How to get an appointment at iDATA in Turkey?

iDATA is the official partner of the German Embassy when it comes to Visas from Turkey to Germany. The iDATA Visa Application Center is thus the only official partner where you can submit your Germany Visa in addition to the consulates. Whether it's a Schengen Visa or a National Visa, both types of visas can be applied for at iDATA. In this article, you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of submitting your visa application at iDATA and what you need to be aware of during the appointment scheduling. All questions and answers about iDATA in Turkey, appointment scheduling, and visa applications for Germany at a glance.

Table of contents: 

What exactly does iDATA do?

For travel to Germany – whether for tourism, business trips, study stays, or family visits – Turkish citizens need a Germany Visa. The visa process can be complex and time-consuming, which is why the German Embassy in Turkey works with the service provider iDATA.

The iDATA Visa Application Centers play a central role for Turkish citizens who wish to travel to Germany. As an official and reputable partner of the German Embassy in Turkey, iDATA handles much of the visa processing for Germany Visas from Turkey. At your appointment at iDATA, you submit your completed visa application form, important supporting documents, and biometric data. The iDATA staff check your visa application and documents for completeness and then forward them to the German Embassy or the relevant German consulate. This means that the German authorities, not iDATA, make the decision about your Germany visa!

In short: iDATA ensures that the visa application process runs smoothly, waiting times are minimized, and it acts as an intermediary between visa applicants and the German Embassy. With multiple locations in Turkey, from Istanbul to Ankara, iDATA is geographically well-distributed, making it easily accessible for many people. This decentralized structure helps avoid long waiting times and unnecessary travel, making the whole process more convenient for Turkish citizens.

Good to know: iDATA is also the official service provider for the Italian Embassy and accepts all visa applications from Turkish citizens wishing to travel to Italy.

Which visas can you apply for at iDATA?

iDATA accepts applications for Schengen Visas (up to 90 days stay) and National Visas (over 90 days stay). At iDATA, you can apply for all types of visas that will be forwarded for approval to the respective German representation.

Schengen visas (Type C, up to 90 days stay) include:

National visas (D-visa, over 90 days stay) include:

Exception: The only exception are visas that require prior approval from an internal German immigration authority under §81a of the Residence Act.

If you want to book an appointment for a visa application, check with the German Embassy or the German consulates for more information on the next steps:

(The German Consulate in Antalya does not accept visa applications!)

But beware: Appointment booking is not automatically done through iDATA. Depending on the type of visa, you will book your appointment through the German Embassy's website or with iDATA! Read more about this in the next section!

iDATA or German Embassy: Where to Book an Appointment?

If you are planning your trip from Turkey to Germany, in most cases you have the option to apply for your visa directly at the German Embassy or consulates or through iDATA. However, depending on the type of visa (Schengen visa or national visa), the appointment process differs.

  1. Appointment Booking for Schengen Visas (Type C, Short-Term Visas)

In March 2024, the German Embassy in Turkey changed the process for booking appointments for Schengen visas. Since then, appointments are only available through the appointment system on the website of the German diplomatic missions (not via the iDATA website)! The appointment is scheduled in chronological order based on the registration date from iDATA. Although registration is free of charge, you must pay the service fee within 48 hours of the appointment being assigned by iDATA to confirm your appointment. Unconfirmed appointments will be canceled, and you will need to re-register. For more information about the new appointment system, please visit the German missions' page in Turkey.

Summary:

  • You register for an appointment via the Foreign Office website
  • iDATA schedules the appointments and informs you of your appointment by email
  • You confirm the appointment from iDATA and pay the iDATA service fee
     
  1. Appointment Booking for National Visas (Long-Term Visas)

For national visas, you directly use the iDATA online appointment system. Register on the waiting list relevant to the purpose of your stay. The iDATA online appointment system is paid and costs €7.80. After you pay the fee, you will receive a waiting list spot with your personal PNR number. You will be informed by iDATA once an appointment can be assigned to you.

Summary:

  • You register for an appointment via the iDATA online appointment system (in Turkish).
  • You pay the €7.80 registration fee to iDATA
  • You will be placed on the waiting list. iDATA will inform you once you have an appointment.

How Far in Advance Should You Book an Appointment?

The earliest date to apply for a Schengen Visa is 6 months (180 days) before departure. The latest appointment is 15 days before departure, as the processing usually takes this long. We advise you not to book your appointment with iDATA too close to your departure date, as holidays or unexpected delays could prevent you from getting your visa on time. It is best to allow for a buffer of a few weeks.

Currently! There are extremely long waiting times for appointments just before the summer holidays. Therefore, it is wise to book an appointment several months in advance of your departure!

