Do Filipinos Need Visa for Turkey?

Foreigners from around the world are attracted to Turkey by its beautiful natural scenery and it has been a popular destination for Philippine tourists. Since 2013, the Turkish government has relaxed its visa policy for tourists, which includes the implementation of e-visas. If you are a Filipino and you are planning on going to Turkey, here we will provide what you need to know concerning a Turkey visa.

Do Filipinos Need Visa for Turkey?

Yes. For Philippine passport holders, obtaining a visa is necessary for visiting Turkey. There are 2 types of Turkey visa, the e-visa (Electronic Visa) and the Visitor visa. An e-visa application can be processed online. It is the quickest and most convenient way to get a Turkey visa, but you need to make sure you are eligible to apply. On the other hand, a Visitor visa is a traditional visa in which you need to get a sticker on your passport from a local Turkish Embassy, Consulate, or a visa center. We are going to delve in to both types of visa in the following passage.

Turkey eVisa Requirements for Filipinos

Although e-visa is available for Filipinos, not every Filipino is eligible. You need to meet the following requirements:

• A Philippine passport that is valid for at least 6 months and has at least 2 blank pages.
• A valid e-mail address for receiving the e-visa and other related information.
• Your duration of stay in Turkey should be within 30 days.
• You are visiting Turkey for tourism or business purposes only.
• Travelers who have a valid visa or residence permit for a Schengen country, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Ireland are eligible for an Electronic visitor visa.
• A return ticket as a supporting document.
• Hotel reservations as supporting documents.

How to Apply for Turkish e-Visa for Filipinos?

As mentioned above, the Turkish e-Visa can be completed online. The process is fast and easy. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Electronic Visa Application System through this link.

2. Tap “Apply” and fill in the information required step by step, including nationality, travel document, arrival date, personal information, etc.

3. When you complete the forms, you will receive a verification e-mail. Respond to the e-mail by clicking the “Approve” button.

4. Make payment for the e-Visa. The fee depends on your place of departure. Debit cards, credit cards or Paypals are acceptable as payment methods.

5. After the payment is made, your e-visa is ready. Download it and keep a copy of it.

 Turkey e-Visa Fee, Processing Time & Validity

A Turkey e-Visa is always recommended if you are eligible. It has advantages over a visitor visa for Filipinos in terms of efficiency and cost. See the details below:

Turkey e-Visa Fee

Fees for e-Visa range from US$15 to US$60 depending on what country you depart from. For Filipinos, the fee is US$20.

Turkey e-Visa Processing time

You can access the e-Visa application system at any time anywhere. Your e-visa will be ready once you have finished the application process online. The whole process can be done in 3 minutes with smooth network.

Turkey e-Visa Validity

The e-visa is valid for 180 days, counting from the date of arrival. Within this period, you can stay in Turkey for up to 30 days. However, once the e-visa has expired, a Philippine passport holder is not allowed to stay in the country. If you want to go to Turkey again, a new e-visa is required. 

Turkey Visitor Visa Requirements for Filipinos

As much as an e-visa is recommended, some Philippine visitors do not meet the requirements for an e-visa, such as those who intend to study in Turkey. These visitors need to apply for a visitor visa at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Here are the Turkey visit visa requirements:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months, starting from the date of arrival in Turkey.
• The purpose of travel is other than tourism or business, such as work and study.

Required Documents for Turkish Visitor Visa

Having met the Turkey tourist visa requirements, you need to prepare relevant documents beforehand as follows:

General Requirements

1. Application Form

A completed application form. Both the original and photocopy are required.

2. Valid Passport

A passport with at least 6 months of validity before your departure. 

3. Passport Photos

Three Turkish passport size photos of the applicant. The photos should be in color with a white background. Also, attach the photos to the application form.

4. Travel Documentation

Travel documents include the booking certificate, the flight itinerary and the round-trip electronic airline ticket. 

5. Proof of Accommodation

A hotel confirmation should be presented.

6. Proof of Employment

• If you are an employee, you should submit the original certificate of employment and a leave of absence approved by your employer.
• If you are self-employed, a photocopy of your Business Name is required.
• For professionals, a photocopy of a valid Professional Regulation Commission (both the back and front side) is required.

7. Proof of Income

Present a photocopy of the income tax return.

8. Letter of Intent

Submit a letter of intent addressed to the Turkey Embassy or Consulate.

9. Supporting Documents

• Photocopy of international credit card (back and front side).
• Credit card statement account for the last 3 months (if available).
• Original Bank Certificate (peso/dollar account).
• Photocopy of bank passbook and bank statement for the last 6 months.

10. Marriage Contract

If you are a married couple traveling together, the original NSO Marriage Contract is required.

11. Birth Certificate

For single individuals, an NSO Birth Certificate is needed.

Additional Requirements for the Newlyweds

1. Wedding invitation (original).
2. The affidavit of support provided by the groom or by parents (original and notarized).
3. Marriage license (photocopy).
4. Wedding reception reservation (photocopy).
5. Other receipts from wedding providers such as caterer, church, etc (photocopy).

Additional Requirements for Students

1. School Certificate (original).
2. School ID (photocopy).

Additional Requirements for Minors (under age of 18)

1. NSO Birth Certificate
2. Parents’ Marriage Contract
3. Affidavit of Support and Consent provided by the parents traveling with children (notarized).

Additional Requirements under specific invitations

• If you are invited by the Turkey government or a private sector and international companies or institutions, you need to submit an original invitation letter addressed to the Embassy.
• If you are invited by a Turkish national, you should submit an original invitation letter notarized in Turkey, an Affidavit of support and pertinent credentials of both the invitee and the Turkish ID, as well as other supporting documents.

All documents mentioned above should be up to date, and please bring the original documents if a photocopy is not required.

How to Apply for a Turkish Visitor Visa

Applying for a Turkish visitor visa takes more time and effort, but it is not as complicated as it seems. Follow these steps:

1. Download a Turkey visa application form on the website of Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Fill out all the detailed information required and gather the necessary documents based on your condition.
3. For now, the Turkish Embassy in Manila is not available. You are advised to reach an authorized agency to submit your application. However, please understand that whether your visa will be issued depends on the staff of the Turkish Embassy. Agencies or visa application centers only provide you with services to submit your application.

Turkish Visitor Visa Fee, Processing Time & Validity

Application for a visitor visa is more expensive and it takes more time to process, but the validity is the same as an e-visa. See the following list:

Turkish Visitor Visa Fee

Turkey visa price is US$60 for a single entry and US$190 for multiple entries. Visa fees are not refundable whether the visa is issued.

Processing time of Turkish Visitor Visa

Usually, the application process for a visitor visa takes about 15 to 20 working days.

Validity of Turkish Visitor Visa

The validity of a visitor visa is 6 months from the date you apply.

Quick Recap of Turkish e-Visa and Visitor Visa Requirements

Here is the comparison between the 2 types of Turkey visa requirements:

Additional Tips on Traveling to Turkey

Tourism in Turkey has been increasing every year. Its natural landscape and magnificent architecture with rich culture attract tourists from all over the world. However, while you are ready to explore the beauty of Turkey, there are things you should notice before you go. Here are some tips to help you better prepare your trip:

1. Watch out for pickpockets

In Istanbul, it is important to be alert when you are surrounded by people. Many pickpockets will steal your valuable belongings.

2. Pack according to the weather

Weather in Turkey varies from season to season. In summer, it is hot during the day and cool during night times, while in winter, it can be snowy sometimes. Pack according to the weather report and always bring a sweater.

3. Bring cash

Cash is the dominant payment method in Turkey. Don’t expect to pay with Paypals and bank cards may be rejected.

4. Enjoy local coffee

Turkish coffee is one of the popular local products. It is different from other types of coffee. The coffee beans are ground into solid blocks instead of powder. You should try some if you are interested.

5. Plan for emergencies

Buy travel insurance before you leave. It can cover the loss if any emergency happens to you abroad. Also, make sure a close one knows your location and your itinerary.

6. Learn simple Turkish

Having a translator on your phone is necessary, but learning a few Turkish greeting phrases such as “Merhaba” will make your trip more fun.

FAQ

How to get a 5×6 Turkish visa photo for free?

A Turkish visa photo can be generated for free online with AiPassportphotos. Go to AiPassPortPhotos. Upload a photo taken by yourself and it will resize and change the background of the photo automatically. You can get a compliant Turkish visa photo in 15 seconds. 

Can Filipino citizens visit Turkey without a Visa?

Nationals of the Philippines holding diplomatic and official/service passports are exempted from visas for their travels up to 30 days.

Can I get a Turkish visa on arrival?

No. A visa on arrival to Turkey is not available to Filipinos.

How much bank balance is required for a Turkey tourist visa?

There is not a fixed amount required for your bank balance, but generally speaking, having US$50 per day during your stay in Turkey is acceptable.

Is Turkey a Schengen visa?

Turkey is not a member of the Schengen countries, but if you have a valid visa for a Schengen country, you can apply for an e-Visa of Turkey.

Can I wear shorts in Turkey?

It depends on what season you are going to. You can wear shorts during the hot summertime. 

Which month is the best to visit Turkey?

Turkey is a country that experiences all four distinct seasons. Each season has its magic. If you are looking for a winter experience, January to February is recommended. Spring comes in March and summer starts from May to August. From September to December, the autumn colors add a special touch to Turkey. 

Conclusion

Both the requirements for an e-visa and the requirements for a tourist visa in Turkey from the Philippines are fully discussed. Usually, an e-visa is highly recommended for its high efficiency. However, if you are not qualified for it, a visitor visa is not hard to obtain once you have all the necessary documents gathered. Have a nice trip to Turkey.