What Are The Requirements To Apply For Schengen Visa For Turkish Citizens

Do you live in Turkey and want to apply for a Schengen visa? If so, you must read this article to know the requirements of a Schengen visa for Turkish citizens.

The article will guide you through the supporting documents required to get the visa successfully. Moreover, you also need to check the embassy’s guidelines to know the application process. It is important to follow the right steps to ace your Schengen visa process as a Turk.

Besides, the article holds immense importance for the citizens of Turkey if they want to access this respective region. Other than that, it will also shed light on the visa application fee, the standard processing time, and best practices on how to avoid rejection. So, stay with us till the end.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is the name of the area located in the European Region, having 29 member countries, that has abolished internal border checks. As a result, they support visa and passport-free travel across this zone.

The 29 European countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Travelers traveling to any of these countries need to get a visa to legally enter and live in the target state.

What Is a Schengen Visa?

You can travel to 29 European countries with a Schengen visa. It allows individuals from the non-EU states to travel freely through this zone. Moreover, you do not need to apply for a separate visa to cross the borders or territories of the nearby countries.

With this visa, you can travel to any country of your choice for at least three months. In addition, a Schengen visa is valid for six months. Furthermore, depending on the number of countries you want to visit, the embassy will issue you this visa.

For instance, if you are planning to travel to multiple countries, the embassy may grant you a visa for the country where you will spend more days. On the other hand, if you spend an equal number of days in more than two countries, you may be able to get a visa for the country you will visit first. Moreover, as a Turkish citizen, you can visit any Schengen country for several reasons.

For example, your purpose for visiting the country may include study, work, or medical treatment. Therefore, the application process may differ depending on the additional documents required and the visa type you need.

Moreover, the process also considers the country from which you are applying and the reason for your application. Lastly, you cannot exceed your visa limit, as it may have legal consequences. This visa also does not give you the right to work in the Schengen region.

Do Turkish Citizens Need a Visa to Visit the Schengen Area?

Yes, Turkish nationals need a visa to visit the Schengen Zone. This is because Turkey is not part of the EU or the Schengen Region. However, if you have a valid diplomatic or service passport, you can travel to any of the Schengen countries without a visa for a short period, i.e., 90 out of 180 days.

The same applies to those individuals who hold a valid Schengen residence permit.

Who does not need a Schengen visa?

The following categories of individuals are not required to get a Schengen visa if they want to visit any of the above-mentioned countries. For instance,

1. The nationals of the EU/EEA/Swiss/Schengen Area
2. Citizens of the USA, the UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand
3. Citizens of those countries who have a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen Area

Types of Visas Available for Turkish Nationals

Before starting the application process, you need to select a suitable visa type based on the purpose of your visit to the target country. Therefore, the following are the three broad categories from which you can choose an appropriate one.

Types	Alternate name	Purpose	Validity period	Subtypes
Airport transit visa	Type A	An airport transit visa is required if you are transiting through the Schengen Area while traveling to a non-Schengen destination country. You can use it to change your connecting flights to reach the main country.	This visa type stays valid for almost 48 to 72 hours, depending on the target country. Please note that you cannot exit the airport and enter the respective country.
Schengen visa	Type C or short-stay visa	Moreover, this visa type allows the holder to travel and stay in the target country for short-term purposes. Before the visa validity period expires, you need to return to your home country.	Typically, a Schengen visa has a validity duration of 90 days out of one hundred and eighty days. Besides, this visa type is only extendable in rare cases, such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or political upheaval.	Furthermore, it is subdivided into the following types based on the reason for visiting the country. Tourist visa Business visa Visit visa Medical visa Short-term study visa
National visa	Type D or long-stay visa	Contrary to the above, a Type D visa can be used for longer stays in the target country. This visa type makes it necessary for the applicants to get a residence permit as well to legalize their entire stay duration in the destination state.	Ideally, this type allows you to stay for more than 90 days in the Schengen Area. Besides, it has a validity period of almost one year, but it depends on the duration/purpose of the visit. Moreover, you can also extend it through the authorized individuals.	Similar to a Type C visa, a National visa is also subcategorized into the following options. Work visa Family reunion visa Student visa Investment visa Research visa

Number of entries

Moreover, the categorization is also based on the number of entries allowed as per the validity of the visa.

• Single-entry- means you can enter the Area once within the visa’s validity.
• Double-entry- implies you can enter and exit the Schengen Zone twice.
• Multiple-entry visa– represents that you can travel to several Schengen countries multiple times if your visa is still valid.

What Are the Requirements for a Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens? 

The requirements for a Schengen visa are nearly the same for all non-EU citizens. However, for a specific country, the applicant may need to submit additional documents. This is also true for Turkish citizens. For instance, this may depend on the circumstances surrounding the application process. Moreover, it may also consider the order in which you submit the documents to the embassy.

