As a UAE resident planning to visit Turkey, you might have questions about the Turkey visa requirements. There are certain questions that we need to look into including whether UAE residents need a visa to Turkey at all and whether they are eligible for visa-on-arrival. This blog has answers to these questions and it’s an effective guide for UAE residents who want to visit Turkey.
Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
Your purpose of visit and your nationality decide the requirements for a Turkish visa. If you are a UAE resident, your Turkey tourist visa requirements shall depend on your nationality irrespective of whether you’re a UAE passport holder or you hold a passport of any other country.
Visa-Free Travel to Turkey
People of certain countries can enter Turkey without a visa. If you are a UAE national, i.e., if you hold a UAE passport, You can travel to Turkey for short stays without a visa.
UAE Nationals (UAE Passport Holders)
Visa-Free Stay: No visa is needed for UAE citizens visiting Turkey for business or tourism.
Duration of Stay: Within a period of 180 days, a UAE citizen can stay in Turkey without a visa for 90 days.
No Special Documents Needed: With a passport that's valid for at least 6 months, a UAE citizen is allowed to enter Turkey without a visa. No other documents apart from the passport are required.
Other Nationalities Living in the UAE
If you are a UAE resident but you hold a passport from any other country, your visa requirements for entering Turkey will depend on the status of that country with Turkey. If the country you hold a passport of has an agreement with Turkey to that effect, only then will you be allowed to enter Turkey without a visa. You may also be granted a visa-on-arrival.
Visa-on-Arrival for UAE Residents
Turkey also offers a visa-on-arrival option for citizens of countries who are not allowed to enter without a visa. It implies that you will get a visa when you land in an airport in Turkey. However, you should always check with the Turkish embassy before travelling since citizens of all countries are not eligible for the visa-on-arrival facility.
Countries Eligible for Visa-on-Arrival
Citizens of a few countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival in Turkey. If you happen to hold a passport from one of these countries, you can apply for a visa after landing in Turkey. As long as you have all the required documents, the process of getting a visa-on-arrival in Turkey is quite straightforward and quick.
Eligibility: It's essential to check the current status on the official Turkish government website before travelling since the list of countries eligible for visa-on-arrival keeps changing regularly.
Documents Needed for Visa-on-Arrival
You’ll need to have the following documents when you apply for a visa-on-arrival in Turkey:
Passport: You must have a passport that's valid for at least six months from the day you arrive in Turkey.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: You may be asked to provide proof that you have enough funds to support your stay in Turkey.
Return Ticket: You shall have to submit a return ticket as proof of your honest intention to leave Turkey within the period you are allowed to stay there.
Visa Fee: You can pay the visa fee in cash after you land at a Turkish airport.
Fees for Visa-on-Arrival
The amount you need to pay as the fee for a visa-on-arrival depends on your nationality. You must check the fee before travelling since some countries have different visa fee structures. The payments are typically made in US dollars or euros.
e-Visa for UAE Residents
Apart from the usual Turkey tourist visa, a more convenient option for UAE residents is an e-visa. You can apply for an e-visa which is an electronic visa before taking off for Turkey. Getting an e-visa helps you save time and avoid the trouble of waiting in long queues at the airport.
How to Apply for an e-Visa
Visit the e-Visa Website: First of all, visit the official Turkish e-visa portal.
Complete the Application: Fill up the application form with the details asked for correctly including your personal details and other information.
Pay the Fee: The e-visa fee shall have to be paid online using a secure payment system.
Download the e-Visa: After it's approved, just download and print your e-visa. Always carry a copy of your e-visa while travelling.
Advantages of the e-Visa
Convenience: It's a very fast process and all of it can be completed from the comfort of your home.
Less Hassle: You don't need to wait in long queues at the airport like you would have to if you applied for a visa-on-arrival.
Quick Processing: It doesn't take more than 24 hours to process an e-visa.
Countries Eligible for the e-Visa
While many countries are not eligible for an e-visa to Turkey, there are some that are indeed eligible. If you are a passport holder of any country that is eligible you can apply for an e-visa easily. You must check the official website and see if people of your nationality are eligible or not. You may seek help from professionals offering international visit visa services.
How to Apply for a Visa (If Required)
If you are a UAE resident of a nationality that's not eligible for visa free entry or visa-on-arrival, you shall have to apply for a visa to Turkey at the nearest Turkish Embassy or consulate. To acquire a Turkish visa, we shall need to fill up the application form, submit the necessary documents, pay the visa fee and in some cases, appear for an interview.
Important Travel Tips for UAE Residents
Check Your Passport Validity: Make sure that your passport shall remain valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Turkey.
Confirm Visa Requirements: Since the visa requirements keep changing regularly, make it a point to check the current requirements before you apply for one.
Travel Insurance: While it's not mandatory, we still advise you to apply for travel insurance to cover for any unexpected events during your trip to Turkey.
Conclusion
Depending on the nationality, UAE residents can visit Turkey choosing from different visa options. While UAE residents are allowed visa free entry or they can apply for visa-on-arrival, others can apply for e-visas for quick processing. You must check the latest visa requirements before applying. Seek help from a leading travel agency in Dubai. Professionals can help you secure a visa smoothly. Good luck to you!
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