Travel visa renewal in Türkiye

Start 60 days ahead

This lead time is suggested to account for potential appointment scheduling, varying processing times at embassies/consulates, and time needed to gather all required documents. E-Visa applications are typically processed much faster, often within minutes or hours, but it's still prudent to apply in advance.

The process

1. 1Determine the appropriate visa type required for the extended stay or new visit to Türkiye, considering the purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, business).
2. 2Check eligibility criteria and required documents based on nationality and the chosen visa type through the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the relevant Turkish diplomatic mission.
3. 3If eligible for an e-Visa, apply online via the official e-Visa portal, providing all necessary information and uploading digital copies of documents.
4. 4If an e-Visa is not applicable or preferred, schedule an appointment with the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence.
5. 5Gather all necessary physical documents as specified by the embassy/consulate or e-Visa system.
6. 6Attend the visa appointment (if applicable), submit the application, and pay the required fees.
7. 7Track the application status (if a tracking system is provided) and await the decision.

What to bring

• Valid passport or travel document (valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay and with at least two blank pages)
• Visa application form (if applying at an embassy/consulate)
• Recent biometric photographs
• Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel reservation, invitation letter)
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
• Travel insurance covering the period of stay (recommended, sometimes mandatory)
• Flight reservations or other travel itinerary details
• Supporting documents relevant to the purpose of visit (e.g., invitation letter for business, conference registration)

Who handles it

Dışişleri Bakanlığı (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for general visa policy, but applications are handled by the Turkish diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) in the applicant's country of residence or through the e-Visa system.

https://www.mfa.gov.tr/

Visa fees vary significantly based on the applicant's nationality, the type of visa, and the duration of stay. Fees are typically paid in the currency of the country where the application is submitted or in USD/EUR. Current fee schedules should be confirmed directly with the Turkish diplomatic mission or the e-Visa portal at the time of application.

What commonly goes wrong

• Many travel visas for Türkiye are single-entry; overstaying or attempting to 'renew' from within Türkiye by applying for another travel visa is generally not permitted and can lead to penalties.
• Eligibility for an e-Visa depends on nationality; not all nationalities qualify and some may need to meet additional conditions (e.g., holding a valid Schengen or US/UK/Ireland visa).
• Processing times can vary, especially for traditional embassy applications, and certain periods may experience higher demand, leading to longer waits.
• Ensure all submitted documents are complete, accurate, and meet the specific requirements, as incomplete applications can lead to delays or refusal.

Sources

• mfa.gov.tr
• Electronic Visa Application System evisa.gov.tr