September 25th, 2024 at 06:09 am

Turkey Revises E-Visa Rules for Schengen Visa Holders | Turkish E-Visa Updates

Recent announcements have been made by Turkey on modifications to the e-visa application procedure for Schengen visa holders. Schengen visas are no longer valid for less than six months to qualify for a Turkish e-visa, effective immediately.

Important Update: Turkey e-Visa Requirements

As we previously mentioned, to apply for a Turkey e-Visa, holders of Schengen visas must have had them for at least six months. Nevertheless, we can confirm that the system is currently recognizing Schengen visas as supporting documents, regardless of their validity duration, based on additional evaluation and user updates.

This implies that candidates can still move on with their Turkey e-Visa applications if they have valid Schengen visas. The prior reports seem to have been based on an incorrect interpretation of the system’s specifications.

Please be aware that although Schengen visas with any validity can now be obtained using this approach, it is advisable to often check the official Turkey e-Visa website for any modifications or changes in the future.

Latest Turkish e-Visa Update

Travelers, take note! There are significant things to be aware of if you have a Schengen visa and intend to enter Turkey with an e-visa. The rules governing the use of Schengen visas to apply for a Turkish e-Visa have been amended by Turkish authorities. According to the most recent change, to be eligible for the Turkey e-Visa application, the Schengen visa must now be valid for a minimum of six months.

Interestingly, the e-visa application process on the official website ends if the Schengen visa’s validity is shorter than 180 days. This means that to properly finish the application, the Schengen visa must be valid for at least six months. Several social media users asserted that this regulation is already in force, even though Turkish officials have not yet duly verified it.

This is a thorough explanation of the most recent regulations that we currently know, along with information on applying for an e-Visa and other important traveler’s needs.

Key Update: Schengen Visa Validity

A major modification has been made to the e-visa application process by Turkey’s new regulation:

Schengen Visa Validity

When applying for a Turkey e-Visa, travelers must make sure their Schengen visa is valid for a minimum of six months or longer. This implies that you won’t be able to apply for a Turkish e-Visa if your Schengen visa is scheduled to expire in less than six months.

It is important to remember that to be eligible for the Turkey eVisa, applicants must possess a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa. The minimum validity requirement, however, seems to be unique to Schengen visas, since U.S. and UK visas normally have minimum validity periods of six months and up to ten years, respectively.

The purpose of this modification is to expedite the visa application procedure and guarantee that visitors have enough time to fulfill Turkey’s entry and stay requirements. Before applying for an e-Visa, travelers to Turkey should confirm the expiration dates on their Schengen visas.

e-Visa Requirement for Transiting

A new electronic airport transit visa (e-HTV) requirement was also implemented by Turkey earlier this year for visitors from a few nationalities, including Indians, who are passing through Istanbul Airport on their way to South American locations.

This action is a reaction to the increasing number of undocumented migrants who are traveling from nations in the Middle East and South America to North America via flight routes via Turkey. Turkey has tightened inspection procedures for travelers traveling via transit to strengthen border security and stop illegal immigration.

Understanding Turkey e-Visa

Electronic travel permission known as a Turkish e-Visa enables qualified visitors to enter Turkey for short-term stays, business trips, or tourism. In many situations, the necessity to visit an embassy or consulate has been removed thanks to the system’s simplification of the visa application process.

Who is Eligible for the Turkey e-Visa?

The following is a broad list of requirements to be eligible for a Turkey eVisa:

• Passport holders: The Turkey e-Visa is available to citizens of certain nations. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and holders of Schengen visas are among them.
• Valid Visas or Resident Permits: Passport holders from qualifying nations are not the only visitors who can apply for a Turkey e-Visa; holders of valid visas or resident permits from the Schengen Area, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are also eligible.
• Validity Requirements for Visas: According to the most current update, to be eligible for an e-Visa, holders of Schengen visas must now have a valid visa that is longer than six months.

How to Apply for the Turkey e-Visa

The Turkey e-Visa application process is an easy online process that just takes a few minutes to complete:

• Go to the Official Website: To begin your application, go to www.e-Visa.gov.tr, the official Turkish e-Visa webpage.
• Complete the Application Form: Give your passport information, trip dates, and personal details. If you are applying with a Schengen visa, make sure it is valid for more than six months.
• Pay fees: Using a credit or debit card, pay the visa fee. The e-Visa costs different depending on your country of origin.
• Get an e-Visa by email: Within a day of completing the application and paying, you will receive an email with your e-Visa. Printing a copy or storing a digital file on your phone is advised.
• Show e-Visa Upon Arrival: Show your passport and e-Visa to the immigration officials when you arrive in Turkey.

Processing Time and Fees

• Processing Time: Most applications for the Turkey e-Visa are approved in a matter of hours, and the procedure moves quickly overall. It is ideal for last-minute travelers, albeit approval may take up to 24 hours in some situations.
• Fees: Depending on the applicant’s nationality, the price of a Turkey eVisa varies. The precise amount of fees depends on the traveler’s nation of origin, although they normally range from $20 to $80. Make sure you verify the prices on the official website.

Important Tips for Travelers

• Verify the validity of your visa twice before applying. Make sure that your Schengen visa, or any other valid visa, is valid for a period longer than six months. This is a novel prerequisite.
• Duration of Stay: During a 180-day term, an e-Visa holder may stay in Turkey for up to 90 days.
• Travel and Business: Short-term travel or business trips are appropriate for the e-Visa. You will need to apply for a different visa if you intend to work in Turkey or stay longer.
• Valid Passport: Verify that the date of your admission into Turkey is at least 150 days away from the expiration of your passport.

Countries Eligible for the Turkey e-Visa

In addition to holders of Schengen visas, nationals of the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK are eligible to apply for the Turkey e-Visa without requiring any extra visas. However, depending on a person’s nationality, other regulations might apply.

Final Thoughts

For visitors who regularly visit Europe and intend to include Turkey in their itinerary, Turkey’s amended legislation regarding the usage of Schengen visas for e-Visa applications is essential. For a hassle-free journey to Turkey, make sure to check the validity of your Schengen visa and adhere to the streamlined application process.

Visit the official Turkey e-Visa website to apply for your e-visa and further information.