Student and tourist visa to Turkey (2024–2026)

Application specifics

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan can visit Turkey without a visa for a limited period (usually up to 60 days). However, for long-term study you need to obtain a student visa and subsequently a residence permit.

It is important to bear in mind that, for studying at university, it is recommended to obtain a student visa in advance in your country of residence, in order to avoid complications when arranging your residence permit.

Visa-free entry

For short trips (tourism, visits):

• no visa is required

• the length of stay is limited (usually up to 60 days)

• entry is on an international passport

On entry you may be asked for:

• a return ticket

• proof of accommodation

• proof of financial means

Visa-free entry does not grant the right to long-term study or to student status without additional paperwork.

Types of visa

1. Tourist stay (without a visa)

Suitable for:

• tourism

• short trips

• visiting friends and relatives

Features:

• a limited length of stay

• you cannot officially study on long-term programmes

• it does not provide grounds for a student residence permit

2. Student visa

Suitable for:

• studying at universities

• language courses

• long-term educational programmes

Features:

• applied for before entering Turkey

• an invitation from the institution is required

• it serves as grounds for subsequently obtaining a residence permit

• many universities require it in advance

How to apply for a student visa

The process usually includes:

• admission to an institution

• receiving an official invitation

• submitting documents to the Turkish consulate

• having the application reviewed

• receiving the visa and entering the country

• arranging the residence permit once in Turkey

Main package of documents

• international passport

• completed application form

• a photograph to the required specification

• an invitation from the university

• proof of financial means

• proof of accommodation

• health insurance

• additional documents at the consulate's request

Processing times

• processing of a student visa: usually from a few days to a few weeks

• timeframes depend on the consulate and its workload

• it is recommended to submit documents in advance

Submitting documents

• submission is done through the Turkish consulate in your country of residence

• personal attendance is required

• an appointment can be booked in advance

• after receiving the visa, the applicant enters Turkey and arranges a residence permit

Important points

• visa-free entry does not replace a student visa for long-term study

• a student visa significantly simplifies arranging a residence permit

• many universities require a visa before arrival

• breaching visa rules can lead to a residence permit being refused

• it is recommended to obtain a visa in advance in your country of residence

Summary

• Tourism → visa-free entry (a limited length of stay)

• Study → student visa + subsequently arranging a residence permit

• Submission → the Turkish consulate in your country of residence

• Key factor → having an invitation from the institution and complying with the visa procedure