Passport

Turkish nationals also need to submit their passport, which should be valid for at least three to six months ahead of their stay in the Schengen Area. Other than that, make sure that your passport has two blank pages to affix visa stamps, and it should not be older than the last ten years.

Pictures

A Schengen visa also makes it necessary for applicants to attach two passport-size pictures to the visa application form. Besides, the photographs should fulfill the Schengen photo guidelines, which include:

1. A size of 35*45 mm.
2. White or light background.
3. Matte finish.
4. The picture must cover 70-80% of the face and shoulders.
5. Avoid wearing any accessories except for religious purposes.

Visa application form

Depending on the visa type you chose, you are also required to complete a visa application form. This is necessary as you need to provide your complete details, including personal, travel, and accommodation. Moreover, the application form also requires you to put your signature at the end.

Schengen visa application form

National visa application form

Verifiable Flight Reservation For Schengen Visa For Turkish Citizens 

The embassy may need to see that you have flight reservation document with you during the application process. It explains your flight details, including travel dates, times, and routes. Moreover, it will discuss the flight & seat number, airline company name, IATA codes, and departure & arrival airport names. This also assures that you won’t disobey the visa terms.

It is one of the most important elements of the Schengen visa for Turkish citizens, as it assures that you will return to your home country. Furthermore, it is important to understand that a flight itinerary for visa and a flight ticket are two separate but related things. You need to buy a flight ticket from online websites or airline companies. This will ensure the embassy that you have a confirmed seat on the plane.

On the other hand, you can get a flight itinerary document when you are not sure whether you will get your visa. Therefore, it will save you from spending money up front. Moreover, it applies to a single application only. You cannot use it for multiple applications as it is considered illegal. Lastly, make sure that the details on this document match the information given on the application form to avoid any delays.

Verifiable Hotel Bookings

Another requirement of the visa application process is to provide proof of accommodation. The embassy may need you to disclose the place where you will stay during your trip to the target country. Moreover, this can ensure that you have made arrangements and have a clear plan on how to spend your days in the Schengen region. For this purpose, you can book a hotel or stay at the place of a friend or a family member.

Furthermore, it is important to share the information required with the embassy. For instance, the name of the hotel, address, contact information, duration of the stay, and check-in and check-out times. You can also deposit the confirmation letter or the payment receipt received by the hotel. It is difficult to book a hotel in advance before reaching the target country. Therefore, you can use a dummy hotel booking in this regard.

Lastly, this document is important as it will allow the representatives to know that you will not put the target country under pressure. In addition, it also ensures that you cannot stay illegally in the country. That’s why it is important to prepare this document with great care and accuracy. Because a small mistake may delay your entire visa application process.

Travel Insurance For a Schengen Visa For Turkish Citizens 

One of the visa application requirements is that the applicant must have a travel insurance for Schengen visa document with them during the trip. It is required by almost every country as a part of the visa process. In addition, this document will save the traveler from unexpected emergencies. This may include medical treatment, surgery, and hospital dues. Moreover, it also covers the cost in case you lose your stuff or cancel your flight.

Furthermore, this document comes with a minimum coverage to bear the expenses. But this depends on the target country you are planning to travel to. However, for the Schengen region, it must have a coverage of 30,000 euros. It can also cover the expenses of the activities you want to try in the destination country. On the other hand, in case the embassy wants to send you back to the country of your origin for any reason, this document will be a great help.

You can obtain this document from an insurance provider or use this site (SFRV Travels). For this purpose, you need to disclose,

• Your travel dates
• Destination
• The purpose of visiting the country

Please note that the insurance documents for visa and general travel purposes are different. That’s why it is important to check the requirements of the target country to ensure that you have an appropriate document.

Cover Letter For Schengen Visa For Turkish Citizens

Furthermore, you can also write a cover letter and submit it to the embassy. A cover letter provides additional information related to your trip and travel plans. It is an important requirement of the visa application process that describes the purpose of your journey to another country. Moreover, it can also disclose any other specific circumstances that are according to your application.

In addition, you can include the following information in your cover letter:

• You can mention your name and the target country to which you are moving.
• Moreover, make sure to include your itinerary information. This may include your travel dates, duration of your stay, and the set of activities you have planned for your trip.
• You can also include additional information in the cover letter. For example, your trips of past and medical status.
• Apart from that, you can also discuss where you will be residing. For instance, you can stay at a hotel or a friend’s house. For this purpose, you need to submit the sponsorship letter to the embassy that you received from the host.
• Lastly, you need to show that you are financially stable to support yourself during your stay. Therefore, you can attach your bank statement, salary or pension slips, or employment contract to prove that you have enough funds.

