Last updated on: March 8, 2025
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get a Turkish Visa from Singapore as a Work Pass Holder
Turkey is a dream destination for travellers, as it offers a unique mix of delicious food, history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the stunning mosques of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey has something for everyone. If you plan to visit this incredible country, you’ll likely need a visa, depending on your nationality.
TL;DR
- If you are not holding a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen member country, the USA, the UK, or Ireland, you need to apply for a visa via the Turkish embassy in Singapore.
- Processing time is 3 weeks, costing $85 per person.
Our Trip
I recently visited Turkey (February 2025) with my wife, flying from Singapore to Istanbul and Cappadocia. We spent 10 days exploring Istanbul and Cappadocia.
In this article, I will share how we obtained our Turkish visa from Singapore as work pass holders, including the full process, required documents, and key tips to make your application smooth and hassle-free.
Our Background
We are Sri Lankan nationals living in Singapore. I hold an Employment Pass (EP), and my wife holds a S Pass. Since we do not qualify for visa-free entry or an eVisa, we had to apply for a sticker visa through the Turkish Embassy in Singapore.
Who Qualifies for an eVisa?
If you hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen member country, the USA, the UK, or Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for a single-entry eVisa instead of a sticker visa. This option is much faster and more convenient.
To check if you qualify for an eVisa, visit the official website: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
If you do not hold any of these visas or residence permits, you must apply for a sticker visa at the Turkish Embassy in Singapore. The next section will guide you through that process.
Prepare Your Documents
This step is crucial for a successful visa application. The Turkish Embassy in Singapore may request additional documents or reject applications with incomplete or incorrect information. To avoid delays or rejection, gather all the required documents in advance and ensure they meet the specified criteria.
Below is a list of essential documents you must prepare before applying for your Turkish visa.
Please create a “Turkey Visa” folder on your computer and keep your documents in JPG or PDF formats. Also, take copies of them when you visit the embassy.
Passport
- A scanned copy of the bio page (PDF) or a clear photo of the bio page (JPG).
Biometric Photo
- Both soft copy (JPG) and hard copy of the passport-size photo taken within six months.
Flight Itinerary
- Confirmed air tickets in PDF format. (i.e. from Singapore to Istanbul to Singapore)
Bank Statements
- The last three bank statements indicate that you have sufficient funds for the trip.
- You can download bank statements from your internet banking. (i.e. DBS, StanChart)
Confirmed Hotel Bookings
- You must provide booking confirmation for all accommodations during your stay in Turkey.
- Ensure your name (spouse’s name is not mandatory) is in the booking confirmation.
Original Employment Letter
- The original employment letter (hard copy) and the scanned copy of the same employment letter.
- Please get the physically signed letter on company letterhead with all necessary details.
- If your spouse is also working in SG, they must also submit an employment letter.
Singapore Workpass
- Make a 2-page PDF document by attaching images of the work pass and work pass validity.
- On the first page, add the images of the front and back of your work (i.e. EP or S pass)
- On the second page, add a screenshot of the validity of your workpass by scanning the QR in your workpass using the “SGWorkPass” application.
Travel Insurance
- This is not listed as a required document on the Turkish embassy website, but this is required.
- Purchase travel insurance and be ready with the insurance policy document in PDF format.
- The visa pre-application form does not include a place to upload insurance, but this is required when you go to the embassy.
Sponsorship Letter for Spouse
- If you are the one who sponsors your spouse for the trip, you need a letter indicating this.
Marriage Certificate
- Include an English-translated copy of your marriage certificate
Latest Salary Slip (Optional)
Visa Process
Be sure to apply for a visa 1 month before the travel date.
Steps
Step 01: Nationality & Visa Details
Navigate to the Turkish consulate website, open the Visa Pre-Application for Foreigners form, enter your nationality and visa details, and proceed.
Step 02: Personal Information
Enter personal information, acknowledge the terms and conditions and verify the email.
You will receive an email with a reference number. Copy the reference number, paste it into the email verification page of your online visa pre-application form, and proceed.
Step 03: Contact Information
Enter accurate contact information and employer details, such as the name and address of the employer.
Step 04: Travel Infomation
Enter travel information, including your passport details, date of arrival, mode of travel, etc.
Use the first hotel’s address as your address in Turkey.
Step 05: Upload Soft Copies of Required Documents Below
- Your biometric photo (JPG format)
- Your passport (JPG or PDF format)
- Confirmed Air Ticket
- Proof of your income (I attached my latest salary slip. But you can add your latest bank statement as well)
- Accommodation (I attached the confirmed hotel booking, which we booked for the first few days)
- Invitation Letter (Just attach the same hotel booking which you attached above)
- Employment letter which indicates your employment details
- The document you prepared with the images of your front, back and validity of your work pass
- The latest bank statement shows you have sufficient funds for the trip.
Step 06: Carefully Review All Details and Continue
Step 07: Add New Person
Add your spouse and repeat the same steps for your spouse’s application under your application.
- 4th upload – Attached the sponsorship letter as your spouse’s proof of income
- 9th upload – If the spouse has a bank account, attach the latest bank statement under the bank statement. Otherwise, attach the same sponsorship letter.
Step 08: Download Visa Pre-Application & Confirm the Application
Step 09: Make an Appointment
Step 10: Visit the Turkish Embassy in Singapore
Please note the following before visiting the embassy.
Have hard copies of all documents which you have uploaded, plus the documents below
- A hard copy of the biometric photo
- Passport
- The sponsorship letter if you are sponsoring your wife
- Original employment letter
- Travel insurance policy document
- Original marriage certificate and a copy of it.
- Last 3 months’ bank statements
- SGD 85 per person in cash (please have some extra cash in case needed)
- Install the SGWorkPass app on your mobile.
Embassy Experience
In the embassy, an officer will check all documents, take fingerprints, collect money, and give you a receipt to collect the passport.
Here is my review about Turkish embassy in Singapore
Duration
The embassy said they will call us in 2-3 weeks. I didn’t get a call for 3 weeks. After the end of 3rd week, I email them the following date asking for an update. They asked to come in 2 days. Collected the passport in 2 days.
Validity
We applied for a single entry visa. We got it for 3 months.
Some Recommendations
- Hotel in Cappadocia: Cappadocia Pyramid Stone House ($100 per night)
- Hotel in Istanbul: Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel İstanbul ($220 per night)
Photos
We really enjoyed Turkish food and all the attractions. This was one of our favourite trips. A fantastic holiday destination.
Here are some photos captured in Turkey.
FAQs:
Can I apply for a Turkish visa online from Singapore?
- Suppose you do not have a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen member country, such as the USA, the UK, or Ireland. In that case, you must apply for a sticker visa via the Turkish embassy in Singapore.
How long does the Turkish visa process take in Singapore?
- Most cases, less than 3 weeks.
Do I need travel insurance for a Turkish visa?
- Though it’s not mentioned as a required document, you need travel insurance for your Turkey visa.
How much is the visa fee?
- 85 sing dollars per person and must be paid in cash.
That’s it for today, guys. Thank You for Reading! I hope you found this article informative and useful.
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