Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations all around the globe. They have everything you need, from astonishing landscapes to delicious cuisines. Fortunately, they even have visa exemptions for some nationalities, including Portuguese citizens.
However, before you pack your bag and start your journey, there are things you need to know. In this article, we have mentioned everything that a Portugal citizen should keep in mind while traveling to Turkey!
Turkey Visa Exemption for Portuguese
Turkey offers different types of visa services, including traditional visas, electronic visas, and transit visas. Some countries even enjoy visa exemption. This means the citizens of that nationality do not have to have a visa to enter Turkey.
Fortunately, Portugal is one of those countries. All Portuguese passport holders can visit Turkey even without applying for a visa beforehand. This visa exemption is applicable for all Portuguese passport holders, including ordinary passport holders and special passport holders, who are appointed by the International Organizations Accredited in Turkey. However, there are some things you should know about this visa exemption.
Turkey offers visa exemption for Portugal citizens for only two purposes: touristic purposes and business purposes. So, if you want to study or work in the country, you need to apply for a traditional visa by traditional means. In addition, visitors can stay in the country for just 90 days.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Portuguese citizens can only stay in the country for 90 days without a valid visa for a 180-day period from the first entry date. Once the validity ends, all applicants have to apply for a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. Otherwise, Portuguese citizens have to leave the country.
Furthermore, although Portuguese citizens enjoy visa exemption, they still need to have some important documents to enter Turkey: as discussed below!
Travel To Turkey - Entry Requirements
Traveling to Turkey as a Portuguese is certainly a piece of cake. All you need to do is follow 4 simple steps:
Enter Turkey without a visa
Go to the Turkey immigration counter
Show your travel document or original passport
Get an entry stamp and enjoy your stay
That being said, you still require some important documents passport details to enter Turkey, including:
A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages
Travel itinerary
Proof of funds
COVID-19 vaccination certification
Health declaration document
It's advised to get your COVID-19 certification beforehand to avoid self-isolation.
Turkey Health Declaration Form
The Turkey health declaration form is probably the most important required document that you need to visit Turkey without a visa. If you don’t have this document, you will be declined boarding.
The health declaration document is also known as the Form of Entry to Turkey. The document is a must-have if you want to visit the country. It is a part of COVID-19 visa requirements, all of which are designed to control the spread of the virus.
Fortunately, you don’t have to waste your time visiting the Turkish embassies or consular missions. or following complicated steps. You can get your health declaration document from VisaHQ in just 5 minutes.
To enter Turkey, you have to follow these steps:
Fill out the health declaration form
Download a copy on your mobile device
Present the copy to the border officials
Keep in mind that the health declaration form or the visa does not guarantee your entry; the immigration officials have the final say!
Getting a Turkey Visa from Portugal
If you want to visit Turkey for tourism or business purposes, simply get your health declaration form, book your flight, and present your travel documents to the immigration counter. You don’t even have to visit the Turkey embassy or get a visa as long as you will be staying for less than 90 days.
Alternatively, if you think you'll be staying longer than 90 days with a 180-day period, you're required to get a traditional visa. You cannot apply for an e-visa system as the electronic visa is actually for the short-term as well.
To apply for a traditional visa, you are required to visit the nearest Turkish mission and fill out the visa application form. Once you fill out the form, pay the visa application process fee and submit your application. On average, the processing time frame for a Turkey tourist visa is around 15 days. However, if you are in a hurry, you can always apply for an urgent visa.
Turkey Embassy in Portugal
If you are a Portuguese passport holder, you are not required to visit the Turkey embassy before you travel to Turkey. This applies if you are eligible for visa exemption. Otherwise, you might have to visit the embassy in person.
Turkey Embassy Address:
Avendia Das Descobertas
22 1400-092 Lisboa
Portugal