Turkey Visa Rejection Reasons & Approval Tips

Turkey rejects many Indian visa applications due to incomplete documents, weak financial proof, or unclear travel intent. 

This guide explains the main Turkey visa rejection reasons, how to check your visa status, and what to do if your visa is denied to help you secure approval easily.

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11 Reasons for Turkey Visa Rejection for Indians

Several factors can lead to avisa refusal for Indian nationals. Here are the most common causes to why visa gets rejected:

1. Application Timings

Timing your Turkey visa application right is crucial. Apply too late, and you might not have your visa in time for your trip.

• eVisa Turkey: Apply at least 48 hours before your trip. Processing usually takes 24 hours.
• Turkey Sticker Visa: Apply at least 15 days before your travel date. Processing can take up to 10 working days.
• Turkey Visa on Arrival: Available for select Indian passport holders. Check eligibility before departure.

2. Incomplete Application Form

An incomplete Turkey tourist visa application form is a surefire way to face rejection. Pay attention to these details:

Turkey eVisa Application Form

• Fill the online form completely.
• Provide accurate personal, passport, and travel details.
• The form is available in English.

Turkey Sticker Visa Application Form

• Download and print the form.
• Fill in all fields accurately.
• Provide your signature where required.
• The form can be completed in English or Turkish.

5 Common Mistakes That Happen While Filling Out The Form

• Wrong email address: Your visa approval or queries may be sent there; double-check for typos.
• Inconsistent data: Make sure your name, passport number, birthdate, etc., match exactly across all documents and the form.
• Incorrect passport details: Even a single wrong digit in your passport number, issue date, or expiry date can nullify your application.
• Inadequate travel plans: Submitting vague itineraries raises suspicion. Provide a day-by-day plan with dates, accommodations, and bookings.
• Leaving mandatory fields blank: Do not skip any required (asterisked) entries. If something doesn’t apply, put “N/A”; never leave it blank.

3. Visa Interview Gone Wrong

Turkey tourist visa applicants from India may sometimes be called for an interview. Here’s what you need to know:

What are some Turkey visa interview problems?

• Being unprepared to answer questions about your trip
• Providing inconsistent information
• Failing to demonstrate strong ties to India
• Inappropriate behavior or attire

What are the common interview questions asked for a Turkey visa?

• What is the purpose of your visit to Turkey?
• How long do you intend to stay?
• Where will you be staying in Turkey?
• How will you fund your trip?
• What is your occupation in India?
• Have you visited Turkey before?

4. Lack of Ties with Home Country

Turkey visa officials want to ensure you’ll return to India after your visit. Demonstrate your strong roots in India through:

• A stable job with an approved leave letter
• Proof of property ownership
• Evidence of family ties in India
• Enrollment in an ongoing educational course
• Investments or business ownership in India

5. Insufficient Funds

You must prove you have enough funds to cover your Turkey trip. As a thumb rule, you need:

• Minimum 50 USD per day of your stay
• Around 350 USD for a week-long visit
• Approximately 1500 USD for a month-long stay

Provide attested bank statements for the last 6 months to demonstrate your financial health.

6. Insufficient Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for Turkey tourist visas. Your policy must:

• Provide minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR
• Be valid in all Schengen countries
• Cover repatriation of remains and emergency medical expenses

For short stays up to 10 days, a 10,000 EUR coverage may suffice. For longer trips, opt for at least 30,000 EUR.

Must Read: How to Book a Visa Appointment for Turkey

7. Overstaying a Previous Visa

If you’ve overstayed a previous Turkish visa, you may face:

• Fines up to 10 times the visa fee
• Deportation and a 5-year entry ban
• Difficulties obtaining visas for Turkey and other countries

When reapplying after an overstay, provide a compelling reason and assure officials you’ll adhere to the visa terms.

8. Incomplete Documentation

Forgetting a crucial document can mean a quick visa rejection for Indians. Here’s a checklist:

Mandatory Documents:

• Valid passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 6 months beyond return date
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Recent passport-size photographs with a white background
• Travel health insurance policy
• Proof of accommodation
• Flight reservation or itinerary
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, ITR, etc.)
• Cover letter stating trip purpose and itinerary

Supporting Documents:

• Employment contract and leave approval letter
• Proof of business ownership, if self-employed
• Invitation letter from Turkish host, if applicable
• Student ID card and enrollment letter, for students

Provide original documents wherever required and attested photocopies.

9. False Information on Visa Applications

Providing false or misleading information on your Turkey visa application can lead to:

• Immediate visa rejection
• A permanent record in Turkey’s immigration database
• Bans on future travel to Turkey
• Potential legal consequences

Always provide truthful, consistent information that matches your supporting documents.

10. Records in the Destination

Turkey maintains records of foreign nationals’ activities within its borders, including:

• Visa violations like overstays
• Illegal work or business activities
• Criminal offenses or arrests
• Deportations or entry bans

Any adverse records from previous Turkey visits can jeopardize future visa applications. Be transparent about past issues and how you’ve rectified them.

11. Health Issues

Turkey doesn’t impose strict health requirements on tourist visa applicants, but it’s important to be aware of factors that could contribute to a Turkey visa rejection for Indian travelers. You may need to provide:

• A health certificate showing you’re free of contagious diseases
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from an at-risk country
• COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative test, as per current guidelines

Serious health conditions that may burden Turkey’s healthcare system can be grounds for Turkey visa denial.

