Turkey, a country steeped in history, rich with cultural heritage, and boasting diverse landscapes, draws millions of visitors each year.1 From the ancient wonders of Istanbul to the natural beauty of Cappadocia and the Mediterranean coast, Turkey offers an enchanting experience.2 For citizens of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh planning a trip to this captivating nation, understanding the specific visa requirements and application processes is the first crucial step. Both nationalities primarily rely on either the electronic visa (e-Visa) system or traditional sticker visas, with conditional eligibility for the e-Visa being a key factor.

Securing a Turkey Visa from Sri Lanka: Conditions and Process

For Sri Lankan citizens, obtaining a visa for Turkey is a necessary pre-requisite before travel.3 While Sri Lankans are eligible for the Turkish e-Visa, this eligibility comes with a significant condition.

e-Visa Eligibility for Sri Lankan Citizens:

Sri Lankan ordinary passport holders can apply for a single-entry Turkish e-Visa for tourism or business purposes, valid for 30 days within a 180-day period.4 However, this is contingent upon holding a valid visa or residence permit from one of the following countries:

• Schengen Area countries

• United States of America

• United Kingdom

• Ireland

Crucially, electronic visas (e-Visas) or e-residence permits from these countries are generally NOT accepted as supporting documents. It must be a physical sticker visa or residence permit in your passport.

If you do not possess one of these supporting visas/residence permits, a Sri Lankan citizen will need to apply for a traditional sticker visa through the Turkish Embassy in Colombo.

Application Process (e-Visa for Eligible Sri Lankan Citizens):

1. Visit the Official e-Visa Website: Access the Turkish government's official e-Visa portal at www.evisa.gov.tr.5

2. Select Country and Travel Document: Choose "Sri Lanka" as your country/region and select your travel document type.

3. Provide Information: Fill out the online application form with accurate personal details, passport information, and travel dates.

4. Declare Supporting Document: When prompted, you must indicate that you possess a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, the USA, the UK, or Ireland, and provide its details.

5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport's bio-page and a recent digital passport-sized photograph that meets the specified guidelines.

6. Pay the Fee: Pay the e-Visa fee securely online using a credit or debit card.6 The fee may vary.

7. Receive e-Visa: Once your application is approved (usually within a few business days), your e-Visa will be sent to your registered email address. Print a copy and keep it with your valid passport for your journey.

Required Documents (Traditional Sticker Visa for Sri Lankan Citizens - if not e-Visa eligible):

If a Sri Lankan citizen does not meet the e-Visa conditions, they must apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Turkish Embassy in Colombo. This process typically involves:

• Duly filled and signed visa application form.

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with minimum two blank pages).7

• Biometric photographs (recent, passport-sized, white background).

• Confirmed flight itinerary (round-trip tickets).

• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter).8

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last six months, showing at least $50 USD per day of stay).9

• Employment letter/Leave approval (if employed).

• Travel health insurance.

• Any other documents as requested by the Embassy based on the purpose of visit.

Obtaining a Turkey Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens: Similar Conditions Apply

Much like their Sri Lankan counterparts, Bangladeshi citizens also need a visa to enter Turkey.10 The eligibility for the convenient e-Visa also comes with similar conditional requirements.

e-Visa Eligibility for Bangladeshi Citizens:

Bangladeshi ordinary passport holders are eligible for a single-entry Turkish e-Visa for tourism or business purposes, allowing a stay of up to 30 days within a 180-day validity period.11 This eligibility is conditional upon possessing a valid visa or residence permit from:

• Schengen Area countries

• United States of America

• United Kingdom

• Ireland

Again, it is crucial that this supporting document is a physical sticker visa or residence permit in your passport, not an electronic one.

If these conditions are not met, Bangladeshi citizens must apply for a traditional sticker visa at the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka. Diplomatic and official passport holders from Bangladesh are generally exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 90 days.

Application Process (e-Visa for Eligible Bangladeshi Citizens):

1. Access the Official e-Visa Portal: Go to www.evisa.gov.tr.12

2. Select Nationality: Choose "Bangladesh" from the list.

3. Complete Application Form: Fill in your personal information, passport details, and travel plans accurately.

4. Confirm Supporting Visa/Permit: Indicate that you hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the specified countries (Schengen, USA, UK, or Ireland) and provide its details.

5. Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport's bio-page and a recent digital photograph.

6. Make Payment: Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit or debit card.13

7. Receive and Print e-Visa: Once approved, the e-Visa will be sent to your email.14 Print it out and carry it with your valid passport.

Required Documents (Traditional Sticker Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens - if not e-Visa eligible):

For Bangladeshi citizens who do not qualify for the e-Visa, a traditional sticker visa application at the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka will be necessary. The required documents are comprehensive and typically include:

• Duly filled and signed visa application form.

• Original valid passport (at least 6 months validity, minimum two blank pages) and copies of all old passports.

• Recent biometric passport-sized photographs (white background, specific dimensions).15

• Confirmed flight bookings (round trip).16

• Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Turkey.

• Proof of financial solvency (recent bank statements for the last 3-6 months, proof of income/salary slips, etc.).17

• Employment certificate/Leave letter from employer (if applicable). For businessmen, trade license. For students, school/university ID.

• Marriage certificate (if married).

• Birth certificate/National ID.

• Travel health insurance.

• Any additional documents as per the specific visa category (e.g., invitation letter for business, medical reports for medical visas).

General Advice for Both Nationalities:

• Always Use Official Channels: Apply only through the official Turkish e-Visa website (www.evisa.gov.tr) or the Turkish Embassy/Consulate in your country. Beware of unofficial websites that may charge excessive fees or be fraudulent.

• Check Requirements Regularly: Visa regulations can change. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the relevant embassy/consulate website before applying.

• Apply in Advance: It is highly recommended to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date, especially for sticker visas which can take several weeks to process.18 Even e-Visas, though quick, can face unforeseen delays.

• Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information provided in your application precisely matches your passport and supporting documents to avoid rejections.

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has sufficient validity as required (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay) and at least two blank pages.

By carefully following these guidelines for obtaining a Turkey Visa from Sri Lanka or a Turkey Visa for Bangladeshi citizens, travelers can streamline their application process and look forward to an enriching experience in the Republic of Türkiye.