 Months | 12,280 |
Single Entry Visa | 6 Months | 5,090 |
Single Entry Turkey Visa Application | 6 Months | 14,268 |
Multiple Entry Business Visa | 6 Months | 16,090 |
Multiple Entry Business Visa Application | 6 Months | 14,268 |
Multiple Entry Business Visa | 12 Months | 16,090 |
Multiple Entry Business Visa Application | 12 Months | 16,255 |
Note:
For services such as Premium Lounge benefit, courier, holding at location, etc., additional charges will be applicable.
The application fees paid are not reimbursable in any scenario, including rejection and withdrawal.
If your Turkey visa application is rejected, you can re-apply for it immediately. However, the applicable charges have to be paid once again.
How long does it take to issue a Turkey visa?
Tourist and business visas
Tourist and business visas can be issued in a minimum of 4 working days in Delhi VAC. In other locations, it can take two to four more days. During peak seasons, the issue period can be extended to 5 more days.
All other types of visas
For other types of visas, such as medical and student visas, the issue period is a minimum of 30 days.
Turkish Embassy and Consulate Details in India
Turkish Missions in India |
Address and Contact Details |
Turkish Embassy in New Delhi | Turkish Embassy, 50-N, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021Phone - (00 91 11) 2688 9053 - 2688 9054 - 2410 1921Fax - (00 91 11) 2410 1974Email -
embassy.newdelhi@mfa.gov.trWorking Hours - 09.30-13.00/ 14.00-17.30 (Monday-Friday) |
Mumbai Turkish Consulate General | No. 101, 10th Floor, Maker Chambers IV, 222, Jamnalal Bajaj Road, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021Phone - 00 91 22 2204 0365/ 0366Email -
consulate.mumbai@mfa.gov.tr |
Hyderabad Turkish Consulate General | Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey, Plot No. 656, Road No. 34, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500033Phone - +91 40 236 36 365Fax - +91 40 236 36 220Email -
consulate.hyderabad@mfa.gov.tr |
Why is it important to have a Travel Insurance Policy?
One of the most important and mandatory Turkish visa requirements is a travel insurance policy. While it is crucial to obtain a Turkish visa, it also offers comprehensive coverage for unprecedented events and peace of mind as you set onboard on your dream journey to Turkey.With
travel insurance for Turkey, you can cover unexpected events, such as flight cancellations, baggage loss or delay, and medical emergencies. For instance, you can get reimbursed for non-refundable travel expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, such as a family emergency or illness.Such travel insurance coverage is essential to safeguard the significant investments made in travel plans, especially long vacations. It ensures you manage unexpected situations confidently, making it an indispensable part of your travel plan.
Important pointers to remember
The duration of stay provided by your Turvey visa application or visa exemption should be at most 90 days within each 180 days.
The visa rules and regulations, especially related to Turkish visa requirements, are strict and should be followed. No flexibility is entertained. Once the documents are submitted, the Embassy will not collect any further missing documents.
If the visa sticker contains an error, you can contact the VAC from where you applied for the Turkey visa.
If you can collate all the documents required for a Turkey visa, you can apply for it six months before your actual travel date.
All the letters should be in printed format with authorised letterhead, signed and stamped by authorised individuals with their contact details is imperative.
Premium or VIP visa applications will not benefit from expedited processes at the Embassy. It is only for applying for the visa at the VAC without scheduling an appointment.
If you are travelling to Turkey for both tourism and business purposes, you must apply for a business visa.
For group applications, the company’s notarised registration documents must be submitted only by the main applicant. All the other members can submit a copy of the documents.
Visas are not transferable between old and new passports. New passport applications need to be submitted and processed in any case.
Wrapping Up
Understanding and adhering to Turkish visa requirements is imperative for a hassle-free and successful visa application process. The documents required for a Turkey visa are different for each specific type of visa. Although the application process is detailed, if you have the necessary documents prepared, it is straightforward. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Turkey for any reason, spend ample time on the required documents and be well prepared to avoid unnecessary delays. Starting your preparations much earlier will give you enough time to address any unprecedented issues. So, plan early, prepare properly and look forward to a memorable trip to Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey visa-free for Indian citizens?
Indian citizens are not eligible for visa-free entry to Turkey. They must apply for an e-Visa or Sticker visa prior to entering the country.
Is a Turkish visa applicable to Indian citizens on arrival?
No, Indian citizens can apply for an e-Visa, but they are not eligible for a visa upon arrival in Turkey.
Can I pay for the e-Visa for Turkey in Indian rupees?
The applicable fees for an e-Visa can be paid in US dollars only. However, you don’t have to have a USD account, and an equivalent amount will be deducted from your account.
I have a valid Turkish work permit. Should I apply for a Turkish visa?
If you have a valid Turkish residence or work permit, you don’t have to apply for a visa to enter Turkey during its validity period. After entering Turkey, you will be asked to submit the permit along with your passport.
What are the common reasons for Turkish visa rejections?
The Turkish Embassy and Consulates can reject your application without giving any explanation. Some of the common reasons for rejections are missing documents, fake documents, non-reliable documents, missing attestations on original documents, failure to get cleared based on the Embassy’s assessment, and failure to get cleared by Turkish internal authorities.
How much does a Turkish visa cost?
The cost of obtaining a Turkish visa depends on the type of visa applied. For example, a single entry visa for three months costs ₹17,370 and a single entry visa for six months costs ₹19,358.
Is it mandatory to have a travel insurance policy to apply for a Turkish visa?
Yes, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement to apply for a Turkish visa. It is a must for at least the duration of your stay in Turkey.
Does Turkey accept a valid Schengen visa?
No, if you have a Schengen visa, you should also apply for a separate Turkey visa. However, with a Schengen visa, you are eligible to apply for a Turkey e-Visa.
Should I apply for a transit visa if I am transiting through the Istanbul airport?
Yes, starting from 15th April 2024, you need to apply for a transit visa if you are transiting through Istanbul airport to reach countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama.
Can I apply for a Turkish e-Visa for a group of people?
Yes, e-Visa applications can be submitted for a group of a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 300 people.