Must Read: Turkey Visa – E-Visa Requirements, Eligibility & How To Apply

How To Check Your Visa Rejection Status

• eVisa Turkey:
• Log in to the Turkish eVisa portal with your application number and passport details.
• Your visa status will be displayed. An “Unsuccessful” status means rejection.
• Turkey Sticker Visa:
• Contact the Turkish Embassy or VFS Global where you applied.
• Provide your application reference number to know your status.
• Collect your passport in person or via courier if rejected.

Must Read: Turkey Visa Extension for Indians

Visa Rejection Refund Policy

The Turkey eVisa fee is non-refundable in case of rejection. For sticker visas, you may be eligible for a partial refund of your visa fee, minus processing charges. Check with the Turkish Embassy for details.

Must Read: Turkey Visa Photo Requirements for Filipinos (Residing in UAE)

What Should You Do After Turkey Visa Refusal?

If your Turkey tourist visa application is rejected, you have two options:

• Appeal the Decision: If you believe the visa rejection was unjustified or based on incorrect information, you can appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving the refusal notice. Provide additional supporting documents and a detailed explanation of why you think the rejection was wrong.
• Reapply for the Visa: If the rejection was due to incomplete documentation or fixable errors, you can submit a new Turkey visa application. Carefully review the reasons for refusal and address them in your new application. Make sure to provide all required documents and double-check for accuracy.

The best course of action depends on your individual circumstances and the specific reasons for your visa rejection.

Must Read: Turkey Visa Rejection for Indian Nationals

How to Avoid Turkey Visa Rejection?

• Double-check that all details match exactly (passport, name, dates), avoid any discrepancies.
• Submit complete and accurate documentation include clear copies of proof of accommodation, flight bookings, bank statements, etc.

• Demonstrate stable financial backing, show at least ~USD 50/day or equivalent, with supporting bank statements.
• Show strong ties to India, employment letter, property documents, family commitments, or student enrollment.

• Be transparent about any past visa refusals or overstays, explain them honestly, attach proofs or mitigating reasons.

Must Read: Turkey Visa Photo Size Requirement & Specification Guide

Guide to Appealing Your Visa Rejection

To appeal a Turkey visa rejection, follow these steps:

• Review the rejection letter carefully. It will state the reason(s) for denial.
• Gather additional documents to address the rejection reason(s).
• Write an appeal letter explaining why you believe the rejection was incorrect.
• Submit your appeal to the Turkish Embassy within 30 days of receiving the rejection.

Processing of Turkey visa appeals can take 1-2 months. The decision on your appeal is final.

Must Read: Visa Free Countries for Turkey Passport Holders [Including VOA, eVisa & ETA]

How to File a New Application After Turkey Visitor Visa Refusal?

If you decide to reapply for a Turkey tourist visa after a rejection, here’s what to do:

• Review the rejection reasons: Carefully read the refusal letter and identify the issues that led to your visa denial.
• Fix the issues: Gather additional documents, clarify any inconsistencies, and strengthen your overall application to address the rejection grounds.
• Apply afresh: Fill out a new visa application form, pay the visa fee, and submit your updated documents and passport. You may need to schedule a new appointment if applying for a sticker visa.
• Wait for processing: The processing time for a reapplication is the same as a fresh application. Track your status online or contact the embassy for updates.

Reapplying after a visa rejection requires a thorough analysis of your case and a compelling new application.

Must Read: Check Turkey Visa Status Online Using Passport Number

FAQs

1. What are the common reasons for Turkey visa rejection for Indians?

Insufficient funds, lack of ties to India, incomplete documentation, false information, and adverse immigration records are among the top reasons for Turkey visa rejection for Indian applicants.

2. Does a previous visa rejection affect future applications for Indians?

Yes, a prior visa rejection can impact future applications. You’ll need to provide additional documents and a compelling cover letter to address the previous rejection reasons.

3. Can you reapply after a visa rejection?

Yes, you can reapply for a Turkey tourist visa immediately after a rejection. However, ensure you’ve fully addressed the Turkey visa rejection reasons for the previous denial before reapplying.

4. If Turkey visa gets rejected when can i apply again?

You can reapply for a Turkey visa right after a rejection if you’ve resolved the issues that led to the initial denial. There’s no mandatory waiting period.

5. Is there a Turkey visa appeal process?

Yes, you can appeal a visa rejection within 30 days of the decision. Submit an appeal letter and supporting documents to the Turkish Embassy. The embassy’s decision on your appeal is final.

6. How much bank balance is required for a Turkey visa?

You should have at least 50 USD per day of your intended stay in Turkey. For a 1-week visit, you’d need a minimum of 350 USD. For a month-long trip, around 1500 USD is recommended.

7. What is the Turkey tourist visa rejection rate for Indians?

The Turkey visa rejection rate for Indian nationals was around 5.4% in 2023. While this is lower than the average Schengen visa refusal rate, it still means 1 in 20 Indian applications get rejected.

8. What is the Turkey visa photo specification?

Your Turkey visa photo must be:

• Passport-style with a white background
• Taken within the last 6 months
• 5.5 cm x 4.5 cm in size
• Showing your full face without sunglasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)

9. How do I write a cover letter for a Turkey visa?

Your Turkey visa cover letter should include:

• Your name, contact details, and passport number
• The purpose and dates of your visit
• Your complete itinerary in Turkey
• Details of your accommodation and flights
• Proof of your ties to India and intent to return
• An assurance that you’ll abide by Turkey’s visa rules

10. What if I have a criminal record? Can I still get a Turkey visa?

A criminal history can make it more difficult to get a Turkey tourist visa. You’ll need to declare all past convictions on your application. Minor offenses may be accepted with additional documentation, but serious crimes can lead to visa rejection. Be mindful that a criminal record may impact your approvals, increasing the chances of Turkey visa rejection for Indian citizens.