Turkey, a country of both ancient and natural wonders, requires a Turkey Tourist Visa for Indians who want to travel. Picture yourself strolling through the majestic halls of Hagia Sofya, tracing the legacy of ancient Romans in one of the Mediterranean's most intact cities, and marvelling at the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. These are just glimpses of the remarkable experiences awaiting you in the best places of Turkey.  

So, before you set off, let's ensure you have all the essentials in place, starting with your Turkish tourist visa and travel insurance. Rest assured, we're here to guide you every step of the way! 

Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Turkey?

Yes, Indian citizens do need a visa to enter Turkey. Indians who hold diplomatic passports are exempt from visas for their travels to Turkey for up to 90 days. Besides, Indian citizens who hold ordinary, special and service passports are required to have a visa to enter Turkey. 

Starting April 15, 2024, Indian citizens travelling to Mexico, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela, transiting via Istanbul Airport in Turkey, are required to obtain an electronic Airport Transit Visa. This is also applicable for citizens of 9 more countries, including Afghanistan, Nepal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Chad, Somalia, Cameroon, Mauritania, and Yemen.

Are Indians Eligible for Turkey E-Visa?

Yes, Indian passport holders who have a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen, US, UK and Ireland are eligible for the Turkish e-visa, which can be obtained online in a few minutes. The fee levied for the same is 43 USD (EUR 39.82).

Indian nationals who do not have valid visas or residence permits in these countries would need to apply for a Turkish sticker visa with a single-entry visa fee of around Rs 5,090.

Is There a Visa-On-Arrival in Turkey for Indian Citizens?

No, Indian citizens cannot avail of a visa-on-arrival in Turkey. They must apply for an e-visa or a sticker visa from India to be able to visit Turkey.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Turkey Visa?

Yes, according to the Turkish visa requirement, it’s mandatory for anyone travelling to Turkey to have travel insurance that at least offers a minimum coverage of €30,000, i.e. approximately $33,000.

To be eligible to apply for a Turkey Tourist Visa, an Indian:

• Must intend to visit the country only for travelling or business purposes.
  
• Hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
  
• Have a confirmed return flight ticket or onward travel itinerary.
  
• Possess travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000.
  
• Be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in Turkey through bank statements or other financial documents.
  
• Have proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or invitation letters for your visit.
  
• Must have a valid supporting document such as a valid visa or valid residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, USA, UK or Ireland.
  

There are two main ways for Indian citizens to apply for a Turkish Tourist Visa:

• Electronic Visa (e-Visa): This is the quicker and easier option for most travellers.
  
• Sticker Visa: Apply in person at a Turkish embassy or consulate in India if you don't qualify for an e-Visa.
  

Based on your requirements, you can either opt for a Turkey eVisa or apply for a direct visa through a company authorised by the Turkish consulate.

You can apply for a Turkish e-Visa through the official website, which is a straightforward procedure. You can get this Visa in just 3 minutes!

Check Eligibility for Turkey e-Visa for Indians

Indian citizens are eligible for Turkey e-Visas, but you may not be eligible if you have certain passport types or a history of visa violations.

Apply Online for Your Turkey e-Visa from India

Visit the official Turkish e-Visa website and fill out the online visa application form. Once done, you will receive a reference number at your email address.at your email address.

Pay the Turkey e-Visa Fee to Complete the Application Process

Next, enter the application reference number to access the payment gateway and pay the visa fee of approx. 43 USD online using a Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay credit/debit card.

Download Your Turkish e-Visa from India

After the payment is made, you will receive your Turkey e-visa in your email. You can download your e-visa as a PDF document. Print a copy for your travel records and carry it with you while travelling to Turkey.

Electronic Airport Transit Visa for Indians in Turkey

If you need to change your flight from Istanbul to a South American destination, including Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela from India, you will require an Electronic Airport Transit Visa. 

Turkey is implementing this to manage irregular migration better. They're actively combating irregular migration and strengthening inspections at airports. 

In that case, you can apply for the Electronic Airport Transit Visa through the ministry’s website following the same process as above for e-visa.  Also, there is no visa fee applicable for electronic transit visa for Indians.  

Turkish Embassy or Consulate do not take visa applications directly. They have authorised  Gateway International to receive applications for sticker visas for Indian nationals. Check the process below:

Create an Account on Gateway International to Start Your Turkey Visa Application from India

To start your application process, first create an account on the Gateway International website and log in. 

Book an Appointment for Your Turkey Visa from India

Now schedule an appointment by entering all necessary details like name, passport details, address, date of appointment, and select the nearest office for your appointment.

Gateway International have visa offices in 16 cities across India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune and more. You can select the nearest office as per your location convenience.

