How to apply for a Schengen visa from Turkey

Are you planning a trip to one or more of the 27 countries in the Schengen zone from Turkey? Then you’re going to need a Schengen visa. And this applies to Turkish passport holders both living in Turkey and residing outside of its borders — i.e., permanent residents of the U.K., Australia, Canada, and the U.S., Turkish Green Card holders, and so on. Fortunately, applying for a Schengen Visa from Turkey is a fairly straightforward process. And AXA has compiled some useful info to help you with it.

How do I apply for a Schengen Visa from Turkey?

Whether in Turkey or anywhere else in the world, the Schengen visa application process tends to be pretty uniform. But the first thing you want to determine is which Schengen Visa works best for you. And this will depend on the particular nature of your trip.

What kind of Schengen Visa do I need?

Are you traveling for work or school, or are you just looking for a quick European getaway? How long do you plan to stay in the Schengen Zone once there? And do you plan to enter your Schengen country (or countries) of choice more than once?

If you’re planning a relaxing European vacation, visiting friends of family, or coming to the Schengen for business — then you’ll likely want a “short-stay” (aka a type C) visa. It is the most commonly requested one, and it’s issued for trips lasting up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Stays of over three months, on the other hand, will require applying for a national (aka Type D) visa.

And if you plan on traveling to the Schengen Area regularly, you’ll need a multiple-entry visa.

You can learn more about what type of Schengen Visa you’re going to need here.

You’ll also need to get some paperwork in order (more on that below). Once you have that and know which Visa you need, you’ll need to fill out and submit a Schengen visa application.

Where do I submit my Schengen Visa application?

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be asked to attend an interview at the consulate, embassy of the country you want to visit, and/or at a visa application center (in Turkey or elsewhere).

Some Schengen countries also provide online visa services where you can submit an initial application (often through third-party companies).

If you’re planning to visit more than one Schengen country, you should submit your application to the consulate of the country where you plan to spend the most time (or where the main purpose of your journey — i.e., vacation, work, study, etc. — will be carried out).

When should I apply?

You should apply for your Schengen Visa no more than six months and no fewer than 15 days before your trip. But just in case there are any delays in the application processing, we recommend that you give yourself at least three weeks before your departure date. And start gathering your paperwork well before.

How much does a Schengen Visa cost in Turkey?

Schengen Visa costs are universal and don’t vary depending on the country.

A standard Schengen Visa from Turkey for one adult costs €80 — or around ₺1,731.34 (Turkish lira).

For children from 6 to 12 years old, the rate is reduced by half (i.e., €40).

For children under 6 years of age, the Schengen Visa is free.

The fee may also sometimes be waived for:

  • participants (25yo or under) in certain seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, and/or educational events;
  • students and teachers on certain study and/or training trips;
  • certain researchers and other professionals traveling for the purpose of scientific research.

NOTE: Keep in mind that you might also have to pay certain administrative/service fees associated with your visa center of choice and/or the relevant Turkish officials (or those of your country of origin). Visa fees — service or other — are not reimbursed if your visa is refused.

What documents do I need to apply for a Schengen Visa from Turkey?

In terms of paperwork, you’re going to need the following:

  • a Schengen Visa application form
  • at least two passport-style photos (taken within the last 6 months)
  • your passport (no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area)
  • a copy of your passport (A4)
  • a travel and medical insurance certificate (covering you up to costs of €30,000)
  • proof of paid visa fee (include the receipt proving you have paid the required visa fee; otherwise, your application will not be processed)
  • your travel itinerary
  • proof of accommodation (for your entire stay in the Schengen area)
  • proof of your civil status (i.e., marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable, etc.)
  • cover letter (containing information about why you are applying for a visa, what you plan to do during your stay, how long you will stay in the Schengen Area, etc. — if applicable)
  • copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable)
  • birth certificate and proof of parental consent for minors (if applicable)
  • proof of sufficient financial means (i.e., original copies of your bank account statements showing transactions in the last three to six months and the account balance or proof of regular income)

You may also need to provide proof of a pension or property income — if these are sources of income.

If you’re traveling from Turkey to the Schengen Area for work, you might also be asked to present:

  • an employment contract and/or certificate of annual leave from the employer
  • if self-employed/freelancer — business license (if applicable)
  • business bank statements (if applicable)

If you’re traveling as a student, you might also need:

  • a certificate of registration from your University, school, or college
  • your student ID card
  • a copy of your registration certificate from the faculty (signed and stamped by the university and/or school, if applicable);
  • your grades transcript (if applicable);
  • evidence of financial stability of your parents;
  • proof of employment contract (or proof of sufficient financial resources for your stay)

DO NOT staple any documents. And make sure you have copies of everything (A4 size) — just in case.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While AXA is always doing our best to provide you with the most reliable and updated information possible, rules and regulations concerning visas may be modified at any time by the consulate of your country of choice. Consequently, we can not be held accountable for these changes. So be sure to contact the appropriate embassy or consulate to obtain the specific terms and conditions in effect at the moment of the submission of your visa application.

