Entering Turkey With A Schengen Visa

Schengen visas, which are issued by the European Union, provide many advantages to their holders. These privileges are not limited to the EU, but also extend to other countries, one of which is Turkey. This means that if you have a Schengen visa, you may be able to enter Turkey without having to apply for a separate visa, and you can enjoy preferential access to the country. It is important for travelers to be aware of this opportunity and to understand the requirements and procedures involved in entering Turkey with a Schengen visa.

What Is The Schengen Visa and Who Can Apply?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows its holder to travel to and within the Schengen Area, which is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The Schengen Area includes countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, among others.

The Schengen Visa is issued for the purpose of short-term travel, which can be for tourism, business, medical treatment, or family visit. The visa allows the holder to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Anyone who wishes to travel to the Schengen Area can apply for a Schengen Visa, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements include having a valid passport, having sufficient funds to support oneself during the trip, having a clear intention to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires, and not being considered a threat to public order, national security, or public health.

The specific requirements and procedures for applying for a Schengen Visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to, as well as your country of origin and the purpose of your travel. It is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for more information on the application process.

Where and How To Get a Schengen Visa

To get a Schengen Visa, you will need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or at the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination if you plan to visit more than one country in the Schengen Area. Here are the general steps to follow when applying for a Schengen Visa:

  • Determine which embassy or consulate to apply to: You will need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or the main destination if you plan to visit more than one country. You can check the website of the embassy or consulate to find out the specific requirements and procedures for applying.
  • Gather the required documents: The documents you need to provide with your application may vary depending on the embassy or consulate you are applying to, as well as the purpose of your trip. Generally, you will need to provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photo, proof of travel insurance, and proof of funds to support your trip.
  • Schedule an appointment: Most embassies and consulates require applicants to schedule an appointment to submit their application and biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph).
  • Attend the appointment: At the appointment, you will submit your application and biometric data, and pay the visa fee. You may also be asked additional questions about your trip and your intentions in the Schengen Area.
  • Wait for a decision: The processing time for a Schengen Visa application can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it generally takes between 15-30 days. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified and can collect your passport and visa if your application is approved.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for applying for a Schengen Visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to, as well as your country of origin and the purpose of your travel. It is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for more information on the application process.

Nationalities That Can Apply For Turkish eVisas With Valid Schengen Visas

Residents of most African and Asian countries are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa. However, it is important for travelers from these countries to apply for the visa before visiting the EU as failure to do so could result in being denied entry into the bloc or prevented from boarding transportation to Europe.

If granted, the Schengen visa may be used as a supporting document to apply for travel authorization for some countries outside of Europe. For example, holders of valid Schengen visas from the 54 states, including Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Liberia, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe, may use their travel authorization as a supporting document for a Turkish eVisa.

It is important to note that specific requirements and procedures for applying for a Schengen visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to, as well as the purpose of your travel. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for more information on the application process.

How to Travel to Turkey With A Schengen Visa

If you hold a valid Schengen visa, you may be able to travel to Turkey without applying for a separate visa. However, this is only applicable to certain nationalities, including those listed in my previous answer.

To enter Turkey with a Schengen visa, you must ensure that your Schengen visa is still valid at the time of entry and that it is valid for multiple entries. You will also need to ensure that your purpose of travel to Turkey falls within the scope of the Schengen visa, which typically includes tourism or business-related activities.

When traveling to Turkey with a Schengen visa, you may be asked to provide additional documentation upon arrival, such as proof of accommodation, return travel tickets, and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Turkey.

To enter Turkey, a visa is generally required unless you are from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Turkey. The most convenient way to obtain a visa for most travelers is to apply for a Turkish eVisa, which can be processed and approved online within 24 hours.

Applying for a Turkish eVisa while holding a Schengen visa is a simple process, as only a few requirements need to be met. Visitors need to provide personal identification information, supporting documents such as a valid passport and a Schengen visa, and answer a few security questions.

It's essential to note that only valid national visas can be used as supporting documentation for a Turkish eVisa. eVisas from other countries are not considered sufficient evidence and cannot be used in an application for a Turkish eVisa. It's recommended to verify the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Turkish eVisa with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country before applying

Turkey eVisa Checklist For Schengen Visa Holders

In order to apply for a Turkish eVisa while holding a Schengen visa, there are certain identifying documents and items that you will need to have.

Here is a checklist for Schengen visa holders who plan to apply for a Turkish eVisa:

  • Valid passport: You need to have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Turkey.
  • Schengen visa: You need to have a valid Schengen visa that is still valid on the date of your planned entry into Turkey. Your Schengen visa should also be valid for multiple entries.
  • Supporting documents: You may be required to provide supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation, return travel tickets, and sufficient funds to cover your stay in Turkey.
  • Personal information: You will need to provide personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, and passport details.
  • Security questions: You may be asked to answer a few security questions to verify your identity and eligibility for a Turkish eVisa.
  • Payment: You will need to pay the eVisa fee online using a credit or debit card.
  • A functional email address: providing a functional email address is a necessary step in the process of obtaining a Turkish eVisa. Once your eVisa application is approved, the eVisa will be sent to the email address provided in the application

When applying for a Turkish eVisa with a Schengen visa, it is crucial to ensure that all your documents, including your Schengen visa, are still valid at the time of entry into Turkey. Attempting to enter the country with a Turkish tourist visa that is attached to an expired Schengen visa may result in being denied entry at the border. Therefore, it's important to double-check the validity of your Schengen visa before traveling to Turkey to avoid any issues at the border.

How to Visit Turkey Without a Schengen Visa

If you are not a holder of a Schengen visa, you may still visit Turkey, but you will need to obtain a Turkish tourist visa or another type of visa that suits the purpose of your visit.

The type of visa you need will depend on your nationality and the length and purpose of your stay in Turkey. Some nationalities may be able to enter Turkey without a visa, while others may need to obtain a visa in advance.

To apply for a Turkish tourist visa, you can do so online through the Turkish government's electronic visa application system. The eVisa process is fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. You will need to provide basic personal information, passport details, and answer a few security questions. After submitting your application, you will receive an eVisa via email, which you will need to print and present upon your arrival in Turkey.

Alternatively, you can also apply for a regular visa through a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process, requirements, and fees may vary depending on your nationality, so it's important to check the specific requirements for your country.

In either case, it's important to make sure that you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements for the type of visa you are applying for before traveling to Turkey.

Frequently asked questions:

Yes, even if you hold a Schengen visa, you will still need a Turkish visa or eVisa to enter Turkey, unless you are a citizen of a country that has a visa exemption agreement with Turkey.

Yes, you can apply for a Turkish eVisa while holding a Schengen visa. You will need to provide your identifying personal data, supporting documents, and answer a few security questions during the application process.

No, you can only use a valid Schengen visa as supporting data for a Turkish eVisa. Attempting to enter Turkey with a Turkish tourist visa attached to an expired Schengen visa may lead to refusal of entry at the border.

Your Schengen visa does not grant you entry to Turkey. You will need to obtain a Turkish visa or eVisa in order to enter the country. The length of stay permitted by the visa or eVisa will depend on the type of visa obtained and the purpose of your visit.

Yes, a valid Schengen visa allows you to travel to and within the Schengen area, which includes many European countries. However, you will need to make sure that your Schengen visa is still valid and that you meet any additional entry requirements of the countries you plan to visit.

No, it is not possible to obtain a Turkish visa at the border. You must obtain a Turkish visa or eVisa before you travel to Turkey.

© visas-turkey.com

Apply eVisa