Turkish Visa Application Process: Everything You Need to Know

Traveling between countries has always been a unique and exciting experience for citizens of various nations; over the last couple of decades, this has been made easier through the development of visas that allow citizens to travel freely. For Canadian citizens wanting to travel to Turkey, they will need to go through the application process in order to obtain a visa.

What is a visa for a Canadian citizen to visit Turkey?

In order to apply for a Turkish visa, Canadian citizens must be able to present three basic documents. The first is a valid Canadian passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure from Turkey. This document must not contain any signs of damage and should contain two blank pages for affixing the visa stamp. The second document is a passport size photograph, taken within the past 6 months, with a white background. The third document is a completed visa application form. This form must be signed by the applicant and contain all the necessary information, including the dates of the planned trip to Turkey, the purpose of visit, and any relevant contact information. Turkey Visa for Canada Citizens

How do I apply for a visa?

Once these three documents have been properly completed, the visa application should include two additional documents. The first is a travel insurance policy that is valid within the duration of the prospective trip. This document should contain enough coverage to cover any medical and repatriation expenses in the event of an accident or illness, and should include the total figure of all expenses. The second document is proof of sufficient financial funds to cover the cost of the trip. This could be demonstrated through a bank statement or a letter from the applicant’s employer confirming their position and salary.

Upon receipt of these five documents, the visa application can be submitted to a Turkish diplomatic mission in Canada. The process typically takes about 10 calendar days, but this time period may vary. Once approved, the visa will be affixed to the applicant’s passport, and this visa will permit the traveler to enter Turkey.

What are the requirements for a visa?

Canadian citizens wanting to visit Turkey must obtain a visa; this includes providing five required documents to apply for the visa. Travelers are advised to start the process of applying for their visa around two months in advance to ensure that they can make all their travel arrangements in time. With this advice, Canadians citizens should likely have a successful, and stress free, journey to Turkey.

What are the steps to take if you get arrested in Turkey?

Visa processing for Turkey is done through its international Embassy. The country requires a visa for anyone who wants to enter as a tourist, for business purposes, to complete an internship, or for study abroad. Although the visa application process can be complicated and confusing, by understanding what documents are required and appropriately preparing your application, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Turkey Visa Application Process

To start, the applicant must present a valid passport with at least six months remaining before the expiration date. Along with the passport, applicants must submit a passport-style photograph that meets the prescribed size and background requirements. Additionally, they must provide a completed and signed visa application form, which can be obtained online or from the closest Turkish Embassy. 

What are the steps to take if you lose your passport in Turkey?

Depending on the type of visa sought and the reason for the visit, applicants may be asked to submit additional documents to prove their qualifications and financial stability. Examples include a proof of income, bank statements, an invitation letter from a Turkish host, and a formal university registration letter.

For non-EU citizens, an appointment is required at a visa application center in order to present the aforementioned documentation and complete the application process. This appointment can normally be booked online or by telephone and depending on the country of origin, the applicant may need to attend an in-person interview as well as provide biometric information (such as fingerprints and photos). 

Are there any other important considerations when travelling to Turkey?

The length of the visa is determined by the purpose of the visit but all visas expire within a certain period of time. Generally, the visa fee is dependent on the type of visa requested, varying from relatively small amounts to larger sums (for multiple entry visas and long-term visas). Payment for the visa can typically be made with a credit card or through banking services, and the fee is designed to help offset the cost of running the Turkish visa program. 

The process may be lengthy, but with the right preparation it can be simplified. Gathering required documents, submitting all forms correctly, citing evidence of financial ability, and making travel arrangements in advance can help ensure a successful visa application.