How to Get a Long-Term Tourist Visa in Turkey

This is a detailed post on how to get a long term tourist visa in Ankara, Turkey. It describes the steps and requirements with a focus on the application process if you're already in Turkey. It's pretty technical so feel free to check out other posts like 5 Must Haves for Traveling Abroad or What to Pack!

Step 1: Find Application
This goes for any country: begin researching visa requirements 6 months prior to moving since delays, questions, and other obstacles will inevitably pop up along the way.

You can pick up an app for an extended, residence, or long-term tourist visa at your local embassy. Alternatively, you may be able to download one online but I'm not certain where you might find it.

Don't wait until you've arrived to apply! You'll be harder pressed to find fluent English speakers in Ankara. If you do wait though, there's an office near the police station by Anka Mall where you can grab an application. The office is usually open between 9am-5pm with a break between 12pm-1pm.


Step 2: Submit Application
You'll need the completed application form, one passport-sized photo, your original passport plus a copy, a bank statement showing at least $6,000 in your account, a copy of your hotel reservations or Turkish address, and a notarized written contract. Gather all requirements prior to submission.

Depending on where you obtained the application, you can submit it the same day. If submitting in-person in Ankara, there's a one month waiting period between submission and returning to the office for further instruction. 

Upon in-person submission, you'll receive a half slip of paper with details of your application. Don't lose this paper! It's imperative you hold onto it otherwise you'll create a headache for yourself trying to overcome language barriers, explain the situation, and possibly reapplying. This is doubly important if for whatever reason you're not allotted the typical 180 day tourist visa and need that paper as proof that you're allowed to be in the country.


Step 3: Return to Office
Return to the station on the date specified on the half-slip of paper. Arrive after 3:00pm as return visit processing is not handled before that time. Upon arrival, you'll be asked for the half-slip of paper, passport, and address so bring along a utility bill for simplicity's sake. 

After entering your address, the office will release your visa to the post office who deliver it to the listed address within 3 months. Sit tight and pray for a speedy delivery!

What Should You Pack When Traveling?

Living in 3 countries in 6 months has taught me what to pack and how to do so efficiently. I've assembled the below guide on how to decide what to pack when planning a trip. But first, some Basic Questions: Do you plan to stay for one week, month, year? How's the weather and climate? What will you purchase during your stay? Answering these determines how much to pack.

Now onto the guide!

Clothes. Basic tanks, tees, long sleeve shirts, one light and one heavy jacket, sleepwear, a couple pairs of jeans, flats, sneakers, and rain boots are all you really need. Leave behind anything that doesn't serve enough purpose - how often will you be wearing clubbing clothes anyway? 

Electronics. Phones, iPads or laptops may be necessary - full on gaming systems and semi-functional chargers are not.

Medical Supplies. Between securing an address, waiting on customs, and submitting prescriptions (from a local doctor, at that), don't assume it'll be easy to ship over medical supplies. Pack an extra month's worth of supplies in case everything doesn't go according to plan.

Books. You're either working or on vacation. Stick to only a couple books for the flight over.

Gadgets. Non-professional cameras are a must while other items should be chosen wisely. Moving into a furnished apartment? New kitchen gadgets will cost less than overweight baggage fees.

Hygiene. This one is tricky since some places might not offer specific items or brands you need (e.g. acne products, silicone-free hair products). Take either travel or full size items with you.

Non-essentials. Consider use vs size. My fiance and I have a small photo album which isn't essential but is sentimental and small enough to be worth packing.

Hopefully now you can sort essentials from junk to make for a fun and memorable adventure!

How Traveling Changes You

"Traveling changes you as a person" is a phrase I often heard from my more worldly family and friends. Now that I've had the opportunity to travel, I better understand what they meant. Here are a few ways in which traveling changes you:

Traveling makes you more cultured. Exposure to cultures other than your own makes you more tolerant and understanding of others. It also forces you to question the moralities of your own culture, which is challenging but can be highly rewarding.

America is no longer the center of your world. I catch myself wondering if online news articles are discussing events in America or elsewhere; previously I just assumed they did. While it was arguably a safe assumption to make, I became aware of an assumption I didn't even realize I held.

Focus on similarities instead of differences. You stop caring about small bullshit and start perceiving all humans as connected. Who cares about politics or prom when everyone is just struggling to survive? You value each individual life on a more real level now that you've directly interacted more frequently with increasingly diverse people.

Gratitude. I am seriously privileged to have this opportunity. I appreciate my own fortune and focus on being happy with what I have, not having what makes me happy.

Humility. There's no benefit in comparing myself against others, because my worth isn't determined by the size of my neighbor's house - it's how you treat people that matters.

I realize that I've shared a lot of platitudes here that aren't necessarily unique or original. The takeaway here is to push yourself outside your comfort zone in order to grow as a person.

LA natives are already especially aware of the melting pot we live in - take advantage of this opportunity! Stray outside of Beverly Hills, get to know your neighbors, make an attempt at learning more about other cultures. Invest time learning about others to learn about yourself in the process.

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."