The government of Turkey has recently made it easy for visitors to get a Turkey visa for those who have a valid Schengen Visa, United Kingdom Visa, United States Visa and Ireland Visa. The fascinating country Turkey wellcome most travellers around the world and it is a bridge between the Eastern and the Western worlds bringing colours, foods and traditions together on one land. Turkey has become a popular tourist attraction since it is a central ground for entry into Europe. This important geographical location provides many benefits for both the locals, the government and people travelling through Turkey. However, with the country in high demand for tourism, the visa policies have strengthened recently in order to keep the country and its inhabitants safe.
There are a few conditions that every visitor needs to meet if they wish to get a Turkish visa with a valid Schengen, United Kingdom, United States and Ireland visa. These are:
All eligible countries for Turkey visa can get an e-Visa for 30 days with the base of having a valid Schengen, United Kingdom, United States and Ireland Visas. Alternatively, having a residence permit to any Schengen member states also qualifies you for a Turkish evisa.
Turkey is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world with its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. Many travelers coming to Turkey hold a Schengen visa, which allows access to 26 European countries. This raises an important question – can a Schengen visa holder travel to Turkey? The answer is yes, under certain conditions.
Overview of Schengen Visa
The Schengen area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. These countries issue a common Schengen visa that allows visitors to freely travel between them for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
To get a Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds, health insurance confirmed accommodation, and other supporting documents. The visa application is submitted at an embassy or consulate of any Schengen member state.
Once issued, the Schengen visa permits short stays in the entire Schengen zone and not just the issuing country. For instance, a Schengen visa from France lets you visit Germany, Italy, and other member states.
Can You Use a Schengen Visa to Enter Turkey?
Turkey is not a part of the Schengen area. However, Turkey does have agreements with Schengen countries that allow Schengen visa holders to enter Turkey under certain conditions.
According to Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citizens of some countries who hold a valid Schengen, UK, Ireland or US visa can apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) to enter Turkey. The e-visa is valid for single entry and allows a maximum stay of 30 days.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a citizen of one of the 63 eligible countries.
- Have a valid Schengen, UK, Ireland or US visa or residence permit.
- Travel to and from Turkey on an airline that has a protocol with Turkey’s government.
If you meet these criteria, you can easily apply online for an e-visa by providing details of your Schengen visa. The e-visa is usually issued within 24 hours and emailed to you.
Restrictions When Entering With a Schengen Visa
It’s important to note some restrictions when entering Turkey with a Schengen visa:
-
The Schengen visa must be valid on the date you enter Turkey. Your passport should also have at least 60 days validity beyond the trip dates.
-
E-visas are granted only for tourism or commerce. For other purposes like work or study, you’ll need to apply at the Turkish embassy for a regular visa.
-
E-visas are for single entry only. For multiple entries, you’ll need to get a multiple entry visa from the Turkish consulate.
-
The e-visa does not guarantee entry into Turkey. Immigration officers at the border still reserve the right to grant or deny access.
-
E-visas are not issued to holders of Laissez-Passer or emergency travel documents.
As long as you fulfill these conditions, you can use your valid Schengen visa to obtain an e-visa and visit Turkey for tourism.
What if I Don’t Have a Schengen Visa?
If you are not eligible for the Turkish e-visa program, you will need to apply for a regular Turkish visa based on your nationality. There are three types of visas:
-
Sticker visa – You must apply at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country to get this stamped visa affixed to your passport. It allows a single or multiple entries within 3, 6 or 12 months validity.
-
Electronic visa – Online e-visa application is open to citizens of some countries not eligible under the Schengen agreement. It permits a 30-day single entry stay.
-
Visa on arrival – Citizens of some countries can obtain a visa when they arrive at Turkish airports and land borders. The visa-on-arrival allows a maximum stay of either 15 or 30 days depending on nationality.
So even if you don’t have a Schengen visa, you can still travel to Turkey by applying for the right Turkish visa according to your citizenship.
Traveling Within the Schengen Zone After Turkey
An important question is whether you can travel to other Schengen countries after exiting Turkey. This is allowed as long as:
- Your Schengen visa is still valid.
- You have not exceeded the 90-day limit in the 180-day period.
- You directly travel to the Schengen area without visiting other non-Schengen countries first.
For instance, if you have a Schengen visa valid from 1 Jan to 1 July, and you visit Turkey from 1-15 June, you can continue traveling in the Schengen area from 16-30 June.
However, if you visit Turkey first, then go to the UK before re-entering the Schengen zone, immigration may not allow it. Exit stamps from the non-Schengen country (UK) invalidate the visa’s contiguous use within the Schengen area.
Summary
-
Citizens of some countries can use a valid Schengen visa to obtain a Turkish e-visa for tourism.
-
E-visas allow a single entry and a maximum 30-day stay in Turkey.
-
Your passport must be valid for at least 60 more days beyond the trip dates.
-
E-visas don’t guarantee entry, and immigration officers can still deny access.
-
If ineligible for the e-visa, you’ll need to apply for a sticker, e-visa or visa-on-arrival based on your nationality.
-
You can continue traveling within the Schengen area after Turkey as long as the visa validity has not expired.
So with some planning and by following the visa rules, you can certainly use your Schengen visa to also visit Turkey for an amazing vacation.
So what is a Schengen Visa and who is eligible to apply?
This is a travel authorization allowing the holder to travel EU countries and is issued by the EU Schengen members themselves. These are issued after all careful consideration of all national requirements of all these territories. This visa was introduced for the third world countries where the nationals wished to explore the world or look for better opportunities within the other countries.
A Schengen visa allows visitors to travel, study, and work and reside in all 26-member states passport-free. In addition to these benefits, Schengen Visa holders can also apply online for other countries, which are non-EU countries such as Turkey. This is usually an additional document that supports the visitor holding a valid passport.
Nationalities Eligible for Turkish e-Visas with a Schengen, United Kingdom, United States and Ireland Visas
The residents of African and Asian countries can actively apply for a Schengen visa but they must get a valid visa stamp on their passport before travelling. Once the applicant has the authorization to travel, the document can be used for travelling outside Europe too. A Schengen visa can also be used as a supporting travel document when applying for a Turkish e Visa online .
Requirements you NEED TO KNOW – Schengen Visas 2024 #schengenvisa
FAQ
Can I enter Turkey with a Schengen visa?
Is Turkey considered Schengen?
Which visa is required for Turkey?
Will Turkey get visa free access to Schengen?
Does Turkey have a Schengen visa?
The Republic of Turkey’s visa policy is part of this mutual agreement, meaning certain Schengen document holders can also obtain a visa for Turkey. This is providing travelers meet certain requirements, which are explained on this page. What Is the Schengen Visa and Who Can Apply?
Can a Schengen visa be used for a Turkish eVisa?
For example, holders of valid Schengen visas from the 54 states, including Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Liberia, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe, may use their travel authorization as a supporting document for a Turkish eVisa.
Can a Schengen visa be used as a supporting document?
Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit from the following states can use it as a supporting document for a Turkish e-Visa: Holders of a visa or residence permit from certain other countries are also eligible to apply for a Turkey e-Visa, providing they are from one of the eligible countries listed above.
Which countries do not need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Citizens of Gabon and Zambia do not need to meet this condition. You will be traveling to Turkey with an airline that has protocols with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines do not need to meet this condition. You have a hotel reservation and the required financial means.