Reciprocal visa agreements - UK and Turkey
While it's true that visa entry regulations between Turkey and the UK (and other countries) should be reciprocal (i.e. whatever rules apply for British citizens coming to Turkey, should apply to Turkish Citizens coming into Turkey), it's clear that both countries have completely different rules which make apples-to-apples comparisons tricky and -to and extent- irrelevant.
Having said that, we've gathered information to give you some idea on how the respective visas compare (for a "Tourist Visa" and a longer term visa). Note that we have tried to provide accurate information where possible from various official sources. We have also simplified some information in order to make a simpler comparison. If you are aware of a major discrepancies, please use the comment form at the bottom of the article, or contact us.
Note that - for the moment - we have not provided a comparison regarding the citizenship process for each country.
Comparing a "Tourist Visa" (e.g. a two week holiday)
| Turkish citizen into UK | British citizen into Turkey | |
| Paperwork? | Yes [1] | No |
| Prerequisites? | Yes [2] | No |
| Cost? | £68 | £10 |
| Validity? | 6 months in 1 year | 90 days |
| Healthcare? | Yes [3] | Yes [4] |
| Work entitlement? | No | No |
| Extension Available? | Yes [5] | Yes [6] |
| Ease of getting a visa? | Very difficult [7] | Easy |
[1] Turkish citizens entering the UK must complete a 10 page form (PDF), which is provided in English only.
[2] Turkish citizens are required to provide proof of their financial status, a letter from a UK sponsor, and proof of their UK sponsors' financial status
[3] Turkish citizens are entitlement to emergency treatment only via the NHS
[4] British citizens are entitlement to emergency treatment only no matter if insured or uninsured. All hospitals (private or public) have to serve in such cases. Do not pay any fees for emergency medical services!
[5] Turkish citizens can apply for an extension, which requires more paperwork and interviews. Extensions are not issued easily. Costs vary.
[6] British citizens can get an extension in the form of a Residency Permit, which can be valid for one month to 5 years. Paperwork is required, but it's easy to get. (Costs are about £1 per day).It's also possible to extend your stay by doing a same-day "visa-run" out of the country in order to get a new stamp - however it should be noted that this is loophole which looks likely to close int he near future.
[7] Just ask any Turkish citizen! Compared to paying a £10 visa stamp on arrival in Turkey, the process just can't be compared.
Comparing longer term visas
| Turkish citizen in UK | British citizen in Turkey |
|
| Paperwork? | Yes [1] | Yes [2] |
| Prerequisites? | Yes [3] | Yes [4] |
| Cost? | £230 (up to 2 years) | £370 per year [5] |
| Healthcare? | Yes [6] | Yes [7] |
| Work entitlement? | No [8] | No [9] |
| Extension Available? | Yes [10] | Yes [10] |
| Ease of receiving basic 1 year entitlement? | Very difficult [11] | Easy |
[1] Turkish citizens staying in the UK must complete a 10 page form (PDF), which is provided in English only.
[1] British citizens staying in Turkey must complete a 2 page form (PDF), which is provided in English and Turkish.
[3] Turkish citizens staying in the UK are required to provide proof of their financial status, a letter from a UK sponsor, and proof of their UK sponsors' financial status
[4] British citizens staying in Turkey are required to provide proof of their financial status.
[5] British citizens staying in Turkey pay around £50 a year for residency, plus an initial fee of around £60 for the residency book.
[6] Turkish citizens are entitlement to Emergency treatment only via the NHS
[7] British citizens are entitlement to emergency treatment only no matter if insured or uninsured. All hospitals (private or public) have to serve in such cases. Do not pay any fees for emergency medical services!
[8] Turkish citizens may only legally work if they apply for a work permit, (which requires them to have an official English language qualification, and to pass a points-based-system).
[9] British citizens can apply for a work permit, but receiving one is notoriously difficult.
[10] Yes, through re-application
[11] Just ask any Turkish citizen! Legally staying in the UK for a period longer than 6 months in one year is very difficult.
More information
For information on the Turkish Tourist Visa, please see our article HERE.
For information on the benefits of having a Turkish Residency, please see our article HERE.