Turkey VISA for Indians – Simply Explained

Turkey is an amazing place, it is overloaded with beautiful places, Exotic cuisines and Blended culture. Well this article is not about explain about the tourist places of turkey or to motivate you to land here. This article is truly dedicated to clear your confusion on getting a VISA for turkey. On surfing the net myself when I went to turkey for the first time, I had faced a lot of confusion on information, so I decided to write down a simple article on Turkey Visa for Indians explained simple. Here are some points to note.  

A. If you HAVE a valid visa or resident permit from the US/UK/Ireland/Schengen states.

The Turkish government launched an easy online visa system that issues an e-Visa instead of the old “sticker visa” for Indian passport holders who have any valid visa or resident permit from the US/UK/Ireland/Schengen states. If you have a valid tourist visa, residence permit, work permit, or permanent residence in any of these countries, you can apply for a Turkey e-Visa online and fly right after.

The online process is very smooth. All you had to do is go to the Turkish e-Visa application, fill in the application form, fill in the relevant details of your supporting visa (US/UK/Ireland/Schengen states), and pay via credit/debit card or Paypal. Once the information and payment is submitted, the visa is emailed to the traveler, and must be downloaded and printed out. The e-Visa should be shown to airport and customs officials in Turkey and kept safe for the duration of the stay.

This e-Visa for Indians costs 43.70 USD, allows you a single entry, and you may stay up to 30 days. The e-Visa itself is valid for 6 months so if your plans change and you don’t use your single entry, you still have a little time to use it. Additionally, there is a service fee of 20 USD for standard processing.

B. If you DO NOT have a valid visa or resident permit from the US/UK/Ireland/Schengen states.

If you do not have valid Schengen/USA/UK/Australia/Canada visa then you can apply for an offline Turkey visa through Turkish Consulate in Mumbai or embassy in Delhi. It will takes 5–6 working days to process your visas after submission.

The Documents required are,

1. Original Passport (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Turkey and should have at least 2 full blank pages available in it). Also provide 2 photo copies of Passport first and last page.
2. Visa Application Form (Available for download on website) it should be filled manually by blue or black ink in block letters with 2 white background photographs having size 2.5inch x 2.5inch.
3. Confirmed Return Ticket
4. Travel Insurance is mandatory requirement which should fulfill the below requirements.
• Medical Evacuation and repatriation expenses
• Personal accidental death
• Personal liability
• Daily allowance in hospitalization cases
• This plan should cover the insured for a minimum of Euro 30000.
5. Covering letter from employer on company letter head with authorized signatory, name and designation with company seal. Mentioning about the guarantee clause with the expenses of the trip.
6. Original Invitation letter from Turkey or color scanned copy with clear information. The Invitation letter should be on company’s letter head with authorized signatory, name and designation with company seal with VD Number (Tax Number)
7. Recommendation letter or Registration letter from relevant chamber of commerce.
8. If Self-employed: Covering letter duly signed on personal business letter head with authorized signatory, name and designation with company seal explaining the purpose of the trip, duration of stay in Turkey etc.

Here are some pointers you need to know before planning for turkey

1.  How long can Indian Citizens stay in Turkey?

Indians carrying ordinary passports and who have obtained a visa for tourist purposes can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 30 days but must not engage in paid or unpaid work. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply to your local Police Station for a residency permit.

2.  What are the Fees and Costs for a Turkey e-Visa for Indians?

A Turkish E-Visa for Indian Passport holders costs US$43.70 and remains valid for an 180 day window. There is an additional $20 service fee. The visa is valid for one entry only.

3.  How long does it take to get a Turkish e-Visa for Indians?

It depends on the processing time you choose. There are three options:

• Standard Processing: 1 business days.
• Rush Processing: 2 hours.
• Super Rush Processing: 15 minutes.

4. How difficult is the Turkey e-Visa application form for Indians?

It is a really simple process through  website. The e-Visa document can be obtained online in as little as 15 minutes. Once the information and payment is submitted, the visa is emailed to the traveler, and must be downloaded and printed out.

5.  What are the Steps for Turkey e-Visa?

a) Fill out online application Complete our easy online application. Pay with credit card or PayPal

b) Receive visa via email No need to deal with the embassy. We do it for you so you don't lose valuable time.

c) Entry to turkey Present your Passport and the Document we provide upon entry to Turkey

The Turkey e-Visa is electronically linked to the passport and is accessible to the Department of Foreign Affairs. We strongly recommend travelers print a copy of their Turkish e-Visa in case there is a problem with the computer terminals at the immigration office upon arrival.

6.  What if you enter a wrong passport number on your Turkey Visa application?

If you made a mistake when entering your data online then please contact the customer service representatives as soon as possible via online chat to assist you.

NOTE - Your e-Visa is linked to your passport number, if they have already submitted your application, then you can NOT make any changes and you will have to apply again.

7.  My passport will expires in less than 6 months, can I apply for a Turkish visa online?

No. As a general rule, your passport needs to have at least 6 (six) months of validity from the date of entry.

If your passport expires within 6 months of arrival date, then you need to renew your passport in order to get any travel visa. You should contact your local Turkish Embassy to get more info regarding your case if your passport will expire in less than that time period specified.

8.  I want to extend my stay in Turkey. What should I do?

If you are in Turkey and wish to extend your stay, you must apply at a local Police Station for a residence permit.

NOTE- If you overstay your Turkey visa, you may be fined, banned from future travel to Turkey or deported.

9.  How long is my Turkish e-visa valid for?

For Indians, the Turkey e-visa is valid for 180 days. This means that you must enter Turkey within 180 days of issuance.

10. Do I need a visa if I am in transit through Turkey?

If you will NOT leave the transit lounge at the airport while in Turkey, then you are not required to have transit visa. Otherwise if you wish to leave the airport, then You Have To Apply for a Turkish visa.

 

I hope all your doubts are well answered here in this single blog. Do read our other posts on places to visit, eat, and have fun in turkey. Have a wonderful time and have fun!