Turkish Visa Guide: Types, Applications, and Immigration Advice
It is important for foreigners to examine the visa regime applied by Turkey and obtain information before travelling to Turkey for different purposes.
There are differences between the visa regime applied to visits for tourism and business negotiations and visits for work and education purposes. In addition, the visa regime applied by Turkey to the citizens of other countries varies from country to country according to the principle of reciprocity.
What is A Visa?
A visa is a record that a state places in the passport of a foreigner travelling to its territory through its foreign missions or border authorities, which allows the foreigner to travel to the border crossing of its territory and apply for entry or exit to the border authorities.
Where to Apply to Get A Visa?
Visas can be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy, Consulate General or Consulate General of the country of destination. Some countries may also issue visas through their Honorary Consulates General or Honorary Consulates.
Types of Visas in Turkey
Visa types in Turkey according to the purpose of travel are presented below:
1. Tourism visa
Issued to foreigners who wish to come to Turkey for purposes such as touristic or official visits, business meetings, conferences, seminars, meetings, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, sportive, cultural, and artistic events.
2. Transit visa
The transit period determined by the transit visa to be issued to foreigners who wish to enter Turkey through any border gate and pass through Turkey within a specified period of time, will start again at each entry through the border gate within the validity period of the visa.
3. Airport transit visa
It is issued to foreigners who only wish to pass through the air border gate without entering Turkey.
4. Education visa
Issued to foreigners who wish to come to Turkey for education, training, internship, course, student exchange programme, and Turkish language course.
5. Work Visa
It is granted to foreigners within the scope of Article 55 of the Implementing Regulation of the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners published in the Official Gazette dated 29/8/2003 and numbered 25214 and to foreigners who are not within this scope and who wish to come to Turkey for work purposes.
In all kinds of private internship applications outside the scope of Article 55 of the Implementing Regulation of the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners under the title of “Work Permit Exemptions”, the applicant must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in accordance with Law No. 4817.
Article 55 of the Implementing Regulation of Law No. 4817 on Work Permits of Foreigners regulating work permit exemptions states in which cases and for how long foreigners are exempt from work permits. The said article is presented below. In this framework, applicants who fulfil the following conditions are not required to obtain a work permit.
- Those who are exempted from work permit by bilateral or multilateral agreements to which Turkey is a party,
- Foreigners whose permanent residence is abroad and who will temporarily come to Turkey for a period of less than one month for scientific, cultural and artistic activities and less than four months for sportive activities,
- For the purpose of installation, maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment imported into Turkey, to provide training on its use or to take delivery of the equipment or to repair vehicles that break down in Turkey; provided that they do not exceed a total of three months within one year from the date of entry into Turkey and prove this situation with the documents to be submitted,
- Those who are in Turkey for the purpose of training on the use of goods and services exported from Turkey or imported into Turkey provided that they do not exceed a total of three months within one year from the date of entry into Turkey and prove this situation with the documents to be submitted,
- Those who are present in fairs and circuses that will operate outside the borders of certified tourism enterprises as a show and similar officials provided that they do not exceed six months from the date of entry into Turkey and prove this situation with the documents to be submitted,
- Foreigners who come to universities and public institutions and organisations to increase their knowledge and experience by proving their status with the documents they will submit, not exceeding two years and limited to the duration of their education,
- Those who are notified by the relevant authorities that they can provide significant services and contributions to Turkey in socio-cultural, technological and educational fields within a period not exceeding six months,
- Foreigners coming within the scope of the programmes carried out by the Directorate for European Union Education and Youth Programmes (National Agency) (during the programme),
- Foreigners who will undergo internship within the framework of international trainee student programmes, the scope and duration of which are agreed upon by the Ministry, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency of the Council of Higher Education,
- Foreigners who are representatives of tour operators travelling to Turkey for a period not exceeding eight months,
- Foreign football players and other athletes and coaches whose requests are approved by the Football Federation or the General Directorate of Youth and Sports (during their contracts),
- In accordance with Rule I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, foreign seafarers working on ships registered in the Turkish International Ship Registry and operating outside the cabotage line who have received a “Certificate of Conformity Approval” from the relevant administration in accordance with the bilateral protocols made with the states,
- Foreign experts assigned in projects carried out within the scope of Turkey-European Union Financial Cooperation Programmes.
The residence permits of foreigners coming to Turkey within this scope are issued by Provincial Directorates of Migration Management as “Short Term” residence permits. The exemption periods are not extended and foreigners within this scope can benefit from the exemption provisions only once in a calendar year. However, in order to benefit from this right, three months must have elapsed from the expiry date of the residence permit previously obtained by the foreigner for the same purpose. In case the foreigner will work longer than the exemption periods, it is obligatory for the foreigner to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
6. Official Duty Visa
Issued to foreigners who are assigned to official duties or assigned as diplomatic couriers.
7. Other Types of Visas
It is issued to foreigners who want to come to Turkey for purposes other than the purposes specified in subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), (ç), (d), (e) and for purposes such as archaeological excavation, research, film or documentary shooting, treatment, accompaniment, family reunification, humanitarian aid, transport.
