Are you planning an unforgettable trip to Turkey, home to stunning coastlines, vibrant bazaars, ancient ruins, and world-class cuisine? Before you pack your bags, ensure your Turkey tourist visa application is in perfect order.

This blog will walk you through the step-by-step Turkey visa checklist, ensuring you have all the required documents and understand the process before submitting your application.

Quick Summary 

Planning a Turkey getaway? Before you dive into coastlines, bazaars, and kebabs, make sure your visa paperwork is airtight. Use this Turkey tourist visa checklist to submit a clean, complete application:

Essential Documents

• Visa application form: Fully completed, typed or in clear capital letters; signed (parents/guardians sign for minors).

• Valid passport: At least 6 months’ validity beyond entry, 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years.

• Passport copies: Photocopies of all pages (including previous visas and blank pages).

• Passport photo: 1 recent (within 6 months), ICAO-compliant, white background (typical size 50×60 mm).

Personal & Travel Details

• Proof of travel plans: Round-trip flight reservation (no payment required).

• Accommodation proof: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter covering your entire stay.

• Travel itinerary: Day-by-day outline (cities, dates, activities).

Financial Proof

• Funds to cover your trip: Last 3 months bank statements, salary slips/regular income proof, pension certificate (if applicable), credit card statements or forex slip.
  Rule of thumb: USD 50 per person per day.

Employment/Occupation Documents

• Employees: Employer leave approval letter (role, tenure, salary, approved leave) + SGK/employment insurance record.

• Company owners: Trade registry, tax certificate, Chamber of Commerce registration, and activity certificate.

• Students: Student certificate

• Retirees: Pension/retirement certificate.

• Farmers: Certificate from the Chamber of Agriculture.

For Minors (Under 18)

• If travelling alone/with one parent: Notarised consent from non-travelling parent(s) or court custody document. Include birth certificate/proof of relationship as needed.

Insurance & Fees

• Travel health insurance: Valid in Turkey for your entire trip, with a minimum coverage of € 30,000(emergency care, hospitalisation, medical repatriation, including in case of death).

• Visa fee: Pay the non-refundable fee and keep the receipt (amount varies by nationality/visa type).

Special Cases

• Proof of legal residence (if applicable): For non-Turkish nationals applying from Turkey, a residence/work permit valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure.

• Final-destination permit (if transiting): Visa or entry permit for your onward country, if required.

Turkey Visa Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Applying for a Turkey tourist visa is simple if your paperwork is complete and consistent. Most delays are caused by missing pages, unclear bank proofs, or photo errors. Use this step-by-step to submit a clean file the first time.

1. Visa Application Form

• Completed and signed the visa application form.

• Must be typed or filled in clearly in capital letters.

• Parents/guardians must sign for minors.

2. Valid Passport

• Be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

• Have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.

• Be issued within the last 10 years.

Also required:

Photocopies of all pages of your passport, including previous visas and blank pages.

3. Proof of Legal Residence (If applicable)

• For non-Turkish nationals: proof of residency in Turkey, valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from Turkey. This is for a residence permit, work visa, etc.

4. Passport Photo

• One recent passport-size photograph (taken within the last 6 months).

• Must meet ICAO standards (clear, in colour, on white background, no accessories).

• Size: 50 mm x 60 mm is typical for Turkish visa photos.

5. Proof of Travel Plans

Flight Reservation

• Round-trip flight booking or reservation. This does not need to be a paid ticket, just a verifiable itinerary.

Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Turkey. Must cover your entire stay.

Travel Itinerary

• A day-by-day plan of your trip (cities to visit, activities, etc.).

6. Proof of Financial Means

You must show you can financially support yourself during your stay.

Accepted documents:

• Bank statements for the last 3 months.

• Salary slips or proof of regular income.

• Pension certificate (if applicable).

• Credit card statements or foreign exchange slip.

• Minimum recommendation: $50 per day per person.

7. Employment/Occupation Documents

Depending on your profession, you must submit:

For Employees:

Employer’s leave approval letter, stating:

• Applicant’s job title, duration of employment, and salary.

• Approval for leave.

SGK statement (employment insurance record).

For Company Owners:

• Trade registry certificate

• Tax certificate

• Chamber of Commerce registration

• Activity certificate

For Students:

• Student certificate from your institution or YÖK (Higher Education Council) for university students.

