Your complete guide to a Turkey visa for Indians
Whether you are thinking of seeing the great city of Istanbul or taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, here is what Indian passport holders should know about getting a visa to Turkey.
Do Indians need a visa for Turkey?
Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to enter Turkey. The visa application process for Indian residents has to be completed through Gateway International in India, a partner agency of the Embassy of Turkey.
Indian passport holders that show a valid visa or long-term residence permit from Schengen countries, the US, the UK, or Ireland can apply for a Turkish visa in minutes through the online e-visa process.¹
Types of Turkish visas
Turkey offers different visas depending on the type of visit - whether you’re going to travel, for business, study, or even for a film shoot. Here are two of the main types of visas for Indians traveling to Turkey:²
Turkey tourist visa for Indians
Indian citizens can get single or multiple-entry tourist visas for Turkey.
The tourist e-visa for Indian passport holders is valid for six months, which means you can go anytime within that window. However, once you arrive, you can only stay in the country for up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you will have to apply for a short-term residence permit.
Tourists on a cruise doing a day stop in Turkey will typically not need a visa for the specific port, but it's best to coordinate directly with the cruise line.
Turkey work visa for Indians
You can only get a work visa for Turkey if you have an employment agreement from a Turkish company. The employment agreement should be in English and Turkish and mention the employer’s address in Turkey. An invitation letter from the company with your name and passport number is optional to include alongside the employment agreement.
Applicants must apply through Gateway International through a similar process to the tourist visa; however, a work visa will require additional documentation and processing time.
Turkey visa-on-arrival for Indians
Visa-on-arrival is not available for Indian passport holders. Passport holders from the US and particular Caribbean and European countries are eligible for visa-on-arrival as long as they meet the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs requirements.
Turkey transit visa for Indians
If you fly Turkish Airlines and have a layover through Istanbul, you will not need a transit visa as long as you don’t leave the airport. If you intend to leave the airport, you should apply for a tourist visa.
How much does a Turkish visa cost in India?
Here are the fees to pay for a tourist or a work visa to Turkey for Indian passport holders. The total cost is a combination of the entry fee and the application fee. The cost depends on the number of entries and how long you’d like the visa to be valid.
| Type of visa | Validity | Cost in Indian Rupees³ |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | 3 months | INR 12.285.05 |
| Single Entry Visa | 6 months | INR 14,273.05 |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 6 months | INR 30,273 |
| Multiple Entry Visa | 12 months | INR 32,260 |
Keep in mind that INR 6,814 of the fee will need to be paid when you book the visa appointment. The remaining balance for your visa must be paid when you complete your appointment and submit your documents. The visa fee is non-refundable.
Gateway International offers services like photocopies, courier delivery, and premium lounge access for additional fees.
Turkish visa requirements for Indian citizens
All Indian citizens are required to have a passport that has been valid for less than 10 years and expires more than 60 days after their stay in Turkey. Additionally, all visa applicants must set an appointment with Gateway International and pay the first part of the application fee.
See below for the documents you will need to bring with you to your appointment for a tourist visa or a work visa. Required documents for a business visa or student visa can be found on the Gateway International website.
Required documents for a Turkey tourist visa
When you attend your appointment, here are the documents to carry with you:⁴
- Two 2.5x2.5 inch photos with a white background taken within the last six months.
- A passport with at least two blank pages.
- Last three months of original bank statements.
- Tour itinerary, if relevant.
- Print out of hotel or accommodation reservation.
- Receipt of confirmed round trip air ticket or flight leaving Turkey.
- Copies of the first and last page of the passport.
- Appointment confirmation.
- Receipt for the portion of the application fee.
- Show evidence of at least the Indian rupee equivalent of USD 50 per day of the stay in Turkey. So if you stay 7 days, you will need to show the equivalent of USD 350 in an accessible account.
You may be required to have a travel insurance policy for your trip. You will be provided the option of a policy at the Visa Application Centre if you need one.
Required documents for a Turkey work visa
You will need some of the same documents as a tourist visa, but with several additional requirements:⁵
- Two 2.5x2.5 inch photos with a white background taken within the last six months.
- Passport with two full blank pages and has been valid for at least one year.
- Employment Agreement with the workplace address from Turkey Company (in English and Turkish).
- Original Police Clearance Certificate.
- Copies of the first and last page of the passport.
- Invitation letter from the company, if available.
How to apply for a Turkish visa from India
A Turkish visa can only be issued through Gateway International, the visa partner for the Embassy of Turkey in India.
Applying for a visa to Turkey is unique because the first step is to make an appointment and pay a portion of the application fee. You must attend the appointment with your documents and complete the application in-person at the Visa Application Centre near you.
You will submit your documents at the Visa Application Centre, but your entire application will be processed by the appropriate Turkish authority based on your residence’s regional location. North India applications will go through the Embassy of Turkey in Delhi, while the rest of India will be through the Consulate in Mumbai or Hyderabad.
Here are the quick steps to apply for a Turkey visa from India:
- Schedule an appointmentwith Gateway International.
- Make the partial payment of INR 6,814 online.
- Gather your documents.
- Attend the Visa Application Centre appointment and complete the application in person.
- Submit your passport and documents.
Every person in your party is required to have their own separate appointment. Once you have submitted an application, you can track its status with your application reference number.
You can reach out to Gateway International with any questions at india@gateway.com.tr or the relevant email address for your jurisdiction:
How long does it take to get a Turkish visa?
A tourist visa to Turkey can take 4 to 10 working days to be issued, depending on where your application is processed in India.
When can I apply for a Turkish visa?
Gateway International suggests that you apply for a visa no more than 60 days before your travel date.
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Sources used for this article:
- Visa Information For Foreigners / Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- FAQ | Gateway International
- Visa fees
- Touristic Visa | Gateway International
- Work Visa | Gateway International
- Processing times
Sources verified on 1 June 2023.
Photo by Anna Berdnik on Unsplash
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