Turkey Visa for Indians Citizens
The rich history, traditions, and incredible heritage of Turkey make it a sought-after destination for every traveler. The country offers foreign visitors a glimpse of the 2000 years of Europe’s historical evolution. Those looking to observe magnificent architecture, a vibrant nightlife, delicious oriental food, beautiful Mediterranean weather, and sandy beaches, Turkey is your ultimate destination. Now that the country is offering electronic visa processing systems obtaining a tourist visa is just a matter of a few hours. In this guide, we will provide all the necessary details about the Turkey visa application for Indian and how to apply for it easily.
What is Turkey eVisa?
The eVisa or electronic visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows you to enter Turkey as a tourist for a short trip. Previously, Indian nationals obtained a Turkey Visa on Arrival soon after landing in the country. However, given the troublesome nature of the entire process, the Turkish government abolished the visa on arrival facility in 2014 and introduced an online visa application system. Every Indian citizen or resident wishing to visit Turkey for a brief period can apply for the visa online.
Remember that with an eVisa you can visit Turkey as a tourist or for business/trade purposes. This means you can attend seminars, exhibitions, cultural activities, sports events, meet friends or relatives, visit tourist destinations, get medical treatment, or even take a trip to the Republic of Turkey of Northern Cyprus. However, you cannot indulge in paid activities in the country. Such as, you cannot seek employment or study in Turkey with an eVisa.
Turkey Visa for Indians Validity Period:
The Turkish eVisa will be valid for a maximum of 180 days. It is a single entry visa, which means you can visit one time within the validity period of your eVisa. However, remember that your stay cannot exceed a maximum duration of 30 days. Remember that the eVisa validity is linked directly to your supporting document's validity.
Turkey e-Visa Requirements
Indian citizens who want to visit Turkey must fulfill the following requirements to become eligible for Turkey visa:
- Applicants must hold a passport with at least six months validity from the time they enter Turkey and one blank page.
- Applicants may need to confirm their return ticket, financial means to support their stay in Turkey or hotel reservation proof.
- Applicants must have adequate funds available (at least $50/day) to support their trip.
- The nature of the visit should be related to tourism or business.
- It is compulsory to hold a valid Supporting Document (Valid visa or valid residence permit from one of the Schengen Countries, USA, UK or Ireland). E-Visa is not accepted without supporting documents.
- Details of your travel itinerary while you will be in Turkey.
Turkish Visa Application
You can easily apply for an E-Visa from your home or office within a few minutes. You only need to fill a visa application form and provide personal details and passport-related information. You must provide an active email address as an electronic copy of the visa will be sent to that address. Submit the application form along with a scanned, colored copy of your passport. The visa processing will start after you pay the Turkey visa fee, which can be done quickly using a debit or credit card. Or else, you can use your PayPal account. It is a quick and time-saving process since the visa is processed within three business days and sent to the email ID you have provided in the application form.
Turkey Visa for Indians FAQs:
Turkey is one of the safest regions in the world where there have been zero coronavirus cases. Hence, the country has not put any ban on tourism. Indians can apply for an eVisa easily. However, tourists from China, Italy, and Iran are banned from entering Turkey for now. Moreover, strict screening measures are employed at all the airports in Turkey, which the visitors have to comply with compulsorily.
You can start preparing for your trip to Turkey after receiving your eVisa. Do get it printed because if the computer terminals at the immigration department do not work, you can present the hard copy of your visa. Also, store its digital copy in your handheld device.
As soon as you enter Turkey, the border control authorities will ask you to show your passport and a copy of Turkey visa. The officials will verify the details on both the documents since your passport and visa are electronically linked and authenticated directly from the Department of Foreign Affairs. When the documents are verified, the officials will stamp your passport, after which you will be free to enjoy your trip.
Visa on Arrival facility for Indians was abolished in 2014, and an electronic visa application system was implemented. Now every traveler must obtain an eVisa or a sticker visa to enter the country as a tourist.
The maximum stay limit on a single trip is 30 days. However, to extend your stay, you will have to apply for a residence permit.
Indian passport holders who need to embark or disembark from a cruise ship in Turkey need to fill out an application. However, Indian citizens traveling on a cruise ship that is docking at any Turkish ports don’t need to fill the form.