Turkey Visas and Permits for German Citizens

Turkey’s flourishing cities, picturesque ruins, majestic monuments, and spectacular beaches have been a favorite for travelers across the world who are looking for a perfect getaway. Citizens of Germany, who wish to visit the country, may not need a traditional Turkey visa, depending on the nature of their trip. Here’s what they need to know about traveling to Turkey.  

What Do Citizens of Germany Need to Enter Turkey?

German travelers are exempt from applying for a traditional Turkish visa or an eVisa to enter the country for short-term visits that do not exceed 90 days. This exemption is only for visits related to tourism and business. Germans can enter Turkey without a visa. They need a passport or an ID card that has a minimum validity of at least six months. This is applicable to both official and ordinary passport holders.  

In rare circumstances, the Turkish government also accepts German passports and ID cards that expired within the last year. While the passport is a booklet with at least 32 pages, the German ID card is a small card, almost the size of a credit card. It is easy to carry, and all Germans above 16 years are supposed to get it from their respective local registration offices. As per the directive of the Turkish foreign affairs ministry, both documents are accepted as official identification in Turkey.  

After Arriving at a Turkish Airport

Travelers from Germany, after arriving at an international airport in Turkey, can directly go to the immigration counter. They have to submit their original German passport and ID card with a validity of at least six months at the counter. They also need to present their travel itinerary, including hotel reservations and proof of money to support their stay in the country. 

Visitors from Germany should declare their intention to return to their home country after the allowed period of stay. It is advised to keep the details of the return ticket handy.  

The immigration officers may ask for personal information like permanent address in Germany, phone number, and date of birth. This is usually done to verify the traveler’s identity. If the information does not match that given in their German passport or ID card, their entry will most likely be rejected.

The customs staff may also enquire about the visitors’ previous convictions, arrests, or travel history. Dishonesty is a valid reason to reject the entry. There can also be a few questions about the nature of the trip. 

If their papers are in proper order and their answers satisfactory, they will get their entry stamp( which is equal to a Turkey visa). The entry stamp will have the date of expiry.  

In normal circumstances, the entry stamp is valid for 90 days. However, the immigration officers at the airport can decide the date of expiry based on the visitor and the purpose of his/her travel. It is to be noted that the entry stamp is valid only for tourism or business purposes. 

German citizens staying in Turkey with this document cannot engage in activities like paid employment. Violation of this rule may result in cancellation of the entry stamp, hefty fines, or in some cases, deportation. German nationals with criminal inadmissibility are also excluded from this exemption. The visa exemption is applicable only to travelers with an original German passport or ID card. 

What is a Turkish eVisa?

The Turkey eVisa is an electronic visa that is offered to certain travelers (Germans are exempt).

Can I Extend My Turkish Entry Stamp?

The Turkish government insists all foreign travelers leave the country within the permitted visa-validity period. Only on extremely rare occasions does the government allow the Turkey visa or entry stamp extension. In such circumstances, travelers from Germany have to make a written pledge that they will apply for a short-term residence permit after their re-entry to Turkey within 10 days. This is a conditional entry, and failure of which will have severe consequences like fines.  

What is a Short-term Residence Permit?

A short-term residence permit is a legal authorization document issued by the Turkish government to foreigners who wish to live in the country for more than 90 days. For visits that last less than three months, foreigners must get a Turkey visa or other permissions. The permit allows its holders to study, get a driving license, and buy or invest in real estate properties. To engage in paid employment, all foreigners, including German citizens, must get a work permit which is considered equal to the short-term residence permit.     

How to apply? To apply for a short-term residence permit, Germans need to log in to the Turkish government’s e-residence application system. They have to schedule an appointment with the Turkey embassy or consulate at a later date. After that, they can visit the mission with all the required documents, including a passport, the completed application form, photographs, and others. The short-term permit is generally issued for two years. However, German investors can get their permit validity extended up to five years. They need to get special permission from the Turkish government.

Conclusion

The Turkish visa or entry stamp granted to visitors from Germany does not guarantee absolute entry rights to Turkey. The final decision is left to the discretion of the immigration and customs officers at the port of entry. All travelers must comply with customs rules and should not carry any prohibited or restricted items in their luggage. They have to behave in an orderly manner and should prove that they do not pose any threat to the country or its citizens. As long as they can do this, they can enter Turkey and can enjoy all the experiences that the nation can offer.