How to apply for a Turkey E-Visa with a Valid Schengen Visa

If you're planning a trip to Turkey and already hold a valid Schengen visa, you're in luck! Applying for a Turkey e-visa is a straightforward process that doesn't require you to visit an embassy or consulate. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in applying for a Turkey e-visa with your existing Schengen visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Understanding the Turkey Visa Policy

Turkey has signed agreements with some countries that allow easier applications for Turkish visas, provided that travelers have a valid visa or residence permit obtained from specific regions. In case you have a valid Schengen visa or a visa/residence permit for Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States, you shall be entitled to apply under easier conditions. This streamlined process typically involves applying for a Turkey e-Visa, which can be done entirely online, making it a convenient option for many travelers.

Eligibility Criteria for the Turkey e-Visa

For an application of a Turkey e-Visa with a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States, an applicant should meet the following criteria:

Valid Visa or Residence Permit: You should hold a valid visa or residence permit from any one of the following:

Any Schengen Area Country including France, Germany, Spain, among others.
Ireland
United Kingdom
United States of America.

Purpose of Travel: Generally, the e-Visa is available for travelers going to Turkey for tourism or business. If you are going to study or work in Turkey, or if you intend to stay longer than the maximum period allowed by an e-Visa, you must apply for a proper visa at a consulate or embassy.
Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date into Turkey.
Valid Airline Ticket: You may be requested to show proof of onward or return travel upon arrival in Turkey, particularly if you arrive on a short-term visa.

Eligible Nationalities for Turkish e-Visa with a Schengen Document

Citizens of specific countries can present the supporting documents in the form of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit when applying for an e-Visa to Turkey. This therefore gives an avenue to ensure easiness while accessing, hence simplifying the process since a Schengen visa or residence permit is one of the key support documents. By meeting this requirement, applicants provide an easy way through which they can apply for a visa to enter Turkey with ease and at a faster rate for either tourism or business reasons. Following is the list of countries whose nationals have this opportunity while applying for a Turkish e-Visa:

Afghanistan, Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, North Korea, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, and Yemen

How to Apply for a Turkish e-Visa

The application that will grant you a Turkish e-Visa with a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America is rather simple and can be made online. Here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Apply Online

Visit the official Turkey e-Visa website. Complete an online form with personal, passport, and travel details. Ensure accuracy to avoid delays or rejections.

Step 2: Verify Eligibility and Pay Fee

Verify eligibility with a valid Schengen visa or residence permit. Pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card. Fees vary by nationality.

Step 3: Receive and Print e-Visa

Receive your e-Visa via email in PDF format. Print a copy for immigration on arrival. Keep it safe and accessible during your trip.

Entry Requirements Upon Arrival in Turkey

The following documents are required upon immigration if you arrive in Turkey with an e-Visa obtained with a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States:

A Valid Passport: Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
Printed e-Visa: The printed version of your e-Visa shall be with you for inspection by the immigration officers.
Valid Visa or Residence Permit: On entry, please show a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, Ireland, the UK, or the US.
Proof of Onward Travel: If requested, proof of a return or onward flight out of Turkey.
Accommodation Details: You may be obliged, in some cases, to provide proof of accommodation, i.e., hotel reservations or the address of a private residence.

Key Issues in Filing Application Based on Valid Visa or Residence Permit

When applying for a Turkish e-Visa using a valid Schengen visa or residence permit, it's essential to be aware of the following potential issues:

Visa Validity
The visa or residence permit from the Schengen Area, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States needs to be valid as of the date when you apply for your Turkish e-Visa and during your intended stay in Turkey. Visas and residence permits that have expired cannot be used for this application process.
Short-Stay e-Visa
The e-Visa obtained in this way usually allows multiple entries into a stay for as long as 90 days within any 180-day period. This is sufficient for tourism, short business trips, and family visits. If you intend to stay longer or take part in activities which are not covered under a tourist visa, then you are expected to apply for a long-term visa through the consulate.
Not Valid for Work or Study
The e-Visa does not provide permission to work or study in Turkey. In cases of intentions of work, study, or long-term stays in Turkey, one must apply for the relevant category of visa from an Embassy/Consulate.

General Reasons Behind the Rejection of e-Visa

While the process of getting a Turkish e-Visa on a valid visa or residence permit goes without many problems, there are some specific reasons that make applications get denied. The primary ones include:

Invalid or Expired Visa/Residence Permit: Your application will be declined in the case of your visa or residence permit being invalid.

Wrong Information: This is one of the most common mistakes when it comes to providing incorrect or incomplete information on the application form.

Information that is in non-compliance with the purpose of travel, for example, having the intention of working while on a tourist visa; this can be denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

A citizen of the eligible countries can use a valid Schengen visa as their supporting document to apply for a Turkish e-Visa. The Schengen visa should be valid at the time of the application and during the intended stay in Turkey.

You will need a valid passport, your own Schengen visa or residence permit, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to pay for the visa.

Yes, you are supposed to hold a valid stamped Schengen visa in your passport at the time of application. That visa must be valid at the time of your proposed visit to Turkey.

Generally, the Turkish e-Visa is usually issued in no more than 24 hours. However, it is at your discretion to allow at least 48-72 hours in advance of your planned departure, lest any delays occur.

If your application gets rejected, then go back to the reason specified and fix the error or provide the missing information and apply again. You can also visit the consulate or embassy for further assistance in this regard.

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.