Turkey continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travellers, offering a magical blend of history, culture, vibrant city life and scenic landscapes. From the historic streets of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and the stunning Mediterranean coast of Antalya, Turkey promises unforgettable experiences. However, before you can explore these wonders, you need to understand how Indian passport holders can obtain a Turkey tourist visa—especially when applying from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Turkey?
Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Turkey, and there is no visa-on-arrival facility for Indian national passport holders. Visas must be obtained before travel either as an online e-Visa (for eligible applicants) or a sticker visa issued through Turkish diplomatic missions in India. Diplomatic passport holders enjoy a visa exemption for stays up to 90 days, but this does not apply to ordinary Indian passports.
Types of Turkey Visas for Indian Tourists
1. e-Visa (Electronic Visa)
The e-Visa is an online visa option that simplifies application:
- Eligibility: Available only to Indian passport holders who currently hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries such as Schengen member states, USA, UK, or Ireland.
- Application: Completed online via the official Turkey e-Visa portal.
- Processing Time: Often within 24–48 hours.
- Stay & Validity: Typically allows up to 30 days stay within a 180-day period.
e-Visas are ideal for short leisure trips—no physical submission to a consulate is required. However, since not all Indian travellers qualify, many must opt for the traditional sticker visa instead.
2. Sticker Visa (Consular Visa)
If you do not hold a valid Schengen/US/UK/Ireland visa or residence permit, you must apply for a sticker visa.
Where to Apply: Via Turkish embassy/consulates or through authorised visa application centres (VACs), such as Gateway International in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and others.
Visa Categories:
- Single-Entry Tourist Visa
- Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
- Processing Time: Usually 5–10 business days, but it’s recommended to apply 2–3 weeks before travel.
Sticker visas require submission of supporting documents at VACs or the Turkish embassy/consulate.
Turkey Visa Requirements for Indians
The exact documents can vary slightly depending on whether you apply for an e-Visa or sticker visa. Here’s a consolidated list of what you generally need:
For e-Visa (If Eligible):
- Valid Indian passport (with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended travel).
- Valid supporting visa or residence permit from Schengen/US/UK/Ireland.
- Completed online application form.
For Sticker Visa:
- Original Indian passport with at least 6 months validity (sometimes longer as per consulate rules).
- Filled & signed visa application form.
- Recent passport-size photos (white background).
- Confirmed round-trip flight tickets.
- Hotel bookings or host details in Turkey.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended and often mandatory).
- Financial documents (bank statements, salary proofs).
- Other supporting documents like employment letter, invitation letter (if applicable).
Because documentation requirements can be detailed and occasionally nuanced, many travellers consult with visa service providers or experts to ensure completeness.
Visa Fees & Service Charges
Visa costs can vary based on the type and validity you choose:
e-Visa Fees:
- Typically around USD 43 (approx ₹3,500–₹4,200), plus bank/service charges when paid online.
Sticker Visa Approximate Fees:
Sticker visa costs include government fees and service charges—these may differ by city and provider:
Visa Type Validity Estimated Total Cost
Single-Entry 3–6 months ₹12,000 – ₹15,000+
Multiple-Entry 6–12 months ₹14,000 – ₹18,000+
(Prices approximate based on recent sources; always check current fees at the official portal or VAC service.)
Remember that all visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected.
Applying from Delhi, Mumbai & Chennai
✈️ Delhi
- Turkish Embassy (Main centre for northern India).
- VAC support and appointment booking handled by authorised partners.
- Ideal for residents of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and nearby regions.
✈️ Mumbai
- Turkish Consulate General located in Nariman Point.
- Serves western India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, etc.
✈️ Chennai
- No full consulate office (as in Delhi/Mumbai), but you can apply through nearby VACs authorised to process Turkish visa applications.
In all these cities, Gateway International or similar accredited service centres facilitate appointment scheduling, document submission and status tracking—streamlining the application process for visitors.
Tips for a Successful Turkey Visa
✅ Apply early: Start your visa application at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
✅ Double-check documents: Missing or incomplete paperwork is a leading cause of delays or rejections.
✅ Keep copies: Carry printed copies of your visa, passport info page and travel itinerary.
✅ Understand your visa limits: Tourist visas generally allow stays of up to 30 days.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Turkey as an Indian passport holder in 2026 is entirely achievable with the right planning and documentation. Whether you’re departing from Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai, understanding the types of visas, eligibility criteria, and application process will put you on the path to a smooth and memorable journey. From bustling bazaars to iconic historic sites and breathtaking natural wonders, Turkey awaits—and you’re one visa away from exploring it.
Meleyrs