Turkey Visa from Dubai: Complete Guide for UAE Residents

Going to Turkey from Dubai? Residents of Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE who possess non-UAE passports must get a Turkey visa in advance. This comprehensive Dubai Turkey visa guide covers everything. It covers UAE resident visa kinds, who needs one, the required paperwork, the step-by-step application process, fees, processing times, and travel suggestions. You’ll understand how a Dubai Turkey visa works and how UAE residents can get their visa on schedule by the end of this guide.

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Do UAE Citizens Need Turkey Visas?

Turkey Visa from Dubai: Complete Guide for UAE Residents

Going to Turkey from Dubai? Residents of Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE who possess non-UAE passports must get a Turkey visa in advance. This comprehensive Dubai Turkey visa guide covers everything. It covers UAE resident visa kinds, who needs one, the required paperwork, the step-by-step application process, fees, processing times, and travel suggestions. You’ll understand how a Dubai Turkey visa works and how UAE residents can get their visa on schedule by the end of this guide.

Do UAE Citizens Need Turkey Visas?

Yes. Even with a UAE resident permit, foreign passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey. Turkey grants visas based on passport nationality, not residence. UAE passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for short visits (usually up to 90 days within 180 days). Except for citizens, all UAE residents need visas. Thus, Dubai residents of Indian, Pakistan, Philippines, UK, US, and other nationalities cannot travel to Turkey without a visa.

Turkey grants e-Visas to many nationalities, but not all. If you live in Dubai and have a passport that qualifies for Turkey’s e-Visa, apply early. If your passport is not on the e-Visa list or you prefer the traditional approach, apply through the Turkish embassy/consulate in the UAE’s visa application centre. UAE residents should prepare to apply for a visa online (if qualified for e-Visa) or in person in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.

Types of Turkey Visas for UAE Residents

Different visas are issued by Turkey based on your purpose and stay. The most prevalent visa categories for UAE residents travelling from Dubai are:

• Tourist Visa (Single or Multiple Entry): The normal leisure visa. It lets you visit Turkey’s beaches, museums, and attractions. You can stay in Turkey for 90 days with a single-entry tourist visa. A 90-day multiple-entry visa lets you depart and re-enter Turkey.
• UAE residents need a business visa to attend meetings, conferences, and business events in Turkey. The process is comparable to the tourist visa but requires a Turkish firm or business partner invitation letter.
• Student Visa: You need a student visa to study in Turkey for more than 90 days, such as at a university. Turkish educational institution enrolment or admission is usually required.
• Work visa: For Turkish work. Employers in Turkey arrange employment visas and permits. This normally requires separate permits beyond a tourist/business visa.
• If you’re transiting Turkey to another country and your passport requires a visa. If you must change airports or remain overnight, check. Many travellers don’t need this.
• Other Categories: Turkey issues visas for family reunion, humanitarian visits, etc., but casual travellers rarely use them.

Tourist and business visas are short-term. Residence permits in Turkey extend long-term student and employment visas (beyond 90 days). Application for short-term travel visas before your trip is the topic of this article.

Key Point: Turkey allows UAE passport holders to enter without a visa. UAE residents with other passports need visas.

Required Documents for Turkey Visa

Prepare all paperwork before applying. A smooth approval requires complete and accurate documents. Required documentation usually include:

• Your original passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned stay in Turkey. At least one visa stamp page should be blank. Copy your passport data page for backup.
• UAE Residence Permit/Visa: Copy of Emirates ID and current UAE residence visa page (stamped in passport). At application, your UAE visa must be valid for six months. Your UAE legal status is shown.
• Two current colour photographs (45x35mm or as specified by Turkish visa guidelines) on a white backdrop for passports. Focused photos from the past six months are required. No eyeglasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons, which must reveal your face).
• Cover Letter / Proof of Purpose: A cover letter from you or your sponsor detailing the travel purpose, dates, and itinerary might boost the application. An formal letter of invitation from the Turkish company you’ll visit is required for business visas. An itinerary or tour booking confirmation helps explain your trip for tourist visas.
• Flight Itinerary: Printed round-trip flight reservations to/from Turkey with travel dates (non-refundable tickets are optional).
• Proof of hotel reservations for your entire stay in Turkey (name, hotel, and dates). An invitation letter from a Turkish host can also work. Your lodging is shown here.
• Personal bank statements from the last 3–6 months, stamped or signed by the bank (with enough money for your vacation). This shows you can afford Turkey. Minimum balances for some nationals are a few thousand AED.
• If you’re working, include a salary certificate or employment letter on company letterhead with your position, monthly salary, and permitted leave days. This certifies your UAE work return after your travel.
• Sponsor Documents: If an employer, relative, or friend sponsors your vacation, submit a sponsorship letter and bank documents. Employers in the UAE can provide a commercial trade licence copy as backup. Sponsors who are relatives should provide a signed letter of guarantee and bank statement.
• Include a copy of your company’s trade licence or registration certificate showing you as owner/partner if you own a business.
• Turkey Visa Application Form: Signed and completed. This form can be downloaded from the Turkish Consulate website or picked up at the visa centre. Complete it legibly.
• Travel Medical Insurance: Although not often examined at application, travel insurance is suggested. Some visa processes, especially online e-Visas, need proof of hospitalisation and medical repatriation insurance in Turkey.
• Make copies of all documents before submitting. The visa officers will keep copies, so preserve backups.

Extra Documents:

• If a child is travelling with you or asking for a visa, give their birth certificate (with translation).
• NOC: A letter from your employer or sponsor approving your travel. The sponsoring employer must write this letter for domestic workers like drivers and maids.
• Additional IDs: The resident visa normally requires a copy of your Emirates ID (front and back).

