Travel Visa

Turkey Updates e-Visa Laws For Schengen Visa Holders

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey and hold a Schengen Visa, you must be aware of the significant changes in the e-Visa regulations.

The Turkish administration has updated the laws regarding using Schengen Visas to apply for a Turkish e-visa. Based on the most recent update, the Schengen visa must be authentic for six months to be eligible for the Turkey e-visa request.

Notably, if the Schengen visa has less than 180 days of authenticity, the e-visa request procedure on the official webpage does not go further. This demonstrates that the Schengen visa must be authentic for a minimum of six months to conclude the application successfully.

Several social media users have claimed this law is active, although the Turkish government has not officially confirmed it. We advise travelers to stay updated with official announcements regarding this matter.

Below is an explicit summary of the updated laws we understand, along with the e-Visa procedure and essential details for travelers.

Major Update: Schengen Visa Authenticity

Turkey’s new laws on the e-visa application procedure present a significant modification:

  • Schengen Visa Authenticity: Travelers must ensure their Schengen visa is authentic for at least six months or more during their Turkey e-visa request.

This implies that if your Schengen visa is placed to expire within six months, you will not be qualified to make an application for a Turkish e-visa.

It is worth understanding that e-visa candidates are required to handle an authentic Schengen, United States, or United Kingdom visa to be qualified to apply for a Turkish e-visa. Hence, the least authenticity condition applies particularly to Schengen Visas, as United States visas naturally have an authenticity of up to one decade, and United Kingdom visas commonly have an authenticity of at least six months.

The modification aims to streamline the visa process and ensure travelers have ample time to meet Turkey’s entry and stay requirements. Those planning to visit Turkey should check the expiration dates on their Schengen visas before applying for the e-visa.

e-Visa Conditions For Transiting

In early 2024, Turkey also launched a new Electronic airport transit visa (e-HTV) condition for travelers from specific countries who are changing via their airport en route to other destinations.

This action is in response to a growing number of infrequent settlers using air routes via Turkey to reach North America from nations in the Middle East and Latin America. It aims to regulate and monitor transit passengers more effectively.

Turkey has executed more stringent examinations for transit passengers to improve border safety and deter unapproved relocation.

Knowing Turkey e-Visa

The Turkish e-visa is an electronic travel approval that enables qualified tourists to enter Turkey for tourism, business, or short-term stays. This system has eased the visa application procedure, eradicating the need to go to an embassy in several situations.

Who Is Qualified For The Turkey e-Visa

Below is a standard list of qualification measures for the Turkey e-visa.

  1. Passport holders: Citizens from specific nations are qualified for the Turkey visa. These include the United States, UK, Canada, and Schengen visa holders.
  1. Authentic Visas Or Residence Permits: In addition to passport holders from qualified nations, travelers handling authentic visas or residence permits from the Schengen region, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland can make an application for a Turkey e-Visa.
  1. Visa Authenticity Conditions: According to recent updates, Schengen visa holders must have a valid visa for more than six months to be eligible for an e-visa.

How To Apply For The Turkey Visa

Making an application for a Tureky e-Visa is an easy online procedure that can be concluded in just a few steps:

  1. Go To The Official Webpage: Visit the official Turkish e-Visa portal (www.evisa.gov.tr) to begin your request.
  1. Complete the Application Form: Provide your private information, date of travel, and passport details. If you are applying with a Schengen visa, ensure it has been valid for over six months.
  1. Make Payment: You can repay the charge using a credit or debit card. The expense of the e-visa differs depending on your citizenship.
  1. Get An e-Visa By Email: After presenting your request and making the reimbursement, you will get your e-visa through email within one day. Printing a copy or saving a digital rendition on your mobile device is suggested.
  1. Demonstrate e-Visa On Landing: After landing in Turkey, submit your e-visa and passport to the immigration authorities.

Nations Qualified For The Turkey e-Visa

Outside the Schengen visa holders, nationals of nations such as the US, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom can apply for the Turkey e-visa without requiring extra visas. Hence, various laws may be used based on nationality.

Essential Hints To Travelers

  • Double-check visa authenticity
  • Stay period
  • Business and tourism
  • Authentic passport

Turkey’s updated laws concerning the use of Schengen visas for e-visa requests are essential for travelers who often go to Europe and intend to add Turkey to their itinerary. Ensure that you check the authenticity of your Schengen visa and observe the easy visa procedure for a stress-free journey to Turkey.