Are you tired of being tied down by visa restrictions? Dreaming of exploring new horizons without the hassle? Well, we’ve got exciting news for all Turkish passport holders. We are unveiling a list of jaw-dropping destinations where you can unleash your wanderlust without an annoying visa requirement. You better pack your bags and get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures as we take you through the incredible Turkish passport visa-free countries.
Key Things About Turkey
- Turkey is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone.
- Turkish citizens can travel visa-free to most EU member states, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Monaco.
- The Schengen Agreement allows Turkish citizens to travel freely throughout most of the Schengen Area (26 European countries).
- English is the official language in Turkey. However, many people also speak German, French, and Greek.
- Turkey has a diverse geography with mountains in the north and west, plateaus in the center, and a long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea in the south.
- Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and home to many government ministries and major tourist attractions such as Parliament House and Topkapi Palace.
- Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city with over 14 million inhabitants and is regarded as its cultural capital. It is also home to several world-renowned museums including
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What is a Turkish Passport?
A Turkish passport is an official travel document issued to nationals of Turkey for international travel. As a member nation of the European Union (EU), Turkey issues passports to citizens of other EU member states. Turkish passports are valid for six months after issuance and can be used for travel to all countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement, as well as some countries that have not signed but are part of the European Economic Area. Turkish passports are not valid for travel to Syria, Iraq, or Iran.
Eligible Criteria for Turkish Passport
- 18 years old or older
- You are a national of Turkey
- You are of good moral character
- You have not been convicted of a felony
- You have not been identified as a security threat by the Turkish government
- Holder of valid travel documents (a valid passport, identity card, or driving license)
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How to Get a Turkish Passport
- By Birth
If you are a Turkish citizen and were born in Turkey, you can get a passport without leaving the country. The process is simple and can be done at any Turkish embassy or consulate. First, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from your local municipality. You can either visit the municipality’s office in person or request a copy of the certificate online. Once you have your birth certificate, bring it to the embassy or consulate to begin the passport application process.
- By Naturalization
A Turkish passport by naturalization is a passport that has been issued to a foreigner who has been naturalized as a citizen of Turkey. This process can be done through either the Ministry of Interior or the Directorate General of Immigration. To qualify for this type of passport, you must meet all of the following requirements: you must have lived in Turkey for at least five years, you must have had a clean criminal record, and you must be able to provide documentation proving your Turkish citizenship.
- By Descent
Turkish passport by descent can be obtained if one parent or grandparent is a Turkish citizen, regardless of where they were born. The applicant must have proof of citizenship and birth from the issuing country. To obtain a Turkish passport by descent, you will need to submit an application form (form E-5), a residency permit (if required), an original birth certificate from issuing country, and two photographs.
- By Citizenship of Investment
Turkish passport by investment is a passport option for foreigners who have a sufficient amount of wealth and investment in Turkey. This type of passport offers several benefits over other types of passports, such as increased travel opportunities and visa-free entry to many countries. Requirements for obtaining a Turkish passport by investment include meeting specific income or asset thresholds, having at least two years’ worth of tax returns from your Turkish mainland municipality, and owning real estate in the country.
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Benefits of Turkish Passport Visa-Free Countries
Turkish passport visa-free countries are some of the most traveled destinations in the world. Turkish passport holders are allowed to visit 173 countries without a visa. Additionally, Turkey is a member of the Schengen Agreement which allows its citizens to travel within the European Union and other participating nations with only a passport. As an EU country, Turkish citizens have access to many of the benefits that come with membership, such as the free movement of people and goods.
Turkish passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel to other countries that have signed agreements with Turkey, including Cuba, Lebanon, and Zimbabwe. The latter two countries were added in April 2016 following sanctions placed on Zimbabwe by the United States. These agreements make it easier for Turkish citizens to visit these destinations as they do not require pre-approval from embassy officials or additional paperwork.
Turkey has a rich culture and history that visitors will find interesting. The country is home to many natural wonders, such as Mount Ararat and Gallipoli Military Cemetery. There are many historical sites scattered throughout the country, such as Ephesus and Troy. Travelers should not forget about Istanbul – one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations – which offers a variety of attractions such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia Museum.
Tips for hassle-free International Travel with a Turkish Passport
- Make sure to have a valid passport. Turkish passports are valid for six months after the date of issuance. If you need your passport sooner, you may be able to get an expedited passport service if you can provide additional documentation to support your application.
- Make sure that all of your travel documents are up-to-date. Foreigners who hold Turkish passports must carry a visa with them when traveling to certain countries, depending on the type of visa and their nationality. Check with the embassy or consulate in your destination country for more information.
- Carry copies of all of your travel documents with you at all times. If something happens while you’re traveling and one of your documents is lost or stolen, it’ll be difficult to replace it without leaving the country and returning to the embassy or consulate for a new passport.
- Keep a low profile when traveling outside of major cities. It’s important not to draw attention to yourself while abroad, especially if you’re carrying a Turkish passport, which may raise suspicion from law enforcement officials in foreign countries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get a Turkish passport?
A: It takes around six to eight weeks to receive your passport after applying. However, this wait time can vary depending on the volume of applications received at the time.
Q: What is required for a Turkish passport application?
A: You will need to provide proof of your citizenship (such as your birth certificate or ID card), two photos, and payment for the processing fee. You can also apply online or in person at one of the Turkish embassy or consulate offices.