Step-by-Step Application Process

Dubai residents can apply for Turkey visas using these steps:

• Determine Your Visa Type: Choose between a tourist or business visa. Most Dubai vacations need a tourist visa. Business travelers should get an invitation letter from a Turkish host and a business visa. Make sure your visa matches your travel purpose.
• Visit Turkey’s official e-Visa website (search for “Turkey e-Visa”) to check if you are eligible. Citizens from many countries can apply online for a Turkey e-Visa for travel or business.
• Electronic applications are open to UK, US, EU, and Commonwealth passport holders. E-Visa is faster and cheaper for approved applicants. Use a consular visa if ineligible or preferable.
• Gather Required paperwork: Use the list above to prepare all paperwork before applying. Passport and UAE visa must be 6+ months valid, photographs must fit standards, and financial proof required.
• Tips: Make a checklist and check each item. If needed, check the clarity of scanned copies.

Complete Application

• If you qualify, fill out the Turkish e-Visa online form. You will need personal information, passport details, trip dates, a photo, and a scan of your passport page.
• Pay the visa fees online with a credit or debit card. The e-Visa is normally emailed within minutes (occasionally 1-2 days) of payment. Print and carry the approved e-Visa PDF; no embassy step is needed.
• Tourist or business consular visas are applied for at the Turkish Visa Application Centre in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi citizens submit at Gateway International Visa Centre:
• Dubai and Northern Emirates: Gateway Visa Centre, Wafi Mall (Phase 5, Horus Building, 1st Floor). Official Turkish consulate application centre. Normal business days (Sunday–Thursday, 9:00–15:00) require no appointment. Bring originals and copies.
• Abu Dhabi: Visit the visa centre at The Mall (World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi). Comparable hours.
• Submit the application form and documentation at the centre. Staff will check your documents. Your passport will be sent to the Turkish Consulate General in Dubai for visa stamping.

Charges of Visa Fees:

• Turkish e-Visa: Starting in 2025, qualifying passports will cost $35–75 USD (AED 130–275), based on citizenship. A small fee may be added for processing.
• The Turkish Consulate charges varying costs for consular visas. A single-entry visa costs AED 215–235 (USD 59–64) for many Asian and African passport holders. Certain Western passports cost AED 300 (USD 82). Some countries levied higher costs (UAE 765 for nationals, excluding UAE citizens). One-time entrance fees up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visas cost extra. Fees change; check the current charge on application day. Gateways take cash or cards (AED).
• Gateway handles application fees, so you can pay them there. Save the receipt.

Processing Time

• Wait for Processing: After you apply and pay, the Turkish Consulate will process your visa. They usually take 5 to 10 days. However, it may take longer if your application needs more checks. Gateway will let you know when your passport with the visa is ready for pickup. Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your trip, as some cases need 15 business days.
• Collect Your Visa: After approval, your passport will have the visa stamp or sticker. The visa center (Wafi Mall or The Mall) will keep your passport for certain hours. Check your name, passport number, entrance date, duration (30/90 days), and number of entries on the visa. Print and double-check the emailed PDF for your e-Visa application.
• Final Preparations: Travel with your passport, visa, and a copy of your visa. Pack all application documents (itinerary, hotel, insurance) to show immigration in Turkey if needed.

Applying Online vs. Consulate

• Online (e-Visa): This is the easiest way to apply if your country is eligible. Go to the Turkish e-Visa website. Fill out your information, upload a photo and a scan of your passport, and pay with a credit or debit card. The site usually sends the e-Visa acceptance letter by email. Print it to show when you arrive. This option is available to UAE residents from many Western and Asian countries (see list). The e-Visa is good for tourism or business and allows multiple entries. It is valid for 180 days with a 90-day stay.
• Turkish Consulate (Visa Centre): The application centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi handle visa processing for passports that cannot be processed online or if you desire personalized support. This service operates through the Dubai Consulate General. When you provide paper documents, your passport will be stamped with the visa. This method is available for nearly all countries.

Where to Apply in UAE

• Dubai (Northern Emirates): Turkish Visa Application Centre is located in Wafi Mall. It is located on the 1st floor of the Horus Building in Phase 5, Umm Hurair 2. People from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah can use this center.
• In close proximity to Al Ras/Gold Souq metro. Business hours are Sunday–Thursday 09:00–15:00 . You can stroll in or make an appointment, however most travellers arrive during business hours.
• Abu Dhabi’s Turkish Visa Centre located at The Mall (World Trade Centre Mall), level B2 (Lower Ground), Airport Road. Abu Dhabi inhabitants use this. Same hours Sunday–Thursday, 09:00–15:00.
• No Online Reservation Required: Visa centres accept first-come, first-served applications up to a daily quota (usually 40). You should arrive early.
• For diplomats and others, the Turkish Consulate General located in Dubai’s World Trade Centre Building on Sheikh Zayed Road. Regular visa applications go through Gateway centres, whereas diplomatic or unusual cases go to the consulate.

Important Visa Terms

• Validity vs. Duration: Turkey allows entry within the visa validity (180 days for e-Visas). You can stay 30 or 90 days per admission with a visa. A 180-day multiple-entry visa with a 90-day stay lets you enter anytime and remain up to 90 days.
• Single vs. Multiple Entry: Single-entry visas enable one entry/exit. Multiple-entry visas enable you enter and exit within their validity, handy for visiting neighboring countries.

FAQ’s for Residents of the UAE for applying Turkey Visa