Visa & Residence Permit Guidelines - Turkey
What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?
- A visa is a legal document from immigration authorities which shows you have permission to enter the country for a certain amount of time. In the case of Turkey, a visa permits foreigners to enter the country.
- A residence permit allows foreigners to remain in Turkey for a specified purpose (in this case, to study) for a prescribed period of time which exceeds that of a standard visa. US passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey, but must obtain a residence permit in order to study in Turkey for an extended period of time and re-enter Turley if they leave and wish to comeback.
Is a Visa Required for US Citizens?
- Yes! US Passport Holders are required to apply for a visa in order to enter Turkey.
- You will apply online for a student visa PRIOR to your departure to Turkey. You will then obtain a Study Permit with the help of your host institution AFTER you arrive in Turkey.
- If you are not a US passport holder, please click here to see if you need a visa to enter Turkey based on your nationality.
- Yes! An application for a residence is required for US passport holders who are studying abroad at a Turkish higher education institution.
- This process will happen once you arrive in Turkey and AFTER you have obtained your visa.
Bahçesehir University Resources:
Visa & Residence Permit Overview
Handbook for Incoming International Students
Bogaziçi University
Visa and Residence Permit Overview
Resident Permit Application Instructions (you do not do this until you arrive in Turkey)
Turkish Visa Web Instructions:
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
Turkish Consulate in DC
Student VISA Application
For a Student visa you must bring the following documents to the Turkish Embassy:
- Original Passport
- 1 passport size photo
- Application form
- Acceptance letter from Turkish University
- $64.00 USD visa fee
Turkish Embassy in Washington DC:
2525 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 612-6700
Visa processing usually takes about a week or two.
Residence Permit List of requirements
***IMPORTANT*** You must visit your host institution’s international Student Service office and submit an application for your residence permit within 30 days of your arrival!
For your Residence Permit on site appointment you will need:
- Your passport. Please make sure it is signed and valid for at least 6 months after your semester end date
- 2 passport sized photos.
- An official acceptance letter from your host Turkish University
- Completed online application: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
- Financial documentation. You will need to bring a bank account statement in your name which verifies that you have enough money to support yourself on the program. If someone else is supporting you financially you will need their bank account statement and a letter confirming that they are supporting you.
- Processing fee
- CISI Insurance verification/Proof of Insurance
Contacts
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the US:
https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/eKonsolosluk/Sayfalar/Iletisim
Consulate Call Center + 90 312 292 2929
7 days 24 hours
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
U.S. Embassy in Ankara:
110 Ataturk Boulevard
tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.
U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul:
Uçsehitler Sokagi No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer,
tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's web site at.
U.S. Consulate in Adana:
Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey.
tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916,
Consular Agency in Izmir:
tel: (90) (232) 464-8755, fax (90) (232) 464-8916.
This page was last updated 8/29/22