Applying for Türkiye visa? Requirements, tips for Philippine passport holders

Oh, Turkey — or shall we say Türkiye? The country officially changed its name at the United Nations in 2022 to better reflect its rich culture, values, and traditions.  

How do we even begin talking about all those, plus the unique landscapes, and otherwordly views?

The country uniquely sits between Europe and Asia, making it a popular stop on European travels, particularly on popular cruises from around the world.

But Türkiye deserves a trip of its own. A 12-hour flight from the Philippines will take travelers to the bustling capital of Istanbul, where Türkiye’s European side takes front and center. Everyday conveniences like various public transportation options, never-ending shops and cafes, and a whole lot of modernity can make the city feel commonplace. Locals, who speak fluent Turkish and English, are so warm and open. Always down for a small talk, they can easily make visitors feel understood and instantly welcomed.

Located mostly in Asia Minor — with smaller parts of the country sitting in Southeast Europe — Türkiye boasts of a diverse set of cultures, races, and religions. It is primarily a Muslim country with prayers heard daily, but the country has a deep history with Christianity, which is also still being practiced today.

And that’s all from just scratching the surface.

In this series, GMA News Online explores the wonders of Türkiye.

SECOND OF FOUR PARTS

Türkiye is a home of unreal landscapes, a melting pot of diverse cultures, and unique out of this world experiences that simply cannot be found anywhere else. If you’re looking for a sign to visit the Republic of Türkiye, have once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and go on the Eurasian adventure of your dreams, this is it!

But before booking that flight, Filipinos need a Turkish visa. Successful applicants will be given single-entry visas, which will valid for either a 15- or 30-day visit.

Those who want to travel to Türkiye with existing and active visas or residences for the US, UK, and Schengen countries can apply for an e-visa.

The convenient process happens online via evisa.gov.tr and should be done within minutes. Applicants only need to fill out an online form, make the visa payment, and then download the e-visa which will be emailed.

However, if you do not have the visas stated above, you are not qualified for a Turkish e-visa.

Those interested in applying for visas may visit the Türkiye Visa Application Center, Unit 17E, Petron Mega Plaza, Buendia, Makati City. It is an organization that works on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to manage visa applications and provide services for applicants. The office compiles the visa application form, supporting documents, and biometric data on behalf of the applicant.

The center does not require appointments or application forms as these are available at the office. The application process will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Applicants must physically go to the office instead of applying online as biometric fingerprints are required.

Here are the requirements needed for applying for a tourist, business, conference, or seminar visa:

1. Passport

The original passport needs at least six months validity from the date of departure to Türkiye.

2. ID pictures

The office requires two recent 2x2 ID photos, taken not longer than six months. The background should be white. These should also not be stapled, glued, or damaged.

In case you forget your ID pictures or any photocopied or printed documents, there is a printing, xerox, and rush ID shop at the corner of Makati Avenue and Jupiter Street. It is only a five-minute walk from the Türkiye Visa Application Center.

3. Birth and marriage certificates

The visa application requires the original copies of a birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). A marriage certificate is also required if the applicant is married.

4. Work requirements

If the applicant is employed, they must submit their latest Individual Tax Return or ITR.

They must also submit an original copy of their Certificate of Employment (COE). It should include the applicant’s position, working record, and monthly or annual income.

If the applicant is retired, they need to have a retirement certificate.

If the applicant is a business owner, they must submit their company business registration, which includes the following documents: ITR, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the mayor’s permit.

Read more from this series:

• 7 experiences in Türkiye that are out of this world
• A first-timer's guide to Türkiye
• 5 magical experiences in Türkiye to help heal your spirit

However, if the trip is sponsored by the applicant’s company, they must also submit the original bank certificate and bank statements of their employer. They are likewise needed to submit the company business registration documents.

The applicant going on a sponsored trip also needs a notarized affidavit of support from the company’s president or human resource manager and a guarantee letter from the employer.

If the applicant was invited by the Turkish government, private sector, or other companies that hold office in the country, the original invitation letter is needed.

If they were invited by a Turkish national, they must submit an invitation letter notarized in Türkiye, an affidavit of support pertinent credentials of the invitee, their Turkish ID and other supporting documents, and scanned or photocopies of bank statements.

If the applicant is under 18, they need to submit a consent letter from both parents and an original notarized affidavit of support and consent to travel from both parents. They also need to submit their school ID, school registration, and proof of enrollment.

5. Bank requirements

Applicants need to submit an original copy of their bank certificates and bank statements addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, which is Paraiso Street, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City, Manila Metro Manila. The copies must have a wet ink stamp. These must also present sufficient funds covering all costs for the last eight months of the applicant.

6. Other documents

Applicants need to provide details of their flight and hotel, as well as a copy of their detailed itinerary.

Finally, applicants need to pay a visa fee of USD 60. Philippine pesos will not be accepted.

It is important to note that a successful visa application will be decided by the staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. Türkiye Visa Application Center and its staff do not play any role or influence in the application results. The center only provides services to ensure that the visa application is completed and submitted correctly.

This story was produced through a familiarization trip sponsored by Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). —JCB, GMA Integrated News