The rich history, traditions, and incredible heritage of Turkey make it a sought-after destination for every traveller. The country offers foreign visitors a glimpse of the 2000 years of Europe’s historical evolution.However, to visit this beautiful country, Indian citizens need a visa.Now that the country is offering electronic visa processing systems, obtaining a tourist visa,the process involves filling out an application, subletting necessary documents, and paying a fee.It’s important to plan ahead and understand the requirements to ensure a smooth application process.In this guide, we will provide all the necessary details about the Turkey visa application for Indians and how to apply for it easily.
Turkey is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world with its stunning landscapes rich history and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey from India one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is whether you need a visa.
Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Unfortunately Indian passport holders do need a visa to enter Turkey. Some nationalities can enter Turkey without a visa but India is not on the visa exemption list.
There are a few different types of Turkish visas that Indians can apply for:
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Tourist visa – Allows you to enter Turkey for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. This is the most common visa for Indian travelers.
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E-visa – This is an electronic visa that you can obtain online before traveling to Turkey. It’s valid for 30 or 90 days.
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Business visa – For those traveling to Turkey for work, meetings or conferences. Valid for up to 90 days.
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Student visa – If you plan to study in Turkey for more than 90 days, you’ll need a student visa.
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Transit visa – For passing through Turkey on your way to another destination. Valid for up to 5 days.
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Work visa – Required if you plan to work or be employed in Turkey. You must apply before arriving.
So in short, yes Indians need to obtain some type of Turkish visa before traveling to Turkey as tourists. The specific visa type will depend on the purpose and length of your visit.
How to Apply for a Turkish Visa
There are a few different ways Indians can apply for their Turkish visa:
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Apply online – The easiest option is to apply for an e-visa through Turkey’s official e-visa website. You can get approval within 1-2 business days.
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Through an embassy – Submit a visa application at your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. Processing can take up to 15 days.
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On arrival – Some airports in Turkey allow you to obtain a visa when you arrive. This costs more and can result in long queues.
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Through a visa agency – Hire an agency to handle the visa process for you. This costs extra but is convenient.
The online e-visa is recommended as it’s the quickest and cheapest option if you meet the eligibility criteria. Make sure to apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Visa Requirements
To be approved for a Turkish visa, Indian applicants need:
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A valid Indian passport valid for at least 60 days beyond the length of stay
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A passport photo meeting Turkish visa requirements
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Confirmed travel booking (flight and hotel)
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Sufficient funds to cover the trip (around $50 USD per day)
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Travel medical insurance covering your stay in Turkey
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A completed and signed visa application form
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Payment of the visa fee
Meeting all the requirements is important for getting your Turkish visa approved quickly with no issues. Make sure you have all the right documentation ready before applying.
How Much Does a Turkish Visa Cost?
Turkish visa fees for Indian citizens are:
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Tourist e-visa: Approximately $30 USD
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Tourist sticker visa: Around $60 USD
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Business visa: Approximately $80 USD
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Student visa: $100 USD
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Transit visa: $15-20 USD
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On arrival visa: $60 USD (only at certain airports)
So you can expect to pay anywhere from $30-100 USD depending on the type of Turkish visa you need. E-visas offer the most affordable option.
Additional service fees may apply if you use a visa agency. And of course you’ll need to pay for international shipping of your passport if applying via an embassy.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Visa?
Turkish tourist e-visas are issued quickly – usually within 1-2 business days if you provide complete documentation. But it can take 10-15 business days to get a regular tourist visa through an embassy.
Last minute visa applications are not recommended, as they take more time to process.
Ideally you should apply at least 3-4 weeks in advance of your trip, to allow time for any delays or requests for additional documents.
During peak travel seasons, visas can take a bit longer to be approved. Applying early ensures your visa is ready before your departure date.
Can the Visa Be Extended?
Yes, Turkish visas can be extended if needed, up to a total stay of 180 days.
To extend your visa, you must apply to the local Foreigners Police Office in Turkey at least 5 days before your current visa expires.
You’ll need to provide proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance, and a reason for needing to extend your stay (e.g. tourism, family, education, business).
Extensions are issued at the discretion of Turkish immigration authorities. They assess each request on a case-by-case basis.
Overstaying your visa without permission is illegal and can result in fines, detention or deportation. So applying for an extension is always better than overstaying if you need more time.
Are There Any Visa Exemptions?
There are a few rare situations where Indian citizens may be exempt from needing a visa to enter Turkey:
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Crew members on active duty are exempt when entering Turkey on duty.
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Transit passengers traveling to another country can transit through Turkey visa-free if they have valid visas for their destination.
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Cruise passengers on official cruise tours can enter and leave Turkey without a visa as part of their shore excursions.
Unless you fit into one of the above categories, a visa is required for Indian passport holders. Turkey does not have any visa waiver programs for Indians like some other countries do.
Bottom Line
Unfortunately it’s not possible for Indian citizens to travel to Turkey without obtaining some type of visa in advance.
The Turkish e-visa provides the fastest and easiest option. But you can also apply through an embassy or on arrival if needed.
Be sure to apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel, and meet all the visa requirements, to avoid any hassles. This allows ample processing time so your visa is approved in time for your exciting Turkish holiday!
What is a Turkey eVisa for Indians?
A Turkey e-Visa for Indians is an official document that grants the right to enter and travel in Turkey.Previously, Indian nationals obtained a Turkey Visa on Arrival soon after landing in the country.It is an electronic alternative to visas issued at the missions and at the ports of entry.Every Indian citizen or resident wishing to visit Turkey for a brief period can apply for the visa onlineif they meet certain conditions, such as having a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen countries, the US, the UK, or Ireland. The e-Visa is valid for tourism and short business trips..
The application process is entirely online, and the e-Visa is sent to the applicant via email. Upon arrival in Turkey, Indian citizens are required to present their e-Visa along with their passport.
Processing Time and Fees for Turkish e-Visa
The cost of applying for Turkish e-Visa varies depending on your nationality and the processing time you want.
E-visa offers three options for processing your application:
- Standard processing: Your Turkey eVisa will be ready within 24 hours at a lower price.
- Rush processing: If you need your eVisa sooner, you can choose this option and receive it in just 4 hours at a relatively fair price.
- Super Rush processing: This option is perfect for those who need their eVisa urgently. Youll receive it in just 30 minutes at a higher price.
Its important to note that there is no government fee for the Turkey eVisa, the only payment required is the e-Visa processing fee, which comes with numerous benefits.