Introduction
Are you a Turkish passport holder dreaming of exploring the United Kingdom for tourism, business, study, or even permanent settlement? If yes, then understanding the UK visa for Turkish citizens is your first and most crucial step. Whether you’re planning to visit London’s historic landmarks, attend a conference in Manchester, or join family in Birmingham, the UK visa process can feel overwhelming — but don’t worry, we’ve got your back with a detailed, simple-to-follow guide.
Understanding the UK Visa Options for Turkish Nationals
Turkish citizens are not visa-exempt for the UK, meaning they must obtain a valid visa before traveling. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. Most Turkish travelers apply for one of the following categories: Standard Visitor Visa, Student Visa, or Work Visa.
The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study. The Student Visa is for those enrolling in a UK educational institution for more than 6 months. On the other hand, Turkish professionals can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa if they have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license.
How Much Does a UK Visa Cost for Turkish Citizens?
The cost of a UK visa for Turkish citizens varies depending on the visa type and duration. As of now, the Standard Visitor Visa costs £115 (approx. 4,750–5,000 TRY). A Student Visa starts at £490, while a Skilled Worker Visa can range between £610 and £1,408, depending on the length of your employment contract.
Besides the main visa fee, you also need to factor in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for long-term visas, which is £776 per year for students and £1,035 per year for workers. Also, many applicants opt for priority services, which can speed up processing but add an extra cost of £500–£1,000 depending on urgency.
Common UK Visa Types for Turkish Nationals
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most commonly chosen visas by Turkish applicants:
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Standard Visitor Visa – £115: For tourism, attending family functions, short business trips, or medical treatments. Valid for up to 6 months and renewable from within the UK only under special circumstances.
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Student Visa – £490: Required for full-time courses lasting more than 6 months. You’ll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK university to apply.
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Skilled Worker Visa – £610–£1,408: Designed for Turkish professionals with a job offer in the UK. Your UK employer must be a registered sponsor, and your job must meet the salary threshold.
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UK Ancestry or Settlement Visa: For Turkish citizens with UK roots or family ties. These are long-term visas that may lead to permanent residency (ILR).
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Youth Mobility Scheme (18–30 years): Turkish citizens currently cannot apply under this scheme, but future changes in immigration policy could open doors.
Step-by-Step UK Visa Application Process from Turkey
Once you’ve chosen the right visa, it’s time to go through the actual application. The entire process is done online via the UK Government official website, but biometric submission must be done at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Turkey — usually in Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir.
After creating an account, filling out the application form, and paying the fee, you must book an appointment for biometric data submission. You’ll need to carry your printed application, passport, photograph, financial documents, and in some cases, a sponsor letter. Processing times vary: Standard services take 3 weeks, while priority services may deliver results in 5–7 working days.
Application Steps for Turkish Citizens
Here’s a simple step-by-step process Turkish citizens can follow to apply for a UK visa:
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Create an Online Account: Go to the gov.uk website, choose your visa type, and fill out the application form with personal and travel details.
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Pay Visa Fees Online: Fees must be paid in British Pounds using a credit/debit card. Don’t forget the Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable).
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Book a Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre in Turkey to submit fingerprints and documents.
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Gather Required Documents: Include a valid passport, photos, financial proof (like bank statements), travel itinerary, and any sponsor or invitation letters.
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Wait for a Decision: Standard processing time is about 15 working days. You’ll receive a decision email, followed by your passport via courier or in-person pickup.
Important Things to Know Before You Apply
Turkish citizens enjoy some special arrangements under historical treaties such as the Ankara Agreement, though most of these rights are no longer active after Brexit. Still, if you’ve previously had rights under UK-Turkey worker agreements, you might be eligible for certain residence routes.
Also, keep in mind that the UK immigration system is points-based, especially for work and student visas. So, make sure your qualifications, English skills, and financial proofs align with UK Home Office standards. Lastly, all documents not originally in English must be translated and certified before submission.
Also Read: How to Process Australia Work Visa From Dubai 2025
Conclusion
Getting a UK visa for Turkish citizens doesn’t have to be a stressful process. With the right information, supporting documents, and proper planning, you can get your visa approved on the first attempt. From choosing the correct visa type to submitting your application at the right center, every step matters.
Remember, the costs can add up — especially if you need urgent processing or long-term residency. But with smart budgeting and attention to detail, your journey to the UK can begin smoothly. So, whether you’re heading to the UK for a weekend getaway, a business seminar, or a university degree — apply early, be thorough, and enjoy your British adventure.
FAQ About UK Visa For Turkish Citizens
Q1: Do Turkish citizens need a visa for UK?
Ans: Yes, Turkish citizens must apply for a UK visa before traveling, whether for tourism, work, or study.
Q2: How do Turkish people come to the UK?
Ans: They must apply for a suitable UK visa (like Standard Visitor, Student, or Work visa) and meet all entry requirements.
Q3: Is Turkey visa free for UK citizens?
Ans: Yes, UK citizens can enter Turkey visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Q4: Can I marry my Turkish boyfriend in the UK?
Ans: Yes, but your partner must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa or Fiancé Visa before entering the UK to marry.
Q5: How can a Turkish person get a UK visa?
Ans: They need to apply online via the UK government portal, provide biometric data, attend an appointment, and submit supporting documents.
Q6: How long can a Turkish citizen stay in the UK?
Ans: With a Standard Visitor Visa, they can stay up to 6 months; other visas allow longer stays depending on the visa type.
Q7: How much bank balance is required for a UK visa?
Ans: There’s no fixed amount, but applicants should show enough funds to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses—usually at least £1,000–£2,000.
Q8: How long does it take to get a UK visa from Turkey?
Ans: Standard UK visa processing takes around 3 weeks, but priority services may shorten this to 5–7 working days.