Visit World - Syrian Citizens Traveling to Turkey: Entry Rules, Visa Requirements & Regulations

Is a visa needed for Syrian citizens to enter Turkey?

Visa requirements for Syrian citizens

Yes, a stamped visa (sticker visa) is mandatory for Syrian citizens entering Turkey. This must be obtained through a Turkish consulate or embassy.

Permitted length of stay with a visa

Syrian citizens’ stays depend on the visa type issued. Tourist visas often grant stays of 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on individual cases.

Applying for a Turkish visa from Syria

Step 1: Document gathering.

Collect all documents necessary for your Turkish visa application. The detailed list is provided below.

Step 2: Complete the online form.

Go to the official Turkish visa application website and enter your details, travel plans, and purpose. The system will then generate a list of required documents and set an interview date.

Step 3: Schedule your consulate appointment.

Book a meeting at the Turkish consulate or embassy in Syria to submit your documents in person and undergo a brief interview.

Step 4: Application submission.

Attend your appointment at the consulate with all required documents. Submit your application and answer any questions during the interview.

Step 5: Visa fee payment.

Pay the applicable visa fee as required by the consulate.

Step 6: Wait for processing.

Processing times can vary, usually taking about 15 working days. It is recommended to submit your application well in advance of your travel.

Step 7: Collect your visa.

Pick up your passport with the stamped visa once approved. Confirm that all details on the visa are correct.

Documents required for Syrian citizens to obtain a Turkey tourist visa

To apply for a tourist visa, Syrians must have:

Application form filled out completely.
A valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity.
Two passport-sized photos adhering to Turkish guidelines.
Financial proof: documents showing sufficient funds (minimum €50 per day).
Travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage.
Proof of travel plans: a return flight ticket or other itinerary details.
Accommodation confirmation: Hotel booking or host’s letter.
Police clearance: document confirming no criminal record.
Employment information:

1) For employees: Letter from employer and last three pay stubs.

2) For business owners: Business documents and bank records.

3) If spouse-supported: Financial evidence from the spouse.

Be aware that additional documents may be requested by Turkish authorities.

Turkey tourist visa uses for Syrians

Syrians applying for a Turkish tourist visa should have one of these valid purposes:

Touristic travel: sightseeing and general tourism.
Business engagement: attendance at unpaid meetings.
Professional events: conferences, seminars, and meetings.
Fairs/festivals: participation in exhibitions.
Sports participation: engagement in sports.
Cultural/art: artistic involvement.
Official representation: government delegation.
Northern Cyprus travel: aligning with these reasons.

Where to submit a Turkey tourist visa application for Syrians

Depending on your country’s visa regulations with Turkey, Syrian citizens can apply:

At the Turkish consulate or embassy in your country.

Through an approved third-party visa processing center.

Ideal timing for Syrians to apply for a Turkey tourist visa

To ensure a smooth process, Syrian citizens should begin their Turkey tourist visa application 60 days before their departure. It is advisable not to delay beyond one month prior to your travel date.

Interview process for Syrians applying for a Turkey tourist visa

The visa interview is an essential step for Syrian citizens who are applying for a Turkish tourist visa. During the interview, a consular officer will review your travel plans and ensure all submitted documents are complete and meet the visa criteria.

Must-see tourist spots in Turkey for Syrian citizens

1. Cappadocia. Experience the magic of Cappadocia, with its distinctive rock formations and cave dwellings. A hot air balloon ride over the "fairy chimneys" offers an unforgettable view of the region.

2. Pamukkale. This natural marvel consists of brilliant white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Visitors can take a dip in the pools and appreciate the unique landscape.

3. Hagia Sophia. Standing as a symbol of Istanbul's history, Hagia Sophia captivates with its grand architecture and cultural significance, having served as both a cathedral and a mosque before becoming a museum.

Processing duration for Turkey tourist visas

The processing time for Syrian citizens' Turkish tourist visa applications is typically 15 working days. Processing times may vary, with some applications being approved as quickly as three days or taking longer, depending on the country of application. Use the online pre-application system to track your visa status.

If you do not enjoy visa-free entry to Türkiye, you may need an airport transit visa.

A transit visa is mandatory for all travelers under the Turkish visa regime who intend to:

Pass immigration control;
Stay in Türkiye overnight for a transfer.

Depending on your nationality, you can get an e-transit visa or a regular visa with a sticker. The transit visa sticker may be marked as:

Single transit
Double transit

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You can apply for a transit visa to Türkiye one/two months before the date of your planned trip to Türkiye.

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Fill out the online form for a transit visa in the pre-application system

The first step in applying for a Turkish transit visa is to complete the online Turkish visa application form.

Once completed, the system will provide you with the date and time of your visa interview that you must attend.

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What documents are required to issue a transit visa?

Necessary documents for issuing a Turkish transit visa:

Completed application form for Turkish transit visa, travel insurance, confirmation of professional status, etc.;
Passport or another travel document;
Two photos;
Certificate of income or savings;
An onward plane ticket that will take you to your destination country;
A visa or other document that gives the right to enter the country of destination;
Hotel reservation;
Certificate of police clearance.

Please note that depending on your nationality and country of residence, you may be asked to provide additional documents.

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How long does it take to get a transit visa to Türkiye?

The Turkish Embassy in your country of residence will process your visa within approximately 15 working days. In some countries, this period can last up to three working days.

You can track the status of your application on the same website where you completed your application.

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Applying for a Turkish e-Visa for transit

To obtain an eVisa, you must first complete an online application form on the eVisa website. Then print out the document to present it at a Turkish port of entry.

To import pets into Türkiye, all pets must have:

1. Microchip for pets;

To enter Türkiye, your pet must be identified with a microchip.

2. Vaccinations;

Your dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies 30 days to 12 months before entry. Please note that Türkiye does not recognize the vaccine for 3 years.

3. Rabies antibody titer test;

If your pet is not vaccinated as required above or has a 3-year rabies vaccination, your dog or cat can be tested for Rabies Antibody Titer (FAVN) at an approved laboratory before entering Türkiye. Cats and dogs entering Türkiye from the United States that are vaccinated against rabies are exempt from this requirement.

4. Health certificate;

If traveling to Türkiye from the United States, a USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete a Türkiye Veterinary Certificate for approval at your state's USDA or CFIA office within 48 hours of travel for pets traveling from the US or Canada, respectively (one form per animal). If you are entering Türkiye from a country other than the US or Canada, your vet can complete an EU health certificate.

5. Treatment of internal and external parasites;

Before your pet can enter Türkiye, it must be treated for internal parasites (echinococci) and external parasites (fleas, ticks) and listed in the health certificate.

Learn more about the rules for importing pets to Türkiye on the website.

155 - police, 110 - fire service, 112 - ambulance

For information and advice on Turkish customs regulations, please visit the official website of the customs administration.

In addition to a valid national driving license in Türkiye, you must obtain an international driving license. An international driver's license gives you the right to drive a car. This rule does not apply to a person holding a British driving license in Türkiye. To rent a car, the minimum age of drivers is 21 years (for some types of cars - 23 years or 27).

Embassies of Türkiye in different countries can be found here: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa

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