Proof Of Sufficient Funds For Schengen Visa For Turkish Citizens

Last but not least, the embassy may require you to prove that you have sufficient funds when applying for a Schengen visa as a Turkish citizen. This will ensure the representatives that you can support yourself financially without taking help from public funds. This should be applicable for your entire journey in the target country. You can prove this by using various documents.

For instance, if you are self-employed, you need to submit a business license. In addition, the embassy may require you to have a salary slip, a bank statement, or an employment contract. However, if you are retired, you can submit your pension slip for the last six months. The amount may differ depending on the country you are traveling to. However, you need to meet the following expenses on your own:

• The first thing you need to manage by yourself is the place where you will live during your stay in the country.
• Moreover, you need to manage the travel expenses as well. This might include the airfare, train, or car costs you use in the target country.
• In addition, you must showcase that you have funds to bear the daily expenses such as food, drink, and other activities.
• Lastly, ensure that you have some extra amount to cover the expenses of unexpected situations.

Therefore, the documents you provide to support your financial situation should be recent and updated. Moreover, these papers must disclose your name and account number to the embassy. In the case of giving false information to the embassy, your visa may be rejected. Use our services at SFRV Travels to get your visa approved.

Additional documents needed based on the visa type

Regardless of the general supporting documents discussed above, you may also need to submit the following additional documents, considering the visa type you chose to travel to the Schengen Area.

Tourist visa

The application for a tourist visa will be completed after submitting the following documents:

• Proof of return to the home country
• A detailed travel itinerary
• Proof of return or onward flight ticket

Business visa

Moreover, submit the following paperwork for a business visa.

• Leave approval letter from the current employer
• Bank statement
• Business registration/license

Student visa

A Schengen student visa makes it mandatory for you to present the following essentials.

• Admission letter from the target institute
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of tuition fee payment

Work visa

Traveling to the Schengen Area on a work visa requires you to bring the following documents to the respective embassy.

• Job offer letter from the potential employer
• Employment contract
• Residence permit

Transit visa

Lastly, applying for a transit visa will be easy if you also have these additional documents.

• Proof of onward or return travel ticket
• A valid visa for the final destination

How Can I Apply for a Schengen Visa from Turkey?

If you want to apply for a Schengen visa for Turkish citizens, you can do so by any of the following two methods.

1. Embassy or Consulate of the specific Schengen country in Turkey
2. Visa application center (official partner of the embassy) in Turkey

However, this requires you to first choose the destination country. After that, repeat the application steps discussed below.

Step 1: Know where to apply

The first step of the application process is to determine the facility through which you can apply for a visa. For this purpose, you need to choose the destination country from the 29 Schengen states. After that, move ahead with the embassy or the visa application center.

Step 2: Choose a visa type

Then, identify the visa type from the given options. Make sure that it is aligned with the reason for visiting the target country. Read the guidelines for the specific visa type you chose to fulfill the requirements.

Step 3: Gather the documents

Once done, start collecting the general and additional documents. Furthermore, you need to ensure that the documents are translated into English or the national language of the destination country.

Step 4: Fill out the application form

After that, you can complete the visa application form after downloading it from the website of the embassy or the visa application center. Meanwhile, you can also get the form from the links given in the section above.

Step 5: Schedule an appointment

The fifth step requires you to book an appointment with the embassy officer through VAC. This step is mandatory to submit your essentials to the authorities, as walk-in submissions are not entertained.

Step 6: Visit the center

Then, visit the center or the embassy on the day of your appointment. Moreover, make sure to submit your documents and application form. Other than that, you are also required to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photos). You may need to deposit the visa fees and attend a short visa interview, if required.

Step 7: Track the application

Once completed, you can head back home and wait for the answer. In the meantime, you can track the status of your application through the reference number given.

Step 8: Collect your passport

Lastly, if your application is approved, you can collect your passport on the given day/time. Otherwise, you can get it through a courier delivery to your home at an additional service charge.

Application Fee for a Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens

Applying for a Schengen visa from Turkey requires you to deposit the fee at the respective embassy or the application center. However, please note that the exact visa amount varies depending on the following factors.

1. The visa type
2. The age group to which the applicant belongs
3. The nationality of the applicant

Therefore, a short-stay visa may cost you:

• 90 euros for applicants above the age of 12
• 45 euros for children between the ages of six and twelve
• Minors under 6 are free to travel to the Schengen Area

On the other hand, the application fees for a National visa depend on the visit purpose and the duration of stay. Ideally, it is more than 90 euros.

Moreover, the total amount of the fees also varies depending on the chosen facility. For instance, if you choose to apply for a Schengen visa through VFS Global, you also need to pay service charges.

What is the Processing Time for a Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens?

