Update
January 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Turkey

Turkey
Republic of Turkey

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 None Multiple 60 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 60 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 60 Months
CW-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 60 Months
E-1 2 None Multiple 60 Months
E-2 2 None Multiple 60 Months
E-2C 12 None Multiple 24 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 60 Months
G-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-3 None Multiple 60 Months
G-4 None Multiple 60 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 12 Months
H-1B None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2A None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2B None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2R None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
I None Multiple 60 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 60 Months
L-2 None Multiple 60 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 60 Months
N-9 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO 1-6 10 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO-7 1 None Multiple 24 Months
O-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 60 Months
R-2 None Multiple 60 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months 8

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

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Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

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General Documents

Turkiye’s https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ website (known as e-devlet) offers users access to all public services and most of the civil documents from a single entry-point. The documents obtained through this system have a QR code on them; which can be verified through the same website. This website also has an English version.

To access https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ system, individuals first must apply to a Turkish Postal Services (PTT) branch in person and obtain an access code. Turkish nationals need to present an identity document which bears their Turkish ID number. Turkish nationals living abroad can obtain an access code from Turkish consulates or embassies.

Foreigners who have a Turkish government-issued ID number can also apply to PTT to obtain e-devlet access. At the time of their application, they must present one of the following documents:

  • Valid Residency Card (ikamet tezkeresi)
  • Temporary Protection Card (Geçici Koruma Belgesi)
  • International Protection Status Card (Uluslararası Koruma Statü Sahibi Kimlik belgesi)
  • Employment authorization card (Çalışma Belgesi)

This online service is not available to foreigners who do not reside in Turkiye and who do not have a Turkish government-issued  ID number.

How to obtain a Turkish ID number: This number is assigned once a foreigner’s residency or temporary protection application is approved by Turkish authorities.  The number can be found on the identity and/or residency cards. This is an 11-digit number starting with 99.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği  - Extract of Vital Record

Issuing Authority: Offices of General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü),  https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ website and Turkish Embassies and Consulates abroad.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The ones issued by Civil Registration and Citizenship offices have a Government of Turkiye seal in red color placed at the bottom right side of the document.  It is signed by a preparer and an approver. It is a chart printed in landscape format on an A4 size paper with the holder’s name, last name, father’s name, mother’s name, place and date of birth, and marital status on the first line. The following lines would list the holder’s family members and their biographic information written in the next columns in the same order. If it is obtained through https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ website and the document would have a QR code at the bottom of the page, instead of red stamp and signatures. The documents issued by Turkish Embassies and Consulates abroad have a blue stamp on the right bottom side, with the names and signatures of the Consular Officers as the preparer and approver.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of the Civil Registration and Citizenship Office (Nüfus Müdürü)

Consul if issued at Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

The ones obtained from https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ website do not have personnel name or title listed on the document.

Registration Criteria: Every birth must be reported to the Civil Registration and Citizenship office in the city/district of birth within 30 days or to the Turkish Embassy/Consulate within 60 days if the birth takes place abroad.  Birth can be registered on the basis of the official hospital document showing the birth.  Births that do not take place in health institutions or under the supervision of a health personnel can be registered by verbal declaration by the parents or guardian to the registry office. (https://www.nvi.gov.tr/dogum-islemleri)

Foreigners giving birth in Turkiye can also register the birth with the Civil Registration and Citizenship offices.

Procedure for Obtaining: Birth certificates can be obtained through the https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ website by personally applying to the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) or to Turkish embassies/consulates abroad.

Certified Copies Available: Since an original or QR-coded document is available, there is no need for certified copies.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: Foreigners who give birth in Turkiye can obtain a Birth Registration Extract (Doğum Kayıt Örneği) for their child by applying in person to any provincial office of the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenshi

Comments: It is important that “Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği” be requested as this document includes all family members.

