All About The Turkey Visa For Schengen Visa Holders

Thinking about a Turkish getaway but wrestling with visa confusion? If you have a Schengen visa, buckle up! You might be in luck, but that depends on a few twists and turns in the bureaucratic rollercoaster. The good news? Turkey has rolled out the red carpet with a streamlined visa process for Schengen champs! So, grab your travel buddies and your sense of adventure as we embark on the quest to conquer the Turkey visa saga. Ready to unravel the mystery of the Turkish e-Visa for Schengen visa holders? Let's dive in, and who knows, you might just find yourself feasting on baklava in no time!

Do You Need a Turkey Visa If You Have a Schengen Visa?

Yes, you generally need a Turkey visa even if you have a Schengen visa, as Turkey is not part of the Schengen Area or the European Union. However, holding a valid Schengen visa can make you eligible to apply for a Turkey e-Visa online if you’re from one of the specific countries that require a supporting document like a Schengen visa for e-Visa eligibility. If your country doesn’t require this condition, you can apply for the e-Visa directly without needing a Schengen visa.

Countries Requiring a Supporting Document (e.g., Schengen Visa):

​Citizens from certain countries are required to provide a supporting document, such as a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen Area countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Ireland, when applying for a Turkey e-Visa. The list of these countries includes

• Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Please note that electronic visas or e-residence permits from these regions are not accepted as supporting documents. The visa or residence permit must be valid at the time of entry into Turkey. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants are advised to consult the official Republic of Turkey Electronic Visa Application System or contact the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.

Does Turkey come under the Schengen visa?

No, Turkey does not come under the Schengen visa. Turkey is not a part of the Schengen Zone or the European Union (EU). If you wish to visit Turkey, you will need to apply for a Turkey Travel Visa separately, even if you already have a Schengen visa.

However, some travelers with a valid Schengen visa (or visas from the UK, US, or Ireland) may be eligible for a Turkey eVisa under specific conditions. It’s best to check the latest visa requirements before planning your trip.

Applying for Turkey e-visa is easier with Schengen visa

Specific Turkish e-Visa Requirements for Schengen Visa Holders (Conditional Countries)

For Schengen visa holders requiring a supporting document, the following requirements must be met:

• Valid Schengen Visa:

  • Must be valid at the time of entry into Turkey.
  • Recent updates (as of 2024) require the Schengen visa to remain valid for more than six months at the time of e-Visa application.
  • Some anecdotal evidence suggests it should have been used at least once (e.g., showing entry into a Schengen country), though this isn’t universally enforced.
• Passport:
  • Must be valid for at least 150 days from the date of entry into Turkey.
  • Ordinary passports are typically required; diplomatic or service passports may have different rules.
• Payment Method:
  • A credit or debit card (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) to pay the e-Visa fee, which ranges from $20 to $80 depending on nationality.
• Email Address:
  • A functional email to receive the approved e-Visa, which must be printed or saved digitally for presentation at the border.
• Travel Purpose:
  • The e-Visa is valid for tourism or business only. Work or study requires a different visa type through a Turkish embassy.
• Supporting Document:
  • The Schengen visa serves as the supporting document proving eligibility. Alternatively, a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, or Ireland can suffice.

Travelers holding a Schengen visa are eligible to apply for a Turkey e-Visa.

How Can You Get Turkey Visa for Schengen Visa Holders?

Applying online for a Turkey visa is the quickest and most straightforward method of obtaining one. Applying for this typically takes less than a day, and approval occurs well within a day. Obtaining an e-Visa merely involves answering a few security questions, even if you already have a valid Schengen visa. Only Schengen visa holders are exempt from this rule, though, and e-Visas from other nations will not be accepted as proof.

Due to the convenience of the e-visa system, travelers who have Schengen visa can easily apply for a Turkish e-visa with simpler documents required.

• Step 1: First, you need to visit Turkey Immigration Services and check for your nationality to see whether you qualify or not.

• Step 2: Prepare documents and be ready to apply for an e-visa by filling in your name, personal identification and travel dates, purpose of visit, etc. Please be truthful in your response, otherwise, your visa application will be rejected right away.

• Step 3: Make payment for your Turkish e-visa and send us your documents through email. You can take a picture or scan your documents to send to us.

Now the process is done and all you need to do is wait for the result from the government. We will try our best to boost the success of your visa application rate and return the result as soon as possible.

Getting a Turkey e-visa is straightforward if you follow the steps above

Turkey Travel Tips for Schengen Visa Holders: A Comedic Guide!

• Check Your Visa Validity: Before you unleash your inner tourist in Turkey, ensure your Schengen visa isn’t expired. Remember, it’s not like fine wine—it doesn't get better with age!
• Apply in Advance: Sure, the e-Visa process might be quicker than your morning coffee, but procrastination isn't a good look. Apply a few days ahead of your trip to avoid doing the “Visa Dance” at the airport!
• Carry Supporting Documents: Imagine this: you stride up to the border, feeling like a jet-set superstar, only for them to ask for proof of your hotel and funds. Think of it as showing your travel resume—fancy accommodations and a bank balance that says, “I’m not just here for the Turkish delight!”
• Understand Visa Conditions: The e-Visa is like a party invitation—it gets you in but only for a limited time! You're invited to short stays, not a permanent vacation, so make those memories count!

Pack your bags and your sense of humor—Turkey awaits!

Conclusion

Traveling to Turkey with a Schengen visa is easy, thanks to the simplified e-Visa process. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the steps outlined above, obtaining a Turkey visa for Schengen visa holders is quick and hassle-free.

Before traveling, always check the latest visa policies to ensure smooth entry into Turkey. With the right documents in hand, you can enjoy Turkey’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture without any visa worries!

If you are still unsure about whether you need a Turkey visa, check with the Turkish consulate or visit the Turkey Immigration Services for updated information. Turkey Immigration Services is always here to help you with the visa process, if you struggle with any information in this article, you can contact us immediately. Safe travels!