Ideally, it takes almost 15-20 days for a Schengen visa for Turkish citizens to reach its final destination. However, the processing time gets extended to up to 45-60 days in rare cases.

Contrary to this, the processing period for a long-stay visa is around three to six months. Therefore, ensure that you apply for a visa well in advance.

Furthermore, the average duration to process a visa application depends on several factors, including:

• The workload at the embassy or the application volume
• Type of chosen visa
• The complexity of the application

What Are the Possible Reasons for the Rejection of a Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens?

The EU Visa Code has outlined certain standards. Violating these guidelines may result in the rejection of the visa. The following are common reasons for rejection of a Schengen visa for Turkish citizens.

Inadequate financial resources

Applicants must demonstrate they can manage their trip expenses independently. Therefore, missing bank statements or an inadequate bank balance can lead to rejection.

Unclear travel purpose

Vague itineraries or missing basic supporting documents can raise red flags for your visa application. So, make sure that you justify the purpose and intended duration of your stay in the target country.

Lack of ties to the home country

This is one of the most common reasons for visa denial. Why? Because embassies need to ensure that the applicant will leave the Schengen Area before visa expiry and return to their home country. So, make sure to provide genuine documents in this regard, including property ownership, family documents, a stable job, etc.

Invalid travel medical insurance

A Schengen visa application requires you to present adequate travel insurance with 30,000 euros in coverage, valid for the entire Schengen Area. If this requirement is not met, your application will be rejected.

Previous visa violations

Travel history showing that you have overstayed your visa in the past or violated immigration rules can lead to application denial. Moreover, having a criminal record yields the same outcome, suggesting that the applicant poses a threat to national and public security. 

FAQs- Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens

Turkish citizens can go through this section to get answers related to queries on a Schengen visa.

1. How early can Turkish citizens apply for a Schengen visa?

The least time limit to apply for a Schengen visa from Turkey is 15 days before your intended trip. However, make sure to do it early to provide ample time for any delays or verification.

2. Is travel insurance mandatory to submit for a Schengen visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa makes it mandatory for applicants to submit valid travel medical insurance with their applications. Ensure that the policy has a minimum coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros to bear unexpected medical and travel expenses.

3. Can I visit multiple Schengen countries with this visa?

Yes. You can visit more Schengen countries other than the main destination if your visa remains valid till your return to your home country. You do not need a separate visa in this regard.

4. Do I need to submit confirmed flight tickets?

The Embassy advises the applicants not to submit confirmed flight tickets before their visa is approved. Therefore, an alternate solution to this is a dummy flight ticket or itinerary that you can use for visa application purposes.

5. How long is the Schengen visa for Turkish citizens valid?

Usually, a Schengen visa for Turkish citizens allows you to stay in the target country for 90 days or three months. Besides, it has a validity period of 180 days.

6. Can I extend my Schengen visa from Turkey?

No. The extension of a Schengen visa is only possible during extreme circumstances, such as medical or humanitarian reasons, political upheaval, force majeure, etc.

Final Words

Turkish citizens can apply for a Schengen visa, either through the embassy or the visa application center, based on the specific destination country to which they are traveling. Moreover, this requires them to complete the application process by choosing a suitable visa type, gathering the documents, attending the appointment, paying the visa fees, etc.

Besides, do not forget to submit additional documents, considering the chosen visa type.

For your ease, Schengen Flight Reservation for Visa will help you in collecting travel documents, including a flight ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance, at a market-competitive price.

Have a memorable trip to the Schengen Area!

Read Also:

Schengen Visa for Azerbaijani citizens →  Learn how Azerbaijani passport holders can apply for a Schengen visa, including required documents and application steps.

Schengen Visa for Vietnam passport holders→ Discover the complete process for Vietnam passport holders applying for a Schengen visa, covering requirements and processing details.

Schengen Visa for South African passport holders→ Get detailed guidance on how South African passport holders can apply for a Schengen visa, including eligibility, documents, and processing time.

A little Bit About Us

At Schengen Flight Reservation for Visa, we make the often overwhelming visa process a breeze. With verifiable documents at unbeatable prices, you are covered with Flight Reservations/Itinerary/Dummy tickets, Hotel Bookings (Proof of Accommodation), and a Travel Insurance Policy. 

But that’s not all. Our services and blogs on writing a cover letter for a visa make your application process even smoother. 

Are you stuck on something? Check our FAQs section or connect with us anytime through our 24/7 Live Chat because your convenience is our priority. 

Our Blog section is your ultimate guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of visa policies & requirements. 

Whether you are curious about the visa requirements for any country, changing visa rules & regulations, or need a comprehensive guide about any topic or visa of any country, then simply type your Query in our Blog search bar & get the ultimate detail in just a click.

So, let’s make your visa journey seamless, informed & stress-free!