 

Death Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name:  Ölüm Kayıt Örneği- Extract of Death Record

Issuing Authority: General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) and https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The extract is in a chart format printed on an A4 size paper in portrait. The issuing office puts a rubber stamp on the document with the official’s signature. Turkish citizens can print electronic versions directly from https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of the Registry Office (Nüfus Müdürü) and https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/

Registration Criteria: When the death occurs, the public health facility official notifies Offices of General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship electronically within 10 days. No additional registration is needed.

Procedure for Obtaining: The Death Records of Turkish and non-Turkish citizens are maintained by the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship. Ölüm Kayıt Belgesi/Extract of Death Record can be obtained by applying to any Civil Registration Office in Turkiye and https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ Turkish embassies/consulates abroad can also issue an Extract of Death Record.

Certified Copies Available: Since an original or QR-coded document is available, there is no need for certified copies.

Alternate Documents: In the absence of the Extract of Death Record, a death certificate issued by the hospital on the hospital’s letterhead, or a health institution can be accepted. This document needs to include name and surname, date of birth of the person, cause of death, date and time of death, and needs to be signed by a physician.

Exceptions: none

Comments: none

 

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Available: After October 4, 1926, only civil marriages performed by municipal marriage officers are valid in Turkiye.  Religious marriages/ceremonies, while still performed, are not legally valid.

As of the end of 2017, a new law has been passed which authorizes muftis to perform an official civil marriage ceremony.

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Marriage Certificate (Uluslararası Aile Cüzdanı)

Issuing Authority: The municipality which administers the marriage ceremony.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Maroon booklet in Turkish and French. Translation in several languages, including English, is available in the last pages of the booklet.   

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Marriage Officer

Registration Criteria: The municipal official who administered the marriage ceremony   notifies the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship that the marriage is conducted and asks that it be registered under each parties’ civil registration record. Notification and registration is usually completed within 10 days following the date of marriage.

Procedure for Obtaining:  The marriage certificate is obtained on the day of the ceremony. If it is lost, a new one can be obtained from the municipality that conducted the ceremony.

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: If the marriage is performed outside of Turkiye, you must notify the local Turkish Consulate in that country within 30 days. 

Foreigners can get married in Turkiye in front of Turkish authorities.

 

Divorce Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Divorce decree (Boşanma İlamı)

Issuing Authority: Family court

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A4 sized court document, should say ‘Karar’ (Judgement) in the top right corner.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge

Registration Criteria: The court decision on the divorce is finalized within 15 days of issuance (or sooner if parties waive the appeal). The court then notifies the General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship and requests an update to both parties’ vital records.

Procedure for Obtaining: The court gives original copies of the divorce decree to both parties.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available from the court granting the divorce and also through https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/uyap-portali-vatandas-girisi (dosya sorgulama)

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: The divorce should also be reflected on the Extract of Vital Record (Nüfus Kayıt Örneği).

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Adoption Decree (Evlat Edinme Mahkeme Kaydı)

Issuing Authority: Family court

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A4 sized court document with a wet seal (usually gray or blue) at the bottom of the document

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judge

Registration Criteria: Please visit http://adoptions.state.gov for detailed information on registering adoptions in Turkiye.

Procedure for Obtaining: Please visit http://adoptions.state.gov for detailed information on procedures for obtaining adoption certificates in Turkiye.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available from the court granting the adoption.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Detailed information on Turkish adoption procedures is available on the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services website: T.C. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı | T.C. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı | Anasayfa

Identity Card

Available. Starting from January 2017 new Turkish ID cards (Kimlik Kartı) are available. The old versions will still be valid.

Fees:  16 Turkish Lira

Document Name: ID card (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Kimlik Kartı – new version / Nüfus Cüzdanı – old version)

Issuing Authority: General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Nüfus Cüzdanı – the old version is a laminated, wallet-sized card with a color photograph of the bearer over 14, blue for male, pink for female citizens.

Kimlik Kartı – The new version is credit card size, chipped with a color photograph of the bearer over 14. There is no color differentiation between the genders.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Republic of Turkey Ministry of Interior

Registration Criteria: General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship

Procedure for Obtaining: ekimlikrandevu.nvi.gov

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available from the local authority (mukhtar) or a notary.

