For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), going to new places and experiencing different things is exciting. But before you can start your adventure in a country like Turkey, you need to do one important thing: get a tourist visa.
Getting a visa might sound complicated, but don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll explain step by step how to apply for a tourist visa to Turkey. We’ll make it easy to understand so you can feel confident about planning your trip. Whether you’ve travelled a lot or this is your first time going abroad, this guide will help you get ready for your journey to Turkey.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Your Guide to Applying for a Turkish Tourist Visa: A Step-by-Step Manual for OFWs
Vlogger talks about how to apply for a Turkish tourist visa for Filipino passport holders, especially ordinary passport holders.
Agent TR
Here’s some good news for Filipinos planning to visit Turkey: You don’t necessarily have to make a trip to the Turkish embassy in the Philippines to apply for your tourist visa. Instead, you can rely on a service like Agent TR to assist you through the process.
Agent TR acts as an intermediary for visa applications to Turkey. Their office is conveniently located at Unit 17E Petron Megaplaza Tower in Makati, Manila, making it accessible for OFWs and travelers from various parts of the Philippines. You can visit their office during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If visiting their office isn’t feasible, you can also reach out to them via WhatsApp at +63 956 394 9971. They’ll provide you with the necessary information regarding requirements and procedures for applying for a Turkish tourist visa.
One thing to keep in mind is that, unlike some embassy processes, you won’t need to schedule an appointment or fill out extensive forms when working with Agent TR. However, it’s important to note that due to biometric fingerprinting requirements, all applicants must make a personal visit to their office to submit their application.
Using a service like Agent TR can simplify the visa application process, allowing you to focus on planning your trip to Turkey. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or other purposes, knowing about options like Agent TR can make your travel preparations smoother and more convenient.
Primary Requirements
For your Turkish tourist visa application, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Two pieces of 2×2 biometric photos
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity (If you have an old passport with a visa copy, include that as well)
- Original PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) birth certificate
- Original PSA marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Your latest individual income tax return (ITR)
- Original bank certificate and bank statement addressed to the embassy
Additional Requirements if Employed
If you are currently employed, there are additional documents you’ll need to include in your Turkish tourist visa application:
- Original Certificate of Employment: This document should be provided on official company letterhead and must not have an electronic signature. It should contain details such as your position, length of employment, and your monthly or annual income.
- Original Signed and Sealed Certificate of Employment (for international employment): If you’re employed by an international company, you’ll need a certificate of employment with an original signature and seal. Again, this document should not have an electronic signature.
If you have a clean record in the Philippines, the visa processing tends to be swift and straightforward.
For inquiries about additional services such as flight and hotel reservation assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Agent TR. They can provide you with information about the costs associated with these services.
When applying as a tourist, it’s highly recommended to prepare a detailed itinerary and include it with your application. This can demonstrate to the consulate your intentions and plans during your stay in Turkey.
If you’re unsure how to create an itinerary, a simple online search can yield numerous templates and examples to guide you through the process.
Additional Requirements if You’re a Student
- School Registration: Proof of your current enrollment status at your educational institution.
- Proof of Enrollment: Documentation confirming your enrollment in your current academic program.
- School ID: Your official school identification card.
If Invited by a Turkish National:
- Original Invitation Letter: The letter of invitation should be issued by the Turkish national and notarized in Turkey.
- Affidavit of Support: A document affirming financial support from the inviting party.
- Pertinent Credentials of Invitee: Include relevant credentials of the invitee along with the Turkish national’s ID and any other supporting documents.
- Bank Statements: Provide scanned or photocopied bank statements as proof of financial capability.
In addition to the documentation, applicants are required to pay the visa fee in US dollars. However, the exact amount may vary as it is subject to change. It’s advisable to check the current fee before proceeding with the application.
If you choose to arrange your flight and hotel through Agent TR, be aware that these services will incur additional costs. You can inquire about the pricing by messaging their WhatsApp number or visiting their office at the address mentioned above.
Duration of Processing and Other Tips
- Processing Time: Typically takes around 1 to 2 months.
- Cover Letter: A cover letter is essential, especially for tourist visa applications. Use it as an opportunity to explain your reasons for visiting Turkey.
- Travel History: If you have a history of travel, include it in your application. Print all the stamps to demonstrate your experience as a traveler.
- Sincerity: Be sincere in your cover letter. Aim to express your genuine intentions for visiting Turkey.
- Rootedness: Show evidence of ties to the Philippines, such as ownership of assets like a car, house, business, or condominium.
- Financial Proof: Provide proof of sufficient funds in your bank account to support your stay in Turkey and to demonstrate that you won’t be working illegally.
- Invitations: If invited by a Turkish national, they may cover some requirements, but you’ll still need to show your bank certificate and bank statement.
- Honesty: Avoid lying to the embassy as they can detect falsehoods and may even result in a ban from entering the country. Honesty increases the likelihood of approval.
- Ticket Purchase: Don’t buy a ticket before obtaining your visa to avoid potential complications.
- Pocket Money: Bring sufficient pocket money, typically around $50 per day for a 10-day trip, to avoid questions from immigration officials.
In conclusion, applying for a tourist visa to Turkey can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. From understanding the required documents to navigating the application process, we’ve provided a comprehensive guide to help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other travellers embark on their Turkish adventure with confidence.