Turkish citizens require a Schengen visa to visit any of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area. Despite Turkey being a candidate for EU membership, Turkish passport holders are not exempt from the Schengen visa requirement and must apply before travel.
The Schengen visa permits Turkish nationals to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone. Turkey has several VFS Global and embassy visa application centres in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities, making the process accessible for applicants throughout the country.
الفريق التحريري — eVisa-Card.com
آخر تحديث: مارس 2026. Always verify current requirements at the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.
Key Facts — Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens
| Schengen Visa Overview for Turkish Citizens | |
|---|---|
| Visa Required | Visa Required |
| Visa Type | Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) |
| Fee | EUR 80 (adults) / EUR 40 (children 6–12) / Free (under 6) |
| Processing Time | Up to 15 calendar days (standard) |
| Validity | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Entries | Single entry, double entry or multiple entry |
| Territory | 27 Schengen member states |
Required Documents for Turkish Citizens
- Valid Turkish passport — at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photographs — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months
- Completed Schengen visa application form — signed and dated
- Travel medical insurance — minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid throughout the Schengen Area
- Proof of accommodation — hotel bookings, rental agreement or invitation letter from a host
- Return or onward flight reservation — a confirmed booking or reservation (not necessarily purchased)
- Proof of financial means — bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Proof of employment or enrollment — employer letter with salary details, payslips, business registration, or student enrollment certificate
- Travel itinerary — day-by-day plan of your trip
- Invitation letter (if applicable) — from a host in the Schengen Area, including their residence permit or ID
Application Process — 5 Steps
- Step 1: Gather Documents — Collect all required documents listed above. Ensure your Turkish passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Obtain travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum cover.
- Step 2: Book an Appointment — Schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate or authorised visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global) of your main destination country. Book early, as appointment slots fill quickly during peak seasons.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application — Attend your appointment in person. Submit all documents, the completed application form and the visa fee (EUR 80 for adults, EUR 40 for children 6–12).
- Step 4: Biometrics — Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph) at the visa application centre. Biometrics are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and are valid for 59 months. If you provided biometrics within the last 59 months, you may be exempt.
- Step 5: Collect Your Passport — Wait for processing (up to 15 calendar days). Once a decision is made, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the application centre or have it delivered by courier.
The 27 Schengen Countries
Turkish citizens with a valid Schengen visa can travel freely to all of the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Turkish passport holders must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) before travelling to any Schengen member state. There is no visa-free arrangement between Turkey and the Schengen Area.
The standard Schengen visa fee is EUR 80 for adults and EUR 40 for children aged 6 to 12. Children under 6 are exempt. An additional service fee applies when applying through VFS Global or similar centres.
Turkish citizens apply at the embassy or consulate of the main destination country or through authorised centres such as VFS Global, iDATA or TLS Contact. Major application centres operate in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya.
Yes. Turkish applicants with a good travel history may receive multiple-entry visas valid for 1, 3 or 5 years. First-time applicants usually receive a single-entry visa covering their specific travel dates.