Alternate Documents: Birth Certificate (Nüfus Kayıt Örneği)

Exceptions: None

Comments: Immigrant visa applicants are not required to provide Turkish National ID cards.

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Records

Available: Police certificates from Turkiye are known as “ARSIV KAYITLI ADLI SICIL KAYDI”. It is mandatory that applicants provide archived police records. Police certificates can be obtained by applying to any court in person or online at the https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ website.  The document is available in different languages through https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ . When requesting the police certificate (arşiv kayıtlı adli sicil kaydi), applicants must specifically request that both current and archived records be shown on the document. The report will indicate all criminal records even if the person has already completed the sentence or was pardoned. The police certificate lists the sections of the law under which the individual was convicted and the sentence imposed.  Convictions are usually reflected in the police records within three days. For crimes of moral turpitude:  records for crimes committed by minors between 11-14 years old are purged in 2-5 years; those for offenders between above the age of 15 are purged in 5-10 years. Please note that if you are currently living outside of Turkiye, you should either obtain a police certificate online through the https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ website or contact the nearest Turkish consulate in the country where you reside to request the information.   

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Arşiv Kayıtlı Adli Sicil Kaydı

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Justice

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The electronic version has a QR code at the bottom right corner. The regular version has a red seal of the public prosecutor.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Public prosecutor

Police certificates obtained from https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/  have a QR code instead of listing the official.

Registration Criteria: Please see above.

Procedure for Obtaining: Please see above.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: Police certificates are not required for applicants who are under the age of 16.

 

Court/Prison Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees.

Procedure for Obtaining: They are available from the court issuing the verdict and can also be obtained from https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/uyap-portali-vatandas-girisi (dosya sorgulama).

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Military Records

Available: All Turkish male citizens who have served in the military have discharge papers, which can also be obtained from https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ . This document may be obtained only if the applicant is already discharged. If the applicant has postponed his duty, he can obtain a document showing the extension through  https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ or in person from  military branches (Askerlik Subesi).

Fees: There are no fees.

Document Name: Askerlik Durum Belgesi

Issuing Authority: Milli Savunma Bakanligi (Ministry of Defense)

Procedure for Obtaining: From https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/ and military branches.

Comments: None

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Details can be found at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/pasaport

https://www.nvi.gov.tr/

Fees: Fee changes according to the validity period of the passport, details can be found at https://www.nvi.gov.tr/pasaport

https://www.nvi.gov.tr/

Issuing Government Authority: General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship or Turkish embassies or consulates.

Important Note: As of April 2018, the passport issuing authority has changed from the General Directorate of Security to theand currently it is General Directorate of Civil Registration and Citizenship. Previously, all passport applications were processed by General Directorate of Security.

Other Records

Available, if required to determine identity and admissibility. Marriages since October 4, 1926 are recorded in the birth certificate (Nufus) of both parties. Divorces are noted in birth certificates at the request of the bearers, who are required to keep their certificates in order.

Visa Issuing Posts

U.S. Embassy Ankara

Address:
110 Atatürk Blvd.
Kavaklıdere, 06100 Ankara - Turkey

Phone Number: (90-312) 455-5555

Visa Services: Both Immigrant Visas and Non-Immigrant Visas

Comments / Additional Information:
Ankara is the only post that issues immigrant visas in Turkey.


U.S. Consulate General Istanbul

Address:
Poligon Mahallesi, Sariyer Caddesi No: 75
Istinye 34460 Sariyer, Istanbul/Turkey

Phone Number:
(90) 212-335 90 00

Visa Services: Only Non-Immigrant Visas
 

U.S. Consulate Adana

Address:
Girne Bulvari No: 212 Guzelevler Mah.
Yuregir, Adana – TÜRKİYE

Phone Number:
(90) (322) 455-4100

Visa Services:
None

Visa Services

Ankara processes immigrant visas, returning resident (SB-1) applications, and parole applications in Turkey. Both Ankara and İstanbul process non-immigrant visas and boarding foil applications.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.