Getting Turkey Tourist Visa in UAE for Philippine passport holders

Last minute decisions are sometimes the most worthwhile experiences. If you are a UAE resident and Philippine passport holder, I will share you how I got my tourist Visa within 2 weeks. If you are a Filipino, sometimes getting visa to get to your dream destinations seem impossible. I suggest to just let yourself try first, stay positive and pray a lot. As they say: if it is really meant for you, it will be given to you.

STEP 1: Ensure you have valid passport (should not be expiring at least 6 months), valid UAE residence visa and valid UAE Emirates Card

My visit in Turkey is on a whim as I cannot decide until December 23rd, 2018 where I want to go on my birthday. I received my renewed passport 2 days before Christmas and I just thought that I should push through going to Turkey in February 2019 whatever happens. Later on I realized that my UAE residence visa and Emirates Card are expiring during my planned trip and I have to renew it before applying for Turkey tourist Visa. Imagine my worry as the website of Turkey Embassy said to apply 3 weeks before my planned trip and I am unsure when I am going to get my UAE residence Visa renewed. My company helped me a lot and luckily I got my UAE residence Visa and Emirates Card within one and half week. During these dreaded days of renewal, I prepared the other requirements for my application in Turkey.

STEP 2: Secure an appointment as early as possible in VFS Global online before your planned trip (preferably 3 weeks in advance or more)

VFS Global - Click here for the website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/turkey/uae/

I always thought that agencies like VFS Global will take more money from you just to get a visa but I was completely wrong. I tried applying directly to the website below as I'd like to do it on my own without anyone help. I finished the online application form and as I am selecting for the date, it does not allow me to go forward.

Turkey Consulate - Click here for the website: https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/Visa/Index

I called the embassy but they told me that I have to apply in VFS Global in order to get an appointment to submit my requirements. VFS will be the one submitting the requirements on your behalf and you do not need to go to Turkey Embassy or Consulate.

EXPENSE: AED 193 to schedule an appointment to submit your requirements which you can pay online. It is the basic so dates are like 10 days after so better make an appointment as early as possible before your planned trip.

I found out only that this is the only way in January 14th, 2019 and my planned trip is on February 1, 2019. When I got the first appointment, it was by January 24th, 2019. You can pay more if you want to have premium service or prime time appointment which is much more earlier date and convenient after or before working hours appointment which is not practical for me.

GOOD NEWS! You may reschedule your appointment up to 2 times without any fee.

So I got my second appointment in January 20th, 2019 and final rescheduling is January 17th, 2019. Just be patient and check all the time if there are availability on the earlier dates you would like to choose. If you will check the premium service or prime time, there are availability on the dates you want however it means you have to pay extra. Basically you cannot upgrade or pay the difference from basic appointment to premium or prime time as they will ask you to pay the full processing fee again. So you have to decide which will be appropriate for your needs.

STEP 3: Ensure to read carefully and complete the requirements for the Turkey Tourist Visa Application

Application requirements - Click here for the link:

http://www.vfsglobal.com/Turkey/UAE/Tourism.html

A) Fill up the online application form in the website of the Turkish Consulate and print it out. (NO HANDWRITTEN. You will get a preview automated filled up form in the end so just print it out)

Turkey Consulate - Click here for the website: https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/Visa/Index

Ensure to fill up as per their guidelines. It is better to follow carefully as it may cause you to reapply for another appointment. Below photo is from the website of VFS Global and not my own.

Sample Visa Application form (clear version) - Click here for the link: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Turkey/UAE/pdf/Sample-Visa-Application-Form.pdf

B) Make photocopies of the below and ensure to bring the original with you on your appointment date:

-Passport with 6 months validity (Front and back)

-UAE Residence permit (on passport) and Emirates Card (front and back) with at least 6 months validity

-Entry and exit seal/stamps of all previously obtained visas, if any

C) Current biometric photo (with a white background, taken in the last 6 months, with the face clearly visible, in 5x6 size)

I forgot how many is required. I think it is 2 photos but I am unsure. Just bring the minimum (I guess 4 is enough) which your photo shop will require from you. I am sure any photo shop know more about what size and quality of the picture needed for the visa application. There are photo booths also outside the VFS Global so I think they can help but I do not recommend for last minute options.

In case you are in doubt, you may check below photo specifications provided by VFS Global in their website.

D) Round trip flight pre-reservation (I suggest not to confirm the flight in case visa will be delayed or not approved).

E) Hotel Reservation (pre-reservation)

I made my hotel reservations from Booking.com, Expedia or Agoda. I ensure to select flexible rates which means I can still cancel them at a certain point of time without charges. I also made a reservation directly through the hotel as hotels provide flexible rates up to 48 hrs of your arrival date which made it easy to make cancellations later on. All you need is the confirmation of where are you going to stay in Turkey as it is also needed in the online application form when you fill it.