Note! For national long-term visas, you should expect a longer processing time of 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances, so it is important to apply early. Exception: If you have found a job in Germany and fall under the "accelerated skilled workers procedure", it is possible to obtain a work visa within 3 weeks.

Where are iDATA Visa Centers located in Turkey?

The city you live in and the iDATA branch should be in the same administrative district as the responsible representation (Embassy or Consulate). On this overview of iDATA, you can enter your region or city and find out which iDATA branches are suitable for you.

There are nine iDATA application acceptance centers in Turkey:

  • iDATA İstanbul Avrupa (Gayrettepe)
  • iDATA İstanbul Asya (Altunizade)
  • iDATA Ankara
  • iDATA İzmir
  • iDATA Bursa
  • iDATA Gaziantep
  • iDATA Antalya
  • iDATA Trabzon
  • iDATA Adana

The overview of all iDATA branches in Turkey can be found on the iDATA contact page. Just click on the center of your choice to find out the exact address and opening hours.

Which persons can visit iDATA without an appointment?

Certain individuals can visit the iDATA visa application center without a booked appointment to submit their Schengen visa application (so-called walk-ins during regular opening hours). This is only possible for Schengen visas, not national visas!

The following persons do not need an appointment at iDATA:

  • Trade fair exhibitors (only with a valid exhibitor pass)
  • People who need to travel to Germany urgently for medical treatment (with a doctor's certificate)
  • People who need to travel to Germany due to the death of a close relative (1st or 2nd degree) (with a death certificate)
  • People applying for an airport transit visa

What documents do I need to bring for the visa application appointment?

You booked your appointment some time ago and now the date for your personal visit to iDATA is approaching? Bring all documents (originals and copies) with you and be 15 minutes early for your appointment!

For a detailed list of documents required for your visa to Germany, visit the page of the German Embassy. Click either on Schengen Visa or national visas to see the full list of required documents.

In general, you will need the following documents for any Germany visa:

  • Visa application form: 1 completed, signed, and printed visa application form in German. The online form for a Schengen Visa can be found here. The online form for a national visa here.
  • Passport: Your valid passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after the expiration of the visa, with two free pages.
  • Passport photos: 1 to 2 biometric passport photos of you (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
  • Purpose of travel: Proof of the purpose of travel (e.g., confirmation from a tour operator, confirmed hotel reservation, flight reservation, possibly invitation letter if visiting relatives or friends)
  • Travel health insurance: Travel health insurance for the planned duration of stay and for the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of financial means: Proof of financing for the trip. Alternatively, a letter of commitment can be submitted if financial means are insufficient.

The following biometric information will also be collected at iDATA:

  • A digital fingerprint scanner will capture images of all 10 fingers (for all applicants aged 12 and over. Fingerprints must be re-submitted every five years and are used in the European Visa Information System - VIS)
  • A photo of your entire face. You cannot wear sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a head covering unless it is worn for religious or ethical reasons.

How much does the visa application cost at iDATA in Turkey?

When submitting your Germany visa at iDATA, in addition to the visa fees, you must also pay an extra service fee. The service fee is the same across all iDATA branches in Turkey but depends on the type of visa and the applicant’s age.

Cost example for different visa types for Turkish citizens:

To find out the price for a Schengen visa at the time of your trip, you should check the page Costs for a Schengen Visa.

Important: The service charge for iDATA is to be paid at the time of appointment registration/confirmation by credit or debit card. Only after the payment has been made, will your appointment be confirmed.

Good to know: The visa fee and service charge are not refundable if your visa is denied. However, at AXA, we will refund you the cost of travel insurance in case of visa rejection.

Which Travel Insurance to Choose for a Visa Application?

The travel insurance for your Germany visa must meet specific criteria, otherwise, there is a risk that the visa application will be rejected. A visa insurance for the Schengen Area (including Germany) must meet the following criteria:

  • Valid in all Schengen countries
  • Minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (or 100,000 euros if needed)
  • Covers the entire stay, including medical emergency costs and/or hospital emergency admission
  • Covers costs for repatriation in case of illness or death
  • Accepted by all consulates and embassies

AXA-Schengen meets all Schengen criteria and offers three different incoming insurance plans. Choose the right visa travel insurance depending on your budget and needs:

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FAQ

How do I get a Schengen Visa in Turkey?

Contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend most of your trip and submit your visa application well in advance of your trip. If you plan to travel through several European countries, contact the embassy of the country where you will first enter.

When do you need an invitation for a Germany Visa?

If it is a visitor or business visa, an invitation letter is required. The invitation can be in simple written form. For a business visa, the invitation letter must be written on official letterhead and stamped.

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