Do I need travel insurance when applying for a Schengen Visa from Turkey?

Yes. One of the basic requirements to be approved for a Schengen Visa from Turkey — or anywhere else — is that you have the proper travel insurance.

Moreover, you must have a plan that covers you not only in the countries you plan to visit but across the entire Schengen Zone.

Your plan should also cover you throughout the entire duration of your trip and include potential medical and/or repatriation costs.

Your travel insurance will need to have a minimum coverage of at least €30,000. You can learn more details about mandatory medical insurance for a Schengen visa here.

Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?

For Turkish nationals traveling to the Schengen zone (and beyond), AXA offers three comprehensive travel insurance plans. And there are plenty of reasons why AXA can make your Schengen Visa application process that much smoother, such as:

  • All three AXA plans meet the mandatory requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa from Turkey.
  • It’s quick, easy, and can be done online in a matter of minutes.
  • Once you purchase your plan, you can instantly download (and/or print) your AXA travel insurance certificate online.
  • The AXA certificate is accepted by all Schengen member countries’ embassies and consulates.
  • If you are refused a visa, AXA will refund your insurance fees in most circumstances. We’ll only ask that you provide official documentation explaining the reasons why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

What type of plans does AXA offer?

AXA offer you three comprehensive plans to choose from:

1. Our most affordable plan is the Low-Cost option. It starts at as little as €22 per week and covers expenses of up to €30,000 in medical expenses, emergency hospitalization, and repatriation costs. It also meets all the criteria required to apply for a Schengen visa and covers you in all 27 countries of the Schengen area (as well as in four European micro-states — Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino)..

2. Our Europe Travel plan offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000 and starts at €33/week. It meets all the criteria required for a Schengen visa. Moreover, it covers you in all 27 Schengen countries, the European micro-states, all EU countries (including Cyprus, Bulgaria, Ireland, and Romania), and the UK. It also offers — among other things — such guarantees such as coverage of search and rescue costs, repatriation in case of an emergency, and the arrival of a companion to assist the hospitalized or sick traveler if he/she is alone (i.e. insurance, transportation, and accommodation).

3. Our Multi-Trip insurance, starting from €328 per year. It also meets all the criteria required for obtaining a Schengen visa, and offers the same extended guarantees as our Europe Trip plan. This annual plan is perfect for those planning to travel to/within Europe frequently (as well as for those with a multiple-entry Schengen visa). And it too covers you in the 27 Schengen countries, the European micro-states, all EU countries (including Cyprus, Bulgaria, Ireland, and Romania), and the UK.

How do I book my Schengen Visa appointment if I live in Turkey?

If you live in Turkey, to obtain your Schengen visa you must book an appointment to be interviewed. The interview is held at the corresponding destination country’s consulate, embassy, or visa application center.

Some countries (like France and Germany) also use outsourced visa application centers through companies like VFSGlobal — which has centers in Ankara and Istanbul.

You must attend the interview in person as you’ll also have to submit to biometrics collection (i.e., fingerprints and digital photography).

Make sure you have all the necessary documents above before scheduling an appointment.

How long does it take to process my Schengen Visa from Turkey?

It usually takes 15 days to process a Schengen Visa application (in Turkey and elsewhere) — so you should hear something in about two weeks. However, depending on your particular situation and how busy the consulate, embassy, or visa application center is, it may take up to a month or two in certain cases. But remember that you can apply up to 6 months prior to your trip.

How to apply for specific Schengen countries’ Visas

Hundreds of thousands of Turkish nationals still visit the Schengen Zone annually. However, being granted a Schengen Visa is not always guaranteed. For example, Sweden, Norway, and France tend to have the highest rejection rates. Meanwhile, some of the easier countries to apply for are Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Greece, and Iceland.

To help make your application process easier, AXA has step-by-step guidelines for each of the 27 Schengen countries below (in alphabetical order):

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

How to apply for Schengen visa in other countries ?

You might also find the following articles on the Schengen visa useful

What should I do if my visa request is refused?

In the case that your visa request is refused for whatever reason, you have the right to appeal to the authorities in the Schengen member state where you applied.

What if the Schengen country I intend to visit has no embassy or consulate in Turkey?

Most countries have a consulate and/or embassy in Turkey. However, those without an embassy will typically be represented by another country’s consulate (or a company like VFSGlobal) — and that’s where you should apply.

Which consulate should I apply to if I am traveling to multiple countries?

If you plan to visit more than one country, you should apply to the country where you plan to spend the most time. If you’re staying an equal amount of days in two (or more) countries, apply to the one you plan to enter first.

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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Low Cost

AXA Schengen Low Cost is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Europe Travel

AXA Europe Travel is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Low Cost.

AXA Schengen Multi Trip

AXA Multi Trip is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Multi Trip for different countries during 90 days.