If you’re planning a trip to Turkey and you hold a Schengen visa, then you might be wondering if you need an additional visa to enter the country. The answer is yes, Turkey is not a member of the EU or the Schengen area, so a Schengen visa alone will not grant you entry into Turkey. However, there are certain benefits to having a Schengen visa when applying for a Turkish visa.

For instance, Turkey offers an electronic visa (e-visa) system, which allows citizens of certain countries to apply for a Turkish visa online from the comfort of their home, without the need to visit a Turkish embassy or consulate. If you have a residence permit or visa from the UK, USA, Ireland, or any Schengen area country then ultimately you are eligible to apply for a Turkish e-visa. Furthermore, this streamlined process makes obtaining a visa more convenient and time-saving.

But to apply for a Turkish e-visa as a Schengen visa holder, you must fulfill certain requirements. First and foremost, you must have valid supporting documents, such as your Schengen visa. You will also need a functional and active email address to receive online notifications regarding your Turkish visa application. Additionally, a valid debit or credit card is required to pay the online visa fees.

It’s important to note that your passport must be valid for at least 150 days before the expiry date.
Also, certain nationals may be exempt from the requirement to have a Schengen visa. For example, Egyptian citizens who are under 20 or over 45 years old are not required to fulfill this specific requirement. However, it is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before planning your trip.

Our blog provides a comprehensive list of countries that are eligible for obtaining a Turkish e-visa, along with the specific requirements for each country. By referring to this list, you can easily determine if your country is eligible for an e-visa and understand the necessary criteria you need to meet in order to obtain it.

The list of countries whose residents need a visa or permit from the UK, USA, Ireland, or any Schengen area country:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria (Ordinary passport holders from Algeria between the ages of 15-18 and 35-65 with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit are allowed to get their single-entry e-Visas but citizens under the age of 15 and above the age of 65 are exempted from visa up to 90 days.)
• Bangladesh
• Cape Verde
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• India
• Iraq
  Libya (Ordinary passport holders from Libya between the age of 16 and 55 with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit are allowed to get their single-entry e-Visas. On the other hand,  citizens under the age of 16 and above the age of 55 are exempted from visa up to 90 days.)
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Sri Lanka
• Vietnam
• Yemen

It’s important to clarify that having a Turkey visa does not automatically grant you a Schengen visa, and vice versa. Each country has its own visa regulations and requirements, and as a result you must obtain the appropriate visa for each specific destination you plan to visit.

In conclusion, if you hold a Schengen visa and wish to travel to Turkey, you will need to apply for a Turkish visa separately. However, the process is simplified for Schengen visa holders, as they can apply for a Turkish e-visa online. Remember to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before planning your trip to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.