Passport Application

What Is a Passport?

A passport is an official identity document issued by a government authority that certifies an individual's identity and nationality for international travel. It confirms that the holder has the right to leave their home country and enter a foreign country.

Typically, a passport includes the following elements:

Biometric photograph of the holder
Personal identification details (name, date of birth, etc.)
Nationality information
Signature or digital signature

Passports play a vital role in border control, identity verification, and entry/exit monitoring. Each country defines its own types of passports, application procedures, and validity periods. While some countries require a visa for entry, others allow visa-free travel through bilateral or multilateral agreements.

How to Apply for a Passport in Turkey

Citizens of the Republic of Turkey can apply for a passport through the following channels:

Within Turkey:

Ordinary Passport (Bordo / Maroon):
Apply at provincial or district civil registration offices (nüfus müdürlükleri).
Special (Green) and Service (Grey) Passports:
Apply at provincial directorates of population and citizenship affairs.

Outside of Turkey:

Apply through Turkish foreign representations (embassies and consulates).

Appointments must be scheduled via https://randevu.nvi.gov.tr or by calling the ALO 199 call center.

Types of Passports Issued in Turkey

The Republic of Turkey issues six types of passports, each designed for individuals with different statuses or responsibilities:

1. Ordinary Passport (Maroon)

Issued to the general public
Used for personal and touristic travel

2. Special Passport (Green)

Issued to certain public officials and their first-degree relatives

3. Service Passport (Grey)

Granted to individuals traveling abroad on official government duty

4. Diplomatic Passport (Black)

Issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Reserved for diplomats and high-ranking state officials

5. Passport for Foreign Nationals

Issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management to stateless individuals

6. Temporary Passport (Pink)

Provided by Turkish missions abroad
For individuals who lose their passport or whose passport has expired while overseas

Ordinary Passport (Maroon Passport)

The Ordinary Passport, also known as the Maroon Passport, is the most commonly issued type of passport in Turkey. It is granted to Turkish citizens who are not public officials or do not hold a special government status.

This passport is used for purposes such as:

Tourism
Business trips
Education
Private visits

While it allows visa-free access to certain countries, many destinations still require a visa in advance depending on bilateral agreements.

Required Documents for Ordinary Passport Application

Applicants must prepare the following documents when applying for an ordinary passport:

Republic of Turkey Identity Card, national ID card, or temporary identity certificate
1 biometric photograph, taken within the last 6 months
Consent letter from a legal guardian or parent, if the applicant is underage or legally incapacitated
Student certificate for those applying for a fee-exempt (student) passport
- (If verified via the e-Government system, a printed copy is not required)
Payment of passport fee and booklet fee
- (No receipt is necessary if payment is visible in the system)
Previous passport, if available
- (Must be submitted if not yet cancelled)

Special Passport (Green Passport)

The Special Passport, commonly referred to as the Green Passport, is an official travel document issued to eligible public officials, retired civil servants, certain professionals, and their first-degree relatives under specific conditions. It offers significant advantages in terms of international mobility, especially compared to the Ordinary (Maroon) Passport, as it grants visa-free access to a broader range of countries.

Who Can Apply for a Green Passport?

The following groups are eligible for a Green Passport:

Active government employees in designated civil service roles
Retired public servants
Former members of parliament and mayors who meet specific criteria
Exporters, lawyers, and certain professionals designated under special statutes
Individuals previously holding qualified public positions

Additionally, first-degree family members (spouses and children) may also be entitled to a Green Passport under certain conditions.

Key Features of the Green Passport

Grants visa-free travel to a large number of countries
Often used for official government duties, business purposes, sports competitions, and international events
May also be used for touristic purposes, although its issuance and usage are based on official status and criteria

Required Documents for Green Passport Application

To apply for a Green Passport, the following documents must be submitted:

Turkish Republic ID card, national identity document, or temporary ID certificate
1 biometric photo (taken within the last 6 months)
Special Passport Request Form (for active civil servants, exporters, and lawyers)
Service status document from the last employing institution (for retirees and those who resigned)
Official letter from the Social Security Institution (SGK) for retired mayors
Consent letter for minors or individuals under legal guardianship
- (Required only if the legal guardian is not present during the application)
Student certificate (for children; not needed if verifiable through the national e-system)
Medical Board Report (for adult children with disabilities)
Previous passport, if applicable and not yet cancelled
Proof of passport booklet fee payment (no passport fee required; exemption applies)
- (Receipt is not needed if payment is recorded in the system)

Service Passport (Grey Passport)

The Service Passport, commonly known as the Grey Passport, is issued to individuals who are assigned official duties abroad on behalf of the Turkish state or affiliated institutions. It is designed exclusively for government-authorized missions and cannot be used for private or touristic purposes.

Who Can Obtain a Grey Passport?

This type of passport is issued to:

Individuals assigned abroad by municipalities, special provincial administrations, international organizations, or similar institutions
Individuals sent on official duty by entities such as the Turkish Red Crescent or the Turkish Aeronautical Association

Key Features of the Grey Passport

It is strictly for official purposes only
Cannot be used for tourism or private travel
Misuse of the grey passport (e.g., for touristic purposes) may result in legal consequences for both the passport holder and the issuing institution
Compared to the ordinary (maroon) passport, the grey passport provides visa-free access to a wider range of countries, facilitating official travel

Required Documents for Service Passport Application

To apply for a Service (Grey) Passport, the following documents are required:

Turkish ID card, national identity certificate, or temporary identity document
1 biometric photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
Service Passport Request Form
For non-civil servants: Official assignment letter along with the request form
Student certificate (for children; not required if verified in the national system. If not a student, the passport is issued up to age 18)
Medical Board Report (for adult children with disabilities)
Consent letter (for individuals under legal guardianship or underage)
Previous passport, if available
Payment proof for the passport booklet fee
- (No passport fee is required; receipts are not necessary if payment is recorded in the system)

Diplomatic Passport (Black Passport)

The Diplomatic Passport, commonly referred to as the Black Passport, is a special travel document issued to individuals serving in high-ranking official positions on behalf of the Republic of Turkey. This type of passport signifies diplomatic status and is granted only to a select group of public officials.

Who Is Eligible for a Diplomatic Passport?

Diplomatic passports are issued to the following high-level officials:

President of the Republic, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers
Members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM)
Members of the Constitutional Court
Governors (Valis)
Personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ambassadors and career diplomats
Chief of the General Staff and high-ranking military officers, such as Force Commanders

These individuals typically use diplomatic passports during international assignments, bilateral relations, and official state visits.

Key Features of the Diplomatic Passport

Grants wider visa-free access compared to other types of passports
Eligible family members may also benefit under certain conditions
Exempt from passport fees
Valid only for the duration of the official assignment

Passport for Stateless Persons (Special Passport for Foreign Nationals)

A Special Passport for Foreign Nationals (also known as a Passport for Stateless Persons) is a travel document issued to individuals who do not possess any nationality (stateless persons) or whose citizenship status is legally undefined.

Legal Basis

This passport is issued in accordance with Article 18 of Law No. 5682 on Passports.
It does not grant Turkish citizenship, nor does it serve as a means of acquiring nationality. Issuance is subject to the discretion of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey.

Types of Stateless Passports

Single-Entry or Single-Exit Passports
- Issued solely for entry into or exit from Turkey
- Must be used within one month from the date of issue
Round-Trip Passports
- Valid for a period determined at the discretion of the Ministry of Interior
- Minimum validity: 3 months

Additional Features