F) Travel insurance valid for the duration of the Visa

I really did not have time to compare travel insurances online so I just went with the insurance which is:

-stable company

-international brand that has office in Turkey too

-affordable

-covering most of what I may need during the trip: Emergency Medical, Baggage, Delay or cancellation related to my trip

I guess it is not smart move and please feel free to message me what should I look for a good travel insurance for my next trip. I would highly appreciate it :)

G) Work documents if you are an employee like me. Please ensure these are all original, signed and stamped by your company

-Guarantee letter (a company official or owner statement, which includes their contact details, offers the employee's position, start date of employment, off-duty dates, and guarantees that you will return to the workplace after your travel)

-Payroll slips for the last 3 months

-Company trade license

I did not get a guarantee letter from my company as it was too late when I read about it. I really was not reading carefully the requirements by that time. However I got the following from my company which I think is enough as VFS did not ask for the guarantee letter when I submitted my application but I do not recommend it to have no guarantee letter. It is better to be safe and have the requirement than to be sorry later on. Other requirements I submitted:

- Salary certificate

- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor

H) Original Bank statements for the last three months with the stamp

I include both my debit and credit card because I don't have that much savings and credit so I was hoping they will accept it provided that my budget is included whatever I have in my bank.

I) Other requirements if you arranged your trip through travel agency or you will be with your family

-If your trip is organized by a travel agency, I think a letter from the travel agency is required which includes the date and the objective of the travel and the names of the places to be visited.

-Family registration certificate issued in the name of the applicant (for family applications). If you are traveling with minors, please do check the VFS Global website for more information or contact below VFS helpline:

VFS Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Turkey/UAE/Tourism.html

Telephone Number: + 971 42055720

Email ID: info.turkeyuae@vfshelpline.com

Operational Timings: 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs from Sunday to Thursday

STEP 4: Check your requirements again one day prior to your appointment, ensure you printed them and make photocopies.

I suggest to make another set of the requirements (originals to be submitted and the copy for your reference and to bring with you on your flight in case needed when ask in Turkey Immigration when you arrive). Lucky for me I was not asked for anything but we cannot be sure that all of us will have the same experience.

STEP 5: Ensure to show up on your appointment date and time ON TIME. Do not be late. Bring cash and credit card/debit card for visa application payment

LOCATION: VFS Global Application Center inside Wafi Mall in Dubai

Address: Wafi Mall Level 3, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE

Nearest Metro station: Green Line - Healthcare City Metro Station

VERY IMPORTANT: Print the appointment letter sent to you by VFS and bring it with you. It is a must!

I came early and security will not allow you until 15 - 20 minutes of your allocated time. (I am not sure how long they really accept but definitely not one hour before your schedule). If you have any USB with you, you will ask to leave it in their small luggage area so better have all your documents printed and complete. Security will really check your bag. Once you pass the Security Check, you will be directed in the reception which they will give you a token number. You will be directed to the area for the Turkey Visa Application.

Please note that if you need to print last minute documents, it will cost around 15 AED per page if you ask them to print (inside VFS). It is possible to print there but it is costly.

Once you are called, they will check the documents if complete. Luckily for me, they did not ask anything else. They will ask you to pay for the Visa Application which cost me AED 234. I don't remember if I had paid in cash or credit card but bring both. I recommend to bring exact amount. Please note that this is not a guarantee yet that you will get the Visa as it depends on the Turkey Embassy or Consulate. VFS is just an agency that assists you ensuring requirements are complete in order to have a better successful rate on getting the visa approved. Once you paid, they will give you a white receipt and your original passport will be collected for visa stamping in case visa is approved. You can track the status of your application online but VFS is sending you messages anyway.

STEP 6: It's a waiting game so wait. Stay positive so start finalizing your trip.

I submitted my requirements on January 17th and I got a text update on January 24th that my application has been received back by VFS from the Consulate General of Turkey. It means my passport came back and ready to be picked up. I called VFS if they can tell me if the application is approved or not but they cannot tell it over the phone as it requires me to visit them to know the status.

STEP 7: Collect your passport in the same place of VFS Global Application Center

I collected my passport January 27th. Reception asked me if I already received a text message before they let me in and gave me token number. Ensure to wait for the text message before going there or call them and provide the application reference no if you can collect it already. Please bring your Emirates ID for your identification and the receipt they gave you when you paid and submitted the application.

TEXT MESSAGE will be like this: "Your processed application Ref no. TUDB/xxxx/xxxx/xxxx/xx has been received from the Consulate General of Turkey at the Visa Application Center"

and..........VOILA...... MY TURKEY TOURIST VISA IS THERE WHICH MADE MY DAY!

I am sorry if I missed something but I guess these are all the things I did to apply for the tourist Visa in Turkey. I hope it will help you too when you decided to visit this wonderful and historical country. It is such an amazing opportunity for me. Please do leave a message in case I need to add more information or perhaps some costs are not updated. Thanks! ;)

RC

MAIN EXPENSES:

VFS Global Appointment AED 193

Visa Application AED 234

Axa Insurance (valid 15 days) AED 168

#notedtravels