You will also have the option to select additional services, like: 

• Premium lounge – Get a faster application service. 
  
• Courier - Get delivery of your passport to and from the embassy/consulate. 
  
• SMS - Stay informed throughout the visa application process.
  
• Personal visa consulting - A complete assistance for your Turkey visa application.
  
• Biometric photography service - Get your biometrics done at any office of Gateway International. 
  

Pay the Fees to Complete Your Appointment Booking

Once the form is filled and services are selected, you are now required to pay the fees. A portion of the total Turkey visa fee - INR 6814* will be charged online. Additional charges apply for each premium service selected. (*The charges may vary so it's best to verify the amount directly with Gateway International). 

You'll need to pay the remaining visa fee in cash at the visa application center where your documents will be verified, and you’ll receive the tracking number.    

Next, you need to gather your documents as required for Turkey Tourist Visa for Indians. Refer to the checklist of required documents mentioned below.

Visit the Visa Application Centre and Pay Your Turkey Visa Fees from India

During the appointment, your documents will be thoroughly verified to ensure they meet the visa requirements. Additionally, you'll need to pay the remaining visa fee in cash at the appointment office. Once paid the fees, you will receive a tracking number for your turkey visa application.  

To apply for a tourist visa to Turkey, you need the following documents:

Common Required Documents for Turkey Tourist Visa for Indians

This section outlines the essential documents that all Indian applicants must submit for a Turkey Tourist Visa.

• Visa Application Form - A copy of your completed visa application form.
  
• Original Passport - The passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Turkey and should have at least 2 full blank pages. Include copies of the passport's first, last and visa pages.
  
• Photos - Provide two recent photos with a white background (Size should be 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches).
  
• Cover Letter - A cover letter explaining your travel details, purpose of stay, accompanying persons, occupation, and expenses. The below points must be present in the letter:
  
• The purpose of your trip 
  
• When and where you intend to travel 
  
• How your trip is going to be funded 
  
• The status of your employment 
  
• A complete itinerary for your trip 
  
• Total duration of the trip  
  
• Reasons if any of the required documents were not submitted with your application.
  

For employees, provide a leave letter stating work details, and for students, including a no-objection letter from the school.

• Invitation Letter - If visiting a friend or family who is a Turkish citizen or resident, provide an invitation letter with the necessary details such as:
  
• Inviting person's TR Identity Number 
  
• Clear identity
  
• The list of invitees
  
• Permanent address
  
• Contact number
  
• Length and purpose of stay  
  
• The affinity with the applicant 
  
• If the inviting side is an organisation or a company, a tax registration certificate will be required. 
  
• Proof of Funds - Provide salary slips, bank statements, ITR for the last 3 years, and Form 16 (for employers). Retirees and freelancers should provide relevant documents and bank statements. Turkey requires visitors to have at least USD 50 (EUR 46.31) per day for staying in the country.
  
• Flight Tickets - Confirmed round-trip flight tickets must be provided.  
  
• Hotel Reservation - As proof of your accommodation, you must submit the documents of hotel reservations for your stay in Turkey. If the hotel is booked through agents, provide details on the letterhead with relevant information.
  
• Travel Insurance - Submit the documents of your travel insurance. The coverage should match the duration of your stay in Turkey and the below requirements:
  
• Medical evacuation and repatriation expenses
  
• Personal liability  
  
• Personal accidental death
  
• Daily allowance if hospitalised. 
  
• The coverage should be a minimum of 30,000 Euro
  
• Authorisation Letter - An authorisation letter from the applicant is required if the application is submitted by a representative or travel agent on their behalf.
  
• Proof of Civil Status - Provide an Aadhar card and PAN card as proof of your civil status.
  
• Travel Itinerary - Though optional, you can provide your travel itinerary to Turkey.
  
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) - You must show proof of having a Police Clearance Certificate or PCC. In case you have travelled to the United Kingdom, the United States of America or any other Schengen country, then PPC is not required.

Additional Documents Mandatory for Turkey Tourist Visa for Indians

These additional documents are mandatory for specific circumstances and provide further details about your travel plans and financial situation.

• Address Proof Requirements - Acceptable proofs include a registered/notarised rental agreement and a company letter for remote workers. Additional documents like Voter ID Cards, utility bills, or PCC may be requested based on visa type.
  
• For Applicants Under the Age of 18 - Minors travelling with both parents require a notarised consent letter from both. If one parent is the sole guardian due to death/divorce, relevant legal documents are needed.
  
• If Traveling with Visa Holder - If travelling with a family member/friend holding a Turkish visa, provide copies of their visa and passport.
  
• Visa for Non-Indian Passport Holders - Non-Indian passport holders can apply for a Turkish visa in India if holding a valid Indian visa or residency/work permit. It might take longer processing time.
  
