Visa Type and Restrictions

If you entered Türkiye with a visa, check your visa type in your passport and see if your visa is a “single” or “multiple” entry visa. If it is a single entry visa, notice that it will become invalid if you exit the country and you will need to obtain a new visa. If it is a multiple entry visa you do not need to worry about traveling and obtaining a new visa but be sure to check the length of the visa as you can travel only within your visa length. Most multiple entry visas will grant 90 days at most within 6 months, however there could be exceptions. If you are not sure, you can contact us for advice.

Residence Permit

Regardless of the visa type, a residence permit affords a student a multiple entry permission for the duration of the residence permit.  If you have not received your residence permit card yet and wish to travel, please see Traveling While Your SRP Application is in Process webpage.

Passport

Turkish immigration authorities require international students and scholars to have passports that are valid 60 days beyond the length of the residence permit requested at a time. Nationals of some countries can travel to Türkiye with documents other than a passport, such as national ID cards, drivers’ licenses. However no individual can apply for residency in Türkiye without a passport. Therefore, all internationals are asked to travel to Türkiye with valid passports.

Before Traveling

• Check your passport and visa. Make sure the length of your trip is within your visa length.
• If you are traveling to a country that requires a visa and you will apply for the visa from Türkiye, check the visa requirements very carefully since there might be restrictions or extra requirements for individuals applying from Türkiye. 
  • We cannot predict or know visa rules for other countries. Refer to official websites of respective authorities for accurate information.
•  Avoid relying on information from informal sources (friends, unofficial websites, etc.) before traveling out of Türkiye. Always check with ICO before you make travel plans if you are unsure about something.
• ICO can provide additional travel letters for your use at border security checkpoints while exiting and entering Türkiye if necessary.

Do you have travel plans for Spring Break? Check out our safe and smart travel tips for those traveling and some suggestions for activities in İstanbul for those staying local!