Turkey Visa for Indians

A Turkish visa is an official document and a permit that allows Indian passport holders to enter Turkey legally and stay there for a specified period. Therefore, any Indian citizen who wishes to travel to Turkey for tourism, medical, business or any other reason must apply for a visa in advance.

Prior to 2014, Turkish authorities issued a Turkish visa for Indians on arrival, which eliminated the need for a visa application in advance. However, since the Turkish government abolished the visa-on-arrival facility, Indians must now either apply for a Turkey e–visa for Indians or a sticker visa as required.

Indian citizens should apply for Turkish visas well in advance to avoid any hassles during the trip. Also, apart from a valid Turkey tourist visa for Indians in hand, you should not forget to have a comprehensive travel insurance plan along with you.

All Indian passport holders must compulsorily apply for a Turkish visa when travelling to Turkey. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt from Turkey visas, which means they can visit Turkey for up to 90 days without applying for a visa.

Thus, all adults and minors are required to make a visa application before travelling to Turkey. Businessmen, students, employees, travel enthusiasts, those seeking medical treatment in Turkey, etc., require a visa to travel to Turkey.

If you are an Indian passport holder with a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen, US, UK and Ireland, you are eligible to opt for a Turkish e-visa. The e-visa is valid for short business trips or tourism. In other cases, Indians must obtain a sticker visa, by applying at the Turkish embassy in India.

The Republic of Turkey issues various types of visas to Indian nationals based on the purpose of their visit. It is essential to know the types of visas as it helps you apply for the right type of visa.

Turkey visas can further be classified as follows:

-Single-Entry Visa: This type of visa is for tourism and visit purposes only. Holders of single-entry visas can stay in Turkey for a pre-determined period of 30 days.

-Multiple-Entry Visa: A multiple-entry visa allows the visitor to enter Turkey multiple times during a fixed period, which can be either 30 days or 90 days.

One can apply for an e-visa anytime before travelling. However, the authorities advise you to apply for an eVisa at least 48 hours before your departure. However, if you are applying for a sticker visa, you must apply at least one month prior to your departure.

Since the sticker visa approval process is lengthy, it can take anywhere from 10-15 days for the visa to arrive. Hence, the application must be made in time.

All travellers to Turkey from India need to submit a few important documents as required by the Turkish authorities. Here's a list of all the general documents that you will have to submit to get a Turkey visa from India.

-Application Form An application form is the primary document that must be duly filled and submitted for a Turkish visa. The form must be filled in blue or black ink in block letters.

-Passport You must submit an original passport with at least 6 months of validity and must have at least 2 blank pages.

-Biometric Photo: Travellers must also submit 2 biometric photos taken in the last 6 months. The photo must have a white background measuring 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches.

-Proof of Accommodation: Proof of hotel booking along with the details of the hotel where you are going to stay during your visit to Turkey.

-Itinerary and Travel Proof: Complete itinerary details along with proof of return flight ticket reservation.

-Financial Proof: Proof of the travellers’ financial capability to support themselves during their stay.

-Proof of Civil Status: Submit Aadhar card or PAN card

-Undertaking Letter: All travellers above 18 years of age must fill out and sign the undertaking letter and submit it along with the other documents.

-Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory for a Turkey visa to safeguard you during your stay.

Note:* The visa authorities may require additional documents based on the type of visa application.

-Useful Link: E-visa Application

-Useful Link: Undertaking Letter

Indians who wish to travel to Turkey must apply for a visa in advance, as there is no visa on arrival for Indians. There are two ways to apply for a Turkey visa: a Turkey e-visa for Indians and a Turkey sticker visa.

By following the simple steps mentioned below, one can successfully apply for a Turkish visa.

-Turkey E-Visa for Indian

• Go to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

• Click on Apply for e-visa option on the page.

• When the next page appears, you must click on “Apply Now.”

• Fill out the information as requested on the page. From the first dropdown menu select “Electronic visa”. Next, select the country as “India”, travel document as “ordinary passport” or the applicable category. Fill out the security verification code carefully. Then click on “Save and Continue.”

• On the following page, select the date of your arrival in Turkey. Then click “Save and Continue.”

• Next, tick all the e-visa requirement boxes and click on Save and Continue.

• Fill out the personal information on the next page. Click on the “Add Members” tab to fill out the form for other family members. Then click “Continue.”

• A confirmation email will be sent to you at your registered email address.

• Make the payment in USD using a Master card, Visa or Union Pay credit or debit card.

• After successful payment, you will receive a link to download your e-visa.

Useful Link: Things to Know About Turkey E-Visa

-Turkey Visa for Indian: Gateway International

Those who are not eligible to apply for an e-visa must acquire a sticker visa to visit Turkey. The visa can be obtained through Gateway International, the official visa partner of the Turkish government. Here are the steps that one must follow to apply for a sticker visa.

Get all the necessary documents, such as the photographs, application form, etc. ready. The application form can be downloaded and filled before you visit the visa centre.

• Go to the official Gateway International website.

• Select “India” as the country to proceed.