• If Spouse's Name is not Present in Passport - Submit a marriage certificate attested by a Notary Public or a recent notarised affidavit along with wedding documentation if the spouse's name is not present in the passport.
  
• In the Case of a Sponsor - Monetary documents can be submitted by a sponsor along with a sponsorship letter. The sponsor's passport copy, and employment proof are necessary, with additional relationship proof if the sponsor is a relative.
  

Once the documents are ready at your end, you need to visit the selected visa application centre for next steps.

You can inquire about your visa application status on the Gateway International website with your tracking number and date of birth.

The Embassy of Turkey or Consulate General will process your application and you will be informed of their decision through email.

Disclaimer: Please note that the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi, as well as the Consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad, do not directly accept sticker visa applications. All sticker visa applications must be submitted and collected through the intermediary company (VAC), Gateway Management. 

The minimum processing time for a sticker visa can be 4 to 15 working days (depending on the embassy or consulate of your application) from the date of submission at the Turkish Embassy. 

The processing time for e-visas is usually around 3 minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours.

Applicants seeking a multiple entry visa will have their applications reviewed by the consulate within one business day once all necessary documents are provided. Depending on the consulate's decision, applicants may be directed to apply for either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

• Before applying for a Turkey visa, ensure you have scheduled an appointment.
  
• Make sure your passport remains valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond your planned stay in Turkey.
  
• Visa fees are non-refundable in case of rejection of a Turkish visa application.
  
• All applicants must possess medical insurance valid for the duration of their stay in Turkey. 
  
• If you're transiting via Istanbul Airport to Mexico, Panama, Colombia, or Venezuela, you'll need an Electronic Airport Transit Visa.
  
• Have a printed copy of your Electronic Airport Transit Visa ready for inspection by Turkish authorities at the transit passenger arrival area in Istanbul Airport, as well as by relevant airlines and service providers at departure airports.
  
• The validity period of your e-visa starts upon your entry into Turkey.
  
• If you intend to extend the duration of your e-visa, apply for a residency permit at your local Police Station. 
  
• Failure to obtain a residency permit after exceeding the single-entry duration may result in fines, deportation, or a travel ban to Turkey for a specified period.
  

• Travel insurance is mandatory for anyone visiting Turkey, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (around $33,000). Beyond this requirement, travel insurance offers valuable protection during your trip, providing financial security and minimizing travel disruptions.
• Turkey Travel insurance can cover you in situations like:
• Medical emergencies (illnesses, accidents, etc.)
  
• Trip cancellations
  
• Flight delays, missed connecting flights and cancelled flights
  
• Loss of passport
  
• Delay or loss of checked-in luggage
  
• Theft/loss of money 

Benefits of Digit Travel Insurance for Turkey Visa

Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance for Turkey:

• Zero Deductible - You don’t pay at all from your pocket, we will take care of everything.
  
• Cover that knows how you travel - Our coverage includes activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping and sky diving (provided the duration is one day).
  
• Smartphone-enabled claims process - It’s all smart with a smartphone-enabled claim process. No paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim.
  
• Missed Call Facility - Give us a missed call, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges! 
  
• Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays - If your flight is delayed for more than 6 hours, we give you an immediate compensation of ₹500-1000.
  
• Worldwide Support - We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*
  

If your Turkey visa application is rejected, you can reapply. First, understand the reason behind the rejection. The Turkish Embassy or Consulate may reject visa applications without providing explanations. 

Typical causes for rejections include missing, unreliable, unattested copies, fraudulent documents, lack of clearance from Turkish authorities, and Embassy assessment issues.

After resolving issues, applicants can reapply for a Turkish visa. However, you cannot reapply within the next 6 months.

Remember, visa fees are non-refundable in case of rejection. 

Tourist visas issued by Turkey are typically not extendable. This means you cannot apply to stay in Turkey for longer than the validity period granted on your visa.

If you require a longer stay in Turkey, you might consider alternative visa options depending on your circumstances. Here are some possibilities:

• Apply for a New Visa: You cannot apply for a tourist visa extension online. You must visit the immigration office, police station or embassy in Turkey to apply for a new tourist visa or permission to change your travel plans.

If your reason for staying longer is legitimate, you can explore applying for a new visa type suitable for your extended stay. This could be a business visa, student visa, or residence permit depending on your situation. 

• Leave and Re-enter Turkey: Depending on your visa type and nationality, you might be able to leave Turkey and re-enter on a new tourist visa.

Now that you know everything about obtaining a Turkish Visa and the importance of Turkey travel insurance, it’s time to start planning your trip for the next best season. Have a lovely trip to Turkey!