Turkish visa for Ukraine citizens

Ukraine citizens enjoy a visa-free regime with Turkey, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This privilege includes travelers with biometric passports in the form of an ID card.

Entry Requirements for Ukrainian Citizens

To enter Turkey, Ukrainian citizens need to meet specific requirements:

Required Documents

• Valid Passport or ID Card: Ensure your passport has a validity of at least 150 days beyond your planned departure date. Alternatively, an ID card is acceptable.
• Round-Trip Airline Tickets: Book your round-trip flights to Turkey.
• Hotel Rental Agreement: Provide proof of your accommodation reservation in Turkey.
• Proof of Financial Security: Demonstrate your financial means to support your stay.
• Health Insurance Policy: Secure health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Health insurance is a vital requirement for a tourist trip to Turkey. It not only needs to be presented when crossing the border but also serves as a financial safeguard in case of emergencies.

Extending Your Stay

While the visa-free stay is for up to 90 days within 180 days, Ukrainian citizens can apply to the Migration Service of the Republic of Turkey to obtain a residence permit, such as a tourist or humanitarian permit. 

These permits allow legal residence in Turkey, offering various benefits, including free housing, life insurance, and access to medical services.

Traveling to Turkey by Car

If you plan to drive your own car to Turkey, it's essential to obtain a Green Card, which serves as compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad. To get this insurance, you'll need:

• Passport: Your Ukrainian passport.
• International Passport: Ensure your international passport is in order.
• Car Registration Certificate: Proof of your vehicle's registration.

Applying for this insurance is a straightforward process, requiring you to provide necessary information and pay for the service.

Entry During Conflict

During times of conflict, additional measures and requirements may be in place for Ukrainians traveling to Turkey:

• Completion of a Form: You must complete a specific form at the Turkish border. Failure to fill out the form or providing false information may result in administrative sanctions and entry bans.
• Embassy Support: The Embassy of Ukraine collaborates with Turkish authorities to provide social protection and recommendations for Ukrainian citizens.
• Information Submission: Before leaving for Turkey or upon arrival, you need to enter your information into a designated form.

Requirements at the Turkish Border

Turkish authorities have specific requirements for documents when Ukrainian citizens cross the border:

• Valid Passport or ID Card: Ensure your passport is valid. For land transport through the EU, you can extend the validity of your passport at the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania or the Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria, free of charge.
• Child's Passport: If a child doesn't have a passport, obtaining a pass based on the birth certificate is possible, with representation by power of attorney, individually coordinated with the Embassy and the State Migration Service of Turkey.

Types of Residence Permits

Turkey offers three types of residence permits for Ukrainian citizens:

1. Tourist Residence Permit

• Validity: Up to 2 years.
• Benefits: Includes insurance treatment at local hospitals, the opportunity to buy a car, get a local driver's license, take out a loan, mortgage, teach a child in a public school, learn languages for free, and open a business.
• Limitation: Does not permit employment; a separate work permit is required.

2. Humanitarian Residence Permit

• Duration: One year.
• Alternative: Issued when not all required documents are available for a tourist permit.
• Health Insurance: Requires health insurance.
• Employment: Does not permit employment; a separate work permit is required.

3. International Protection Status (Refugee Status)

• Duration: One year, renewable.
• Work: Allows work without a separate work permit six months after application.
• Benefits: Includes free state health insurance, education in public schools, housing assistance if needed, and opening bank accounts.
• Travel Restrictions: Requires staying within the province of application, with limited travel.

Each status has its suitability based on your plans and circumstances.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide provides valuable information for Ukrainian citizens planning to visit Turkey, including visa-free stays and the process of obtaining residence permits. Understanding the requirements and benefits of each permit can make your stay in Turkey enjoyable and secure.

FAQ

1. Do Ukrainian citizens need a visa to enter Turkey?

No, Ukrainian citizens can enter Turkey without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

2. What are the entry requirements for Ukrainian citizens traveling to Turkey?

Ukrainian citizens need a valid passport or ID card, round-trip airline tickets, a hotel rental agreement, proof of financial security, and health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

3. Is health insurance mandatory for Ukrainian citizens traveling to Turkey?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for Ukrainian citizens traveling to Turkey. It must be presented when crossing the border and provides financial protection in case of emergencies.

4. How can Ukrainian citizens extend their stay in Turkey?

To extend their stay in Turkey beyond the 90-day visa-free period, Ukrainian citizens can apply for a residence permit, such as a tourist or humanitarian permit, through the Migration Service of the Republic of Turkey.

5. What is a Green Card, and why is it necessary for Ukrainian citizens traveling to Turkey by car?

A Green Card is compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad. Ukrainian citizens traveling to Turkey by car need this insurance to ensure they are covered in case of accidents or other unforeseen incidents.