A green card holder is an individual who has a permanent residency in the US. Green card holders can live and work in the United States of America for as long as they want. However, the real question is, what are the Turkey visa requirements for green card holders?
Turkey is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to tourism. The country has more than 50 million tourists visiting each year. So, it's completely reasonable for green card holders to plan a trip to Turkey. Here's everything you need to know about traveling to Turkey as a US green card holder.
Do US Green Card Holders Need Turkey Visa?
Absolutely Yes! All US ordinary passport holders, including green card holders, are required to have a valid visa to enter Turkey. However, the visa requirements are different for different nationalities. Turkish government offers two types of visas, including:
Single-entry visa
A single-entry visa allows a visitor to enter the country only once. This means even if you have a valid tourist visa, you cannot visit Turkey again once you leave the country. Generally speaking, a single-entry visa allows an applicant to stay in the country for 30-days.
Multiple-entry visa
Alternatively, Turkey also offers multiple-entry Turkey visas to different groups of foreign nationals. The multiple-entry visa allows a green card holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Moreover, you can enter the country more than once within a 180-day period.
Although all US citizens are required to have a visa to enter Turkey, the confusion begins when it comes to green card holders. As the rules are different for each country, the visa requirements are unique as well.
Applying for Turkey e-Visa Online
The actual required documents for green card holders depend upon their nationality. For instance, if they are from a country that enjoys visa exemption, they don't even have to get a visa to visit Turkey. The basic requirements for green card holders are:
A scan of your green card
An active email address
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Before you visit Turkey, it's rational to apply for an e-visa. The best thing about applying for an e-visa is that you don’t have to visit the Turkish embassy. You can apply online by following three simple steps:
Fill out the e-visa application form
Pay the visa fees using a secure online payment option
Submit your application
On approval, you'll get your Turkish e-visa via e-mail. So, make sure you are providing an active e-mail address as it will be electronically linked to your visa.
Required Documents
Besides the above-mentioned documents, all green card holders have three basic documents while applying for an e-visa, such as:
Visa Application Form - You'll need to fill out the visa application form online. The application form contains your personal details, contact details, and travel details.
Email Address - Your e-mail address will be electronically linked to your visa. This means you'll get your visa via email. Afterward, you can make a copy of it or download it on your mobile device.
Payment Options - You'll also need to pay the visa processing fee. The visa fee varies depending on your nationality.
Processing Time
Once you submit all the required documents, you'll need to wait for a few days to get your visa. The processing time differs from applicant to applicant. On average, you'll get your e-visa within 2-3 business days.
Visiting Turkey - Entry Requirements
An e-visa is a travel document that can be used to enter Turkey. All US green card holders should have an e-visa if they want to visit the country for tourism or commerce. Once you get your visa, you can enter Turkey by air.
You can select any airline to travel from the US to Turkey. Some of the most affordable selections are:
Turkish Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
Singapore Airlines
The most popular route is from New York to Istanbul. To enter Turkey, you'll require the following documents:
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
A valid Turkish visa
Your green card
Health declaration form
COVID-19 vaccination certification
It's advised to get your COVID-19 certificate beforehand to avoid self-isolation.
Turkey Embassy in the US
If foreign citizens with green card are applying for a Turkey e-visa, they don’t have to visit the Turkish embassy or consulate. They can apply for this visa on their own.
Alternatively, if, for some reason, you are not eligible for an e-visa, you have to visit the nearest Turkish mission.
Turkey Embassy Address
2525 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington DC 20008
United States