Turkey, a country straddling Europe and Asia, for years already has been one of the favorite travel destinations for numerous Europeans, including Spanish citizens. Whether you're excited by rich historical sites, bustling cities, or stunning coastal resorts, Turkey visa requirements to be followed in entering Turkey are significant to know beforehand while planning your trip. On this page, we will explain the entry requirements, including visa rules, necessary documents, and other important considerations regarding the travel of Spanish citizens to Turkey.
Visa-Free Travel to Turkish Territory for Spanish Citizens
Spanish citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Turkey for a limited period due to agreements Turkey has made with European Union member states. It follows that, at the level of tourism or business, holders of Spanish passports have the right to enter the territory of Turkey without applying for a visa. Key information can be seen below:
- Duration of Stay: Spanish citizens can enter and stay in Turkey for a period of 90 days within any 180-day period, visa-free, provided that their entry is for one of the following: tourism purposes, meetings, or short visits.
- Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into Turkey.
Important Note on the 90/180 Rule
The 90 days allowed to enter visa-free are cumulative in a 180-day period: If you stay for 30 days on your first trip, then you have 60 remaining days to use within the following 180 days. When this period is exceeded, you should leave Turkey and wait for the end of the 180 days to re-enter and have another 90-day stay.
Staying More than 90 Days
If you plan to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days or to visit Turkey for a purpose not covered by the visa-free regime, such as studying or working, you will need to obtain a relevant visa or permit. The main options are as follows:
1. Long-Stay Visa
Where the stay is over 90 days, this must, in principle, be supported by a long-stay visa from Spanish representatives in the applicant's home country. This shall be for the following purposes:
|
Visa Type |
Description |
|
Student Visa |
For those attending a university or taking courses in educational institutions in Turkey. |
|
Work Visa |
Requires obtaining a work permit from a Turkish employer. |
|
Family Reunification Visa |
For Spanish citizens joining family members who are residing in Turkey. |
2. Residence Permit
In case you wish to stay in Turkey for a longer period than the one allowed by visa-free stay, you'll need to apply for a residence permit. If you plan an extended stay in Turkey exceeding the visa-free stay period, you'll need to apply for a residence permit within the first 90 days.
Documents Required for Entry into Turkey
Even though Spanish citizens do not need to apply for a visa for entry into Turkey for less than six months, there are still some very important documents that you have to present upon entry. These include:
- Valid Passport
Your Spanish passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Turkey. Make sure your passport has adequate blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Proof of Accommodation
The Turkish authorities may request accommodation details.
- Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of onward flight or travel arrangement may be requested to demonstrate the intention of leaving Turkey within the period allowed by visa-free regime.
- Proof of Adequate Funds
Immigration will sometimes, but not always, ask you to prove you have sufficient funds for your stay in Turkey, in the form of bank statements or a credit card.
- Travel Insurance
It is advisable to obtain full travel insurance that includes healthcare and accidents and emergencies at your destination, although this is generally not required for entry into Turkey.
Visa Requirements for Working or Studying in Turkey
If your travel to Turkey does not fall within the allowance of a visa-free policy, in other words, if it is not for purposes of tourism or for a short visit on business, you must apply for a visa before traveling. Some common types of visas that allow for a long-term stay are given below.
|
Visa Type |
Description |
|
Work Visa |
For Spanish citizens seeking employment in Turkey they have to obtain a work visa and work permit in order to get employed in Turkey. The work permit will be obtained through the employer, while the visa shall be applied for at the Consulate in Spain. |
|
Student Visa |
For applicants attending a Turkish university or educational institution. Required documents include a university admission letter, proof of sufficient financial resources, and a valid passport. |
|
Residence Visa |
Intended for those who plan on staying in Turkey for more than 90 days. This visa is usually applied for upon arrival in Turkey during the period of a 90-day visa-free stay. |
Turkish Visa Application Process for Special Cases
In special circumstances where you require a visa for Turkey, such as for long-term stays or for certain purposes that include work or studies, the following can be put into consideration:
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa
Access the official website of the Turkish consulate and find out the type of visa suitable for your purpose of stay.
Step 2: Collect the Required Documents
For most of the types of visas, you will need the following documents:
- A completed Turkish visa application form.
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- Photocopies of passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of financial means.
- Flight itinerary.
- Letter of acceptance, in the case of students, or employment contract, if working.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
The visa application should then be submitted to the Embassy or Consulate in Spain. An appointment may be required for this, and will often have to be made in advance.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Visa processing usually takes approximately 10 to 15 working days though this may differ. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your estimated date of departure.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection from Spain
While citizens of Spain do not need a visa for short term stays, applicants of long-term visas are notified that the following are common reasons for visa refusal
- Insufficient supporting documentation: Inadequate documentation regarding particular documents, your visa application will be refused/declined.
- Insufficient Funds: Failure to show sufficient funds might just lead to a denial.
- Lack of Valid Purpose: Your purpose of visit must be relevant to the type of visa you apply for.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Spanish citizens can stay in Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes.
If you plan on staying in Turkey for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa for residence or a permit upon arrival in Turkey.
To work in Turkey, Spanish citizens need both a work permit from a Turkish employer and a work visa. While the work permit is issued by the employer, the visa should be applied for at the Consulate in Spain.
Yes, the Spanish will have to apply for a student visa if they are already enrolled at a university or any educational institution in Turkey. You require a university admission letter, proof of financial resources, and a valid passport.
Travel insurance is not obligatory for any stay under 90 days, though it is highly recommended. Depending on your reason for staying longer, or if you require a specific visa, you will need to purchase travel insurance.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules might change.
To help us improve