How Can I Appeal Against The Rejection Of My Visa Application in Turkey?
In international law, the national sovereignty of States is fundamental. They exercise this sovereignty as they wish through the laws they enact within their borders. Among the powers of national sovereignty is to determine which foreigners can enter their countries and under which conditions. The visa serves this purpose. This power of the State is indisputable in terms of international law. States may limit their sovereign powers of their own volition.
An appeal against the rejection of a visa application is first made in writing to the representative office that rejected the visa. If no positive response is received, it is possible to apply for judicial remedy. However, there are not many countries where the judicial remedy for visa refusal is open. In Turkey, unfortunately, it can be considered that the judicial remedy against the decision to reject a visa application is not open. On the other hand, Article 125 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey provides for an open judicial remedy against all acts and actions of the administration. Since the rejection of the visa application is an administrative act, it is a requirement of law that a judicial remedy can be applied for the cancellation of this act.
The Court of Justice of the European Union in its judgement in the case of Soysal&Savatlı has expressed similar points.
Countries with Visa Exemption for Entry to Turkey
Citizens of the countries listed below do not need a visa to enter Turkey.
Germany, Belgium, France, Georgia, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, TRNC, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Ukraine, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Azerbaijan
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of the Turkish visa system is crucial for foreigners planning to visit Turkey for various purposes. The visa regime differs based on the nature of the visit, be it for tourism, business, work, or education. Additionally, the specific requirements vary between countries, adhering to the principle of reciprocity. The comprehensive range of visa types, including tourism, transit, education, work, and official duty visas, reflects the diverse reasons individuals may travel to Turkey. Moreover, awareness of the exemptions outlined in the law allows certain individuals, such as those involved in specific projects or international programs, to benefit from temporary work permits without the need for an extensive application process. While the rejection of a visa application is a sovereign power of the state, it is fair to say that individuals have the right to appeal through a written process and, when necessary, seek judicial remedies. Lastly, some fortunate individuals from countries with visa exemptions enjoy the privilege of entering Turkey without obtaining a visa in advance, promoting smoother international travel for citizens of these nations.
How We Can Assist You?
As Viridis Legal Partners, we understand the difficulties enveloping visas in Turkey and their applications. Our dedicated team of immigration attorneys in İstanbul is well-equipped to guide you through the legal processes and keep you well-informed about the Turkish Visa Regime. Whether you are seeking assistance in obtaining legal information about visas in Turkey or seeking legal remedies against the rejection of visa applications in Turkey, our experienced lawyers of foreigners law in Turkey are here to provide comprehensive support.
We can assist you in understanding the nuances of immigration laws, aid you compile the necessary documentation for certain types of visas in Turkey, and ensure that you are well-informed about the benefits and obligations associated with this status.
Our personalized services extend to facilitating the notification procedures required by the law and ensuring that your application aligns with the current legal framework. Whether you are an individual, a family, or a business entity, we tailor our expertise to meet your specific needs. Trust Viridis Legal Partners to be your legal partner in navigating the complexities of visa applications in Turkey, offering guidance, and facilitating a smooth process for you. Contact us today to explore how we can assist you on your journey to acquiring or managing your visa processes in Turkey.
FAQs – Turkish Visas
1. Why is it important for foreigners to understand the Turkish visa regime?
It is crucial for foreigners to examine the visa regime in Turkey to obtain information before traveling for various purposes, as the requirements differ based on the nature of the visit.
2. What are the differences in the visa regime for tourism, business, work, and education purposes?
The visa regime varies for visits related to tourism, business negotiations, work, and education. Specific requirements are applied to citizens of different countries based on the principle of reciprocity.
3. What is a visa and where can it be obtained?
A visa is a record placed in a foreigner’s passport by a state, allowing travel to the border crossing of its territory. Visas can be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy, Consulate General, or Consulate General of the destination country.
4. What are the types of visas available in Turkey?
Turkey offers various visa types, including tourism, transit, airport transit, education, work, official duty, and others, each tailored to specific purposes of travel.
5. How does the transit visa work?
The transit visa allows foreigners to enter Turkey through any border gate and pass through within a specified period, with the transit period restarting at each entry within the visa’s validity period.
6. Is there a visa exemption for certain countries?
Citizens of countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, and others listed are exempt from obtaining a visa when entering Turkey.
7. Can individuals appeal against the rejection of a visa application in Turkey?
Yes, individuals can appeal by submitting a written appeal to the representative office that rejected the visa. If necessary, judicial remedies can be pursued, as outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey.
8. Are there exemptions for work permits in Turkey?
Yes, Article 55 of the Implementing Regulation of the Law on Work Permits outlines cases where foreigners are exempt from work permits, including specific agreements, short-term activities, and participation in certain programs.
9. How are residence permits issued for certain work-related activities?
Residence permits for activities outlined in work permit exemptions are issued as “Short Term” residence permits by Provincial Directorates of Migration Management.
10. What privileges do citizens of countries with visa exemptions enjoy?
Citizens of countries such as Germany, Belgium, and others listed can enter Turkey without obtaining a visa in advance, streamlining their international travel.
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