• From the options displayed on the page, select “Create an Appointment.”

• On the next page, select the option “Schedule an Appointment.”

• Next, create an account on Gateway International’s website and schedule an appointment and pay partial fees online. (The rest you must pay at the visa centre)

Note: It is recommended that you schedule an appointment in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

• On the day of the appointment, you must reach the visa centre with all the documents.

• The visa officers will verify your documents.

• If the verification is successful, you can pay the remaining Turkey visa cost for the Indian and then proceed with the biometrics.

Note: The balance visa fee must be paid at the centre in cash mode.

• Collect the receipt and preserve it, as you can track your visa using the application number.

• Upon approval of the visa application, you will receive the visa and passport through courier services provided by the centre.

Note: If you are applying for a work visa, you must send an email to helpline.india@gateway.com.tr.

For visitors travelling to Turkey from India, there is a certain amount to be paid as Turkey visa fees. The following table shows the approximate visa fees for a Turkish visa for Indians –

All Indians who wish to travel to Turkey must fulfil the following requirements to obtain a visa.

• Have a valid passport

• Must produce a return ticket

• Must have accommodation proof

• Invitation letter (if travelling for business)

• Travel Insurance

• Must complete the visa payment and procedure

When applying for a sticker visa for Turkey, one must ensure that the application is made at the Gateway International Centre, which covers your jurisdiction. Applying to the wrong jurisdiction may result in visa application rejection.

Your application for a Turkey tourist visa for Indians or an eVisa from India can be refused due to the following reasons:

• Submission of inaccurate/incomplete visa application form

• History of immigration crimes or involvement in criminal activities in the past

• No clear proof of your travel itinerary and no particular purpose for going or returning from Turkey.

• Insufficient documentary evidence for visa application.

• Previous incidence of overstay in Turkey

• Insufficient funds in the account.

Exploring the varied cultures, landscapes and cuisines in Turkey is an experience of a lifetime. However, you may not be able to enjoy it to the fullest if you encounter health or other emergencies without an insurance backup.

Besides, having travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Turkey visa. TATA AIG helps you to fulfil this requirement with the help of Turkey travel insurance, which is available at a very affordable rate. The insurance plan provides extensive coverage and plenty of features and benefits.

You can buy travel insurance online for Turkey without undergoing any medical check-ups and get coverage in Turkish Lira. Our plans help you with medical evacuation, accidental death and repatriation, compassionate visits, and much more in a foreign country.

TATA AIG travel insurance cover makes your trip peaceful by assisting with luggage loss or delays, passport loss, flight delays or cancellations, travel assistance, plane hijacks, etc. Whether you are a frequent traveller or travel once in a while, we have got you covered with our single-trip and multi-trip insurance travel insurance plans.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, there are no restrictions on entering the country. The Turkish government does not require Indians to submit proof of vaccination. There is no longer a requirement to wear masks or stay in quarantine.

However, those travelling to Turkey are advised to take general precautions to ensure good health and safety, such as drinking bottled water, avoiding undercooked and raw food to avoid food poisoning, staying vigilant at all times while travelling and so on.

• Turkey is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising two mixed sites and 16 cultural sites.

• More than 99% of Turkey’s estimated population identify themselves as Sunni Muslims.

• The country remained neutral during the major part of World War II and finally declared war on Germany and Japan in 1945. However, Turkey did not participate in the battle.

• Turkey hosts the world's largest number of Syrian refugees.

• Tea is very famous in Turkey. When requesting tea in a public place, one should have it in the colour of “rabbit blood” as it’s considered to be the best. Also, this type of tea in Turkey can be consumed with or without sugar.

• The famous blue-eyed stone, which is famous worldwide as the evil eye, is produced in Turkey. This is supposed to be their evil eye talisman and the locals use it everywhere to ward off negative energies.

• The Turkish bath is famous worldwide. It was built by Sinan, who was a famous architect in 1584. The Cemberlitas Bath is considered to be a classic bath by the locals and is very famous.

Also Read: Useful Information for Foreigners Travelling to Turkey

From a couple of heritage sites to some of the most beautiful landscapes, Turkey is a beautiful country, to say the least. If you are done booking your tickets and applying for a Turkish visa for your upcoming trip to this country, here are a few things that you need to explore once you step down in Turkey

• Take a natural sauna bath at the Pamukkale Thermal Pools.

• Explore the limestone formations at the Goreme National Park.

• Enjoy the famous Turkish bath at the Cemberlitas Hamami.

• Watch the Turkish sacred dance at the Dervish.

• Visit the ruins of Ephesus.

• Go hiking at Mount Nemrut.

• Learn about the rich culture and history of Turkey at Hagia Sophia.

• Wake up early to the flight of hot air balloons in the skies above Cappadocia.

• Tickle your taste buds with Meze and fish.

• Enjoy shopping in colourful bazaars such as Istanbul's Grand Bazaar(covered marketplace in Turkish) or the pazars (open-air market).

• Cruise on the turquoise waters aboard a Gulet, which is a traditional wooden yacht.