Every year, millions of people from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) travel to Turkey for tourism, business, etc. If you are a UAE resident, you might wonder entry requirements of Turkey based on your UAE residency. In this passage, we are going to talk about Turkish visas for UAE residents, including their types, requirements, application process, fees, and some traveling tips.
Key Facts about Turkey Visa for UAE Residents
UAE citizens with an ordinary and official passport valid for at least 6 months can enter Turkey for short-term purposes and stay for up to 90 days. However, UAE residents must obtain a Turkey visa before traveling to the country. The good news is that the process is straightforward and sometimes it can be applied online. Before heading to talk about how to apply for a Turkey visa, it is necessary to learn about some key information.
- Turkey e visas for UAE residents are only issued to those who travel for tourism and commerce.
- People who travel for work, study, family/friend visits, etc. must apply in person at a Turkey embassy or consulate.
- Individuals living in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Ajman can apply for a Turkish visa at the Consulate General of Turkey in Dubai.
- The Turkey visa service is available at a fixed time, for example, starting from 9:00 am between Sunday and Thursday at the Consulate General in Dubai.
- Only 40 applications at most are accepted every day at the Consulate General of Turkey in Dubai.
- It is suggested to apply for a visa at least one week before traveling.
Types of Turkey Visas for UAE Residents
Different visa types feature different requirements and they should be chosen according to your purpose of traveling. Turkey visas for UAE residents are mainly divided into the following two types.
- Turkey Tourist Visa
It is designed for foreign visitors who go to Turkey for sightseeing, beach holidays, historical site visits, or other leisure activities. The Turkey tourist visa for UAE residents is usually valid for 180 days from the date of issuing. Travelers can stay for 30-90 days depending on their nationality. When applying from the UAE, the application fee is about AED 225.
- Turkey Business Visa
It is designed for those who travel to Turkey for business- or commercial-related activities, such as trading, attending conferences, signing business contracts, and so on. Single-entry visas, multiple-entry visas, and long-term visas are available with a validity ranging from a few months to 5 years. The application fees might be subject to your nationality and the subcategories.
| Visa Type | Turkey Tourist Visa | Turkey Business Visa |
| Fees | AED 225 | Approx. AED 200-500 |
| Validity | 180 days | 6 months – 5 year |
| Duration of Stay | 30 or 90 days | 30-90 days |
Documents Required for Turkey Visa for UAE Residents
Applicants must submit documents to prove their citizenship, identity, and purpose of traveling. The Turkey visa requirements for UAE residents differ slightly according to visa type. Here are the documents needed for a Turkey visa.
For Turkey Tourist Visa
- A duly accomplished form.
- An original and photocopy of the passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months.
- A valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID valid for at least 6 months from the date of leaving Turkey.
- One 50mm x 60mm Turkey visa photo.
- NOC (No objection) letter from the sponsor, such as the trade license of a company owner or parents of children under 18.
- Proof of travel itinerary, including a round-trip ticket.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel booking or invitation letter from a host in Turkey.
- Bank statements for the previous 3 months to prove financial capability to fund the trip.
- Salary certificate (required for persons being employed).
- A photocopy of the sponsor’s passport (required for persons being unemployed and sponsored by someone else). If the applicant is a maid, she must be accompanied by the sponsor to apply for a Turkey visa.
For Turkey Business Visa
- A duly accomplished form.
- An original and photocopy of the passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months.
- A valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
- One passport photo.
- NOC (No objection) letter from the sponsor. Business owners should submit the trade license.
- Invitation letter from a company in Turkey.
- Confirmed booking of a round-trip ticket.
- Proof of hotel booking.
How to Apply for a Turkey eVisa for UAE Residents
Turkey visit visas for UAE residents are issued electronically. This e-visa can be applied on the government’s official website through a visa agency.
Apply for Turkey eVisa Online
This is the most straightforward way to apply for a Turkey tourist visa. In this case, you don’t have to leave your home. The whole process takes only a few minutes through the steps below.
- Visit the online portal of the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and click on the “Apply Now” button.
- Choose visa type, country/region, and travel document. Enter the security verification code and click on “Save and Continue”.
- Choose the date of arrival and you will see the validity of the e-visa as well as the maximum length of stay.
- Fill out the personal information page. Please complete it according to the instructions for each field and make sure what you enter is authentic and accurate. Check the box at the end to agree to the provisions and click on “Save and Continue”.