For Retirees:

• Pension statement or retirement certificate.

For Farmers:

• Certificate from the Chamber of Agriculture.

8. For Minors (Under 18 Years)

If travelling alone or with one parent:

• Notarised parental consent from non-travelling parent(s).

• Or a court custody document proving legal guardianship.

• A birth certificate and proof of relationship may also be required.

9. Travel Health Insurance

You must have travel insurance that:

• It is valid in Turkey and covers the entire duration of your travel.

• Provides minimum coverage of €30,000.

Covers:

• Emergency medical treatment

• Hospitalization

• Medical repatriation (including in case of death)

10. Visa Fee Payment

• Pay the non-refundable visa fee at the time of application.

• The amount may vary depending on your nationality and visa type.

• Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

11. Visa or Entry Permit to Final Destination (If applicable)

If Turkey is a stopover, you may be required to present a visa or residence permit for your final destination.

Turkey e-Visa Checklist 

Requirements can vary by nationality; the official portal will display any additional conditions after you select your country and dates.

Eligibility & Basics

• You are eligible for an e-Visa (not all nationalities are; some need a sticker visa).

• You’ll travel for tourism or business on a short stay (as permitted for your nationality).

• You have a valid email and an international payment card for the fee.

Passport Validity 

Your passport/travel document is valid for at least 60 days beyond the allowed duration of stay on your e-Visa.

• Example A: If your e-Visa allows 30 days, your passport must be valid 30 + 60 = 90 days from entry.

• Example B: If your e-Visa allows 90 days, your passport must be valid for 90 + 60 = 150 days from the date of entry.

Passport has at least 1-2 blank pages and is in good condition.

Documents & Info You’ll Need

• Passport bio page scan/photo (clear, all edges visible).

• Nationality-specific extras (if required): Some citizens must upload/declare a valid visa or residence permit from the US/UK/Schengen/Ireland, return/onward ticket, hotel booking, or proof of funds.

• Travel details: Intended arrival date, address/accommodation in Türkiye, contact phone/email.

• Parent/guardian details (if applying for a minor, submit a separate application).

• Print at least one hard copy and save a digital copy to your phone.

Before You Fly 

• Printed e-Visa + passport meeting the 60-day rule above.

• Return/onward ticket and hotel/host details (often checked at immigration).

• Funds for your stay (card/cash).

• Travel health insurance (strongly recommended).

• If your nationality requires it for e-Visa eligibility, carry the supporting visa/residence permit (original and copy).

If the portal shows additional conditions for your nationality, add those items to this checklist and carry the originals and copies at the border.

Tips for Turkey Visa Application Preparation

Here are some tips to consider when you are applying for a Turkish visa: 

• Pick the right route first: Confirm e-Visa eligibility vs. a consular (sticker) visa. A Turkish visa is not a Schengen visa; don’t mix requirements.

• Match everything, everywhere: Names, passport number, dates, and itinerary must be identical across the form, flights, hotels, insurance, bank proofs, and letters.

• Use block letters / type the form: No blanks, use “N/A” if not applicable.

• If sponsored: Add a clear sponsorship letter, sponsor’s bank statements/ID, and relationship proof.

• Accommodation + flights: A verifiable round-trip itinerary and confirmed stay for every night. Book refundable options where possible.

• Insurance that actually covers: Travel medical insurance valid in Türkiye for your full dates, €30,000+ coverage including emergency care, hospitalisation, and medical repatriation. Check names/dates match your application.

• For minors: Notarised parental consent from non-travelling parent(s) or custody order; include birth certificate and parent IDs.

• Legal residence (if applying outside home country): Provide a valid permit 3+ months beyond planned departure.

• Translations & format: Translate non-English/Turkish docs via certified translators if required; avoid screenshots unless explicitly accepted.

The key to a successful Turkey tourist visa application lies in thorough preparation and accuracy. Take time to carefully review each of your documents, ensuring that everything you provide is complete and clear to avoid confusion or delays. Each document must be genuine and accurately reflect your circumstances, as misleading or incorrect information could lead to visa rejection. It's equally crucial to submit your application well ahead of your intended travel date, allowing ample time for processing and addressing any unforeseen complications.