Do Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for Europe?
In short
- Yes - Turkish passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Schengen Area countries for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Turkish citizens can travel visa-free to a few European destinations including Northern Cyprus, Georgia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but most EU countries require a Schengen visa.
- Apply through Schengen visa centers in Turkey such as iDATA, GVCW (Greece), VFS Global, or BLS, depending on the destination country.
Schengen visa requirements for Turkish citizens
Turkish nationals need a Schengen visa for tourism, business, family visits, study trips under 90 days, and most other short-term travel within the Schengen Area. The standard fee is 90 EUR for adults, plus a service charge from the visa application center.
Long-stay visas (more than 90 days) require a national visa from the specific country, not a standard Schengen visa. These are issued for studies, work, or family reunification.
Which countries are not in Schengen?
Not all European countries require a Schengen visa from Turkish citizens. Visa-free destinations for Turkish nationals include Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Georgia, Azerbaijan, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Moldova, and Serbia.
Bulgaria and Romania completed full Schengen integration in 2025, so a Schengen visa now also covers them. Cyprus is still outside Schengen and requires a separate Cypriot visa, although Cypriot authorities accept multi-entry Schengen visas in some cases.
Common visa types for Turkish travelers
The most common Schengen visa for Turkish travelers is the type C short-stay visa for tourism, business, or family visits. Turkish citizens with strong travel histories can often receive long-validity multiple-entry Schengen visas, valid for 1, 3, or 5 years.
Tips for Turkish applicants
Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip. Strong applications include consistent bank statements, employment proof, and clear travel ties to Turkey. Use trip1 to book hotels and pay with cryptocurrency - confirmed reservations strengthen your application without locking in non-refundable payments.
Related articles
Schengen visa for Turkish citizens - FAQ
Yes. Turkish citizens can travel visa-free to a few European countries, including Northern Cyprus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Albania. Most EU and Schengen countries still require a Schengen visa.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but Turkish applications often take 4 to 8 weeks due to high demand. Apply at least 6 weeks before your travel date to be safe.
The standard Schengen visa fee for Turkish adults is 90 EUR, plus a service charge from the visa application center such as iDATA or VFS Global, usually around 30 to 40 EUR depending on the country.
Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area for air and sea borders in 2024 and for land borders in 2025, so a Schengen visa now works for both. Cyprus is not yet in Schengen and still requires a separate national visa.
Still need help?
Our support team is ready to assist you with any questions.
Still need help?
Our support team is ready to assist you with any questions.