- Review the provided information. If there is anything wrong, click on the “Edit” button to modify it. If there is nothing wrong, click on “Verify” to continue.
- Go to your registered email address and receive a confirmation e-mail. Click on the “approve” button to proceed with the payment. Please respond to the email as required within one hour, otherwise, your application will be canceled.
- Pay the Turkey visa fees by Mastercard, Visa card, or UnionPay credit/debit card within 48 hours.
- Receive the e-visa in your email and download it. You can print it out or save it on your phone to present it to the immigration officer after arriving in Turkey.
Apply for a Turkey Visa via the Turkey Visa Application Center
Supposing that there is something wrong with the Turkey eVisa portal or you have no confidence in applying by yourself, turning to a Turkey application center is also a popular choice. The staff there are well-trained and familiar with the visa requirements. They will provide specific and professional suggestions throughout the whole process, including how to fill out the application form, what documents are required, how to track application status, etc. All you need is to find a reliable visa agency, for example, VFS Global, and create an order on its website or in a physical branch. Please note that extra fees and a Turkey visa appointment might be needed.
How to Get a Turkey Visa Photo with Cellphone
A biometric photo is essential for visa application. To save time and money, many people choose to take a visa photo at home. In this section, we will introduce how to make a Turkey visa photo with a cellphone.
- Step 1: Learn Turkey Visa Photo Requirements.
It is the primary step for photo DIY. According to the official requirements, a qualified photo for visas should measure 50mm in width and 60mm in height with a plain white background. It must show the person’s full head and upper shoulder with a neutral facial expression. It is suggested to submit a photo taken within the last 6 months so as to present your current look.
- Step 2: Find a well-lit area.
Lighting influences the photo quality. The person must be sufficiently and evenly lit, thus avoiding underexposed or shadows on the face and background. Therefore, you should take a picture in a well-lit room. Natural daylight is recommended.
- Step 3: Dress yourself properly.
There is no specific requirement for your attire. Keep in mind that uniforms and white clothes are prohibited. If you have to wear veils for religious purposes, it must not cover your face.
- Step 4: Set up your cellphone or ask someone to help.
If you take photos on your own, fix your phone on a tripod and place it about 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5m). If you stay with your family or friends, ask them to help. If you are not good at photography, try the auto mode.
- Step 5: Take a photo.
Stand upright in front of the camera and look straight at the camera. Do not tile your head or look up/down. Capture a clear photo after getting ready. You are advised to take several shots at a time.
- Step 6: Crop the photo to Turkey visa photo size online.
Upload the picture to the online visa photo maker, AiPassportPhotos and it will check the photo compliance and resize it to a 50×60 mm Turkey visa photo. The final result is promised to meet the official specifications.
Top 5 Things to Do in Turkey
The distinctive geographical circumstances and rich culture make Turkey an attractive tourist destination. Here is a recommended to-do list for travelers around the world.
- Visit the historic sites, museums, and palaces, such as the Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapı Palace, etc.
- Hang around a bazaar, the unique market in the Middle East and India, such as the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul.
- Try the typical local food, such as Turkish cuisine, Turkish coffee, and distinctive cheese.
- Explore leisure activities on the water or by the sea, such as having a sunbath on the beach, taking a cruise trip, sailing, canoeing, diving, etc.
- Experience the local cultural and religious activities.
FAQ
📌Is a Turkey visa easy to get?
Yes, as long as you satisfy the entry requirements. With the introduction of e-visa, things will become easier.
📌Can I get a Turkey visa in one day?
It is possible to get a Turkey e-visa on the same day of application as the standard processing time takes about 1 – 2 days.
📌How much bank balance is required for a Turkey tourist visa?
There is no specific requirement for a minimum bank balance as long as you can prove that you have sufficient funds to support your trip.
📌Which countries can enter Turkey visa-free?
Citizens of the United Arab Emirates are exempted from a Turkey tourist visa.
📌Is Turkey under a Schengen visa?
Yes. Although Turkey is not a Schengen Area Member, it allows Schengen visa holders to enter without an additional Turkey visa and stay for up to 90 days.
📌Is there a Turkey visa on arrival for UAE residents?
No. UAE residents are not eligible for a Turkey visa on arrival.
Conclusion
If you are legally residing in the UAE as a foreigner, you should obtain a Turkey e visa for UAE residents for tourism or commerce. It is necessary to apply for the visa on the portal of Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through an application center. We hope this passage will help you get prepared in advance and receive a Turkey tourist visa successfully.
Dolores Xiao