UK Visa Application from Ankara

Guides on this topic

• Standard Visitor visa documents checklistThere is no single fixed document list for a UK visitor visa; you are expected to show with evidence that you are a genuine visitor, that you will leave and that you can cover your costs.
• UK visitor visa refusalA UK visitor visa refusal comes with a notice that explains the reasons under the Immigration Rules. Most visit visa refusals carry no right of appeal, so the usual route is a new application that addresses those reasons.

Visa types

• Standard Visitor visa (tourism)

  For holidays and sightseeing; usually allows stays of up to six months per visit.

• Standard Visitor visa (business)

  For permitted business activities such as meetings, conferences and trade fairs; it does not allow you to work in the UK.

• Visiting family or friends

  Visiting relatives or friends in the UK is also covered by the Standard Visitor visa; an invitation letter strengthens the file.

• Student visa

  For longer courses of study in the UK; requires a CAS number from your institution and proof of funds.

Typical documents

• Valid passport and previous passports
• Online application form completed on GOV.UK
• Recent bank statements
• Employer letter, payslips and SGK service record
• For business owners: tax registration and trade registry gazette
• Accommodation details and travel plans
• For business trips: letter from the inviting company
• For family visits: invitation letter and proof of the host's status
• English translations of documents not in English or Welsh
• For students: CAS number and financial documents

Document lists vary by applicant and by consulate; the consulate's current official list is always the one that counts.

How to apply

1. 1

   Identify the visa category that fits your purpose of travel.

2. 2

   Complete and submit the online application on GOV.UK.

3. 3

   Prepare your documents and have translations made where needed.

4. 4

   Book a biometrics appointment at the authorised visa application centre.

5. 5

   Attend the appointment, give your fingerprints and photo and provide your documents.

6. 6

   Track your application and collect your passport once a decision is made.

Applying for a Standard Visitor visa from Türkiye

1. 1

   Confirm that you need a visa

   Turkey is on the Appendix Visitor: Visa National List of the UK Immigration Rules, so Turkish citizens must get a visa before travelling for tourism, business or family visits. If you also hold another nationality, run the "Check if you need a UK visa" tool on GOV.UK for that passport as well.

2. 2

   Complete the online form on GOV.UK

   Applications are online only, and the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. You can save the form and finish it later. If you apply as a family, each person needs their own application and their own appointment.

3. 3

   Book your appointment as part of the application

   During the online application you choose an appointment at the authorised visa application centre. You will see the centre locations and the current list while you apply.

4. 4

   Identity, biometrics and documents at the appointment

   At the appointment you prove your identity with your passport, have your fingerprints and photo taken and provide the documents that show you are eligible. According to GOV.UK you get your passport back the same day; the centre may keep some other documents while your application is processed.

5. 5

   Wait for the decision by email

   You receive an email when the Home Office has made a decision. GOV.UK advises not to book travel until you have a decision, as costs are not reimbursed if the application is refused. For what to prepare, see our [Standard Visitor visa documents guide](/en/destinations/uk-visa/standard-visitor-visa-documents).

Long-term visit visas: 2, 5 or 10 years

Does the ETA apply to Turkish citizens?

What you can and cannot do as a visitor

• Allowed: holidays and visiting family or friends
• Allowed: attending meetings, conferences, seminars and interviews; negotiating and signing deals and contracts
• Allowed: attending trade fairs for promotion only (without selling directly), site visits and inspections
• Allowed: recreational courses of up to 30 days (not English language training) and study of up to 6 months
• Not allowed: paid or unpaid work for a UK company, work placements or internships, or running a business as a self-employed person
• Not allowed: selling directly to the public or providing goods and services
• Not allowed: marrying or giving notice of marriage (this needs a separate Marriage Visitor visa)
• Not allowed: claiming public funds (benefits)

Practical tips

• The UK is not in the Schengen area; a Schengen visa does not let you enter the UK.
• Answer every question on the online form fully and accurately, especially about past travel and any previous refusals.
• If you travel to the UK often, consider the long-term visitor visa options.
• Translations of Turkish documents should include the translator's details and a statement confirming accuracy.

Official sources

We checked the information on this page against the official sources below. Always confirm the current rules there before you apply.

• GOV.UK — Visit the UK as a Standard Visitorgov.uk
• GOV.UK — Check if you need a UK visagov.uk
• GOV.UK — UK help and services in Türkiyegov.uk
• GOV.UK — Immigration Rules: Appendix Visitor: Visa National Listgov.uk
• GOV.UK — Immigration Rules: Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activitiesgov.uk