An article written by a friend of mine who just visited Turkey. In the article, he talks about how difficult it is to get permission to visit and what the process is like for people who want to move to Turkey.
Background
The United States is in the process of considering issuing an urgent visa to Turkish citizens, given the current circumstances in Turkey. Prospective US citizens should be aware of this opportunity and consider applying as soon as possible. Urgent Visa for Turkey
Turkish authorities have imposed a state of emergency following a failed military coup on July 15, 2016. This state of emergency has been extended multiple times, with a new deadline set for February 17, 2018. The government has used this time to crackdown on opposition groups and journalists, and civil liberties have taken a major hit.
The United States has expressed concern about these human rights violations, and has issued statements urging the Turkish government to restore civil liberties and freedoms. In response to these concerns, the Turkish government has accused the United States of supporting terrorism.
According to the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, “There is evidence that individuals with links to Fethullah Gülen – an influential Muslim cleric who lives in exile in Pennsylvania – were involved in the attempted coup.” Gülen is a controversial figure due to his ties to the exiled cleric Fetullah Gülen, who is accused by Turkish authorities of masterminding the failed coup.
Visa Requirements
According to the US Department of State, a visa is required for all foreign nationals who are not nationals of the United States or one of its territories. The most common type of visa required for visitors to the United States is a tourist visa. Other types of visas that may be required for specific activities or visits include: business visas, student visas, work visas, and medical visas. Prospective US citizens should consult with the US Department of State’s website for more information on visa requirements. Turkey Visa for US Citizens
The following are general guidelines that should be followed when applying for a US visa:
– applicants should be well-informed about the process and requirements involved in obtaining a US visa;
– applicants should gather all necessary documents before applying for a US visa;
– applicants should have their passport valid for at least six months after the planned departure from the United States;
– applicants should make sure that any previous travel to the United States has been completed within the past six months;
– applicants should contact their local consulate/embassy if they have any questions about obtaining a US visa.
Required Documents
US citizens can now apply for an urgent visa to visit Turkey, as the Department of State has updated its travel warning for the country. The warning cites increased violence and instability in recent months, as well as heightened security measures in major tourist destinations.
To qualify for an urgent visa, US citizens must meet all of the following requirements:
-Be a US citizen or have a valid visa
-Be traveling for business or pleasure
-Not be on any US government watch list or list of prohibited travelers
-Possess a round-trip ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
Application Process
If you are a US citizen and plan to travel to Turkey soon, please be aware of the following:
-The US Embassy in Ankara is currently processing applications for urgent visas only. The embassy is not able to process regular visa applications at this time.
-US citizens who need an urgent visa should apply either online or at the US Embassy in Ankara between 8 am and 4 pm local time.
-To be granted an urgent visa, applicants must have valid travel documents (a passport, a visa, and an onward ticket) and evidence that they will leave Turkey as soon as their visa is approved.
-The embassy is not able to process regular visa applications at this time. If you are a US citizen and need a regular visa, please visit the United States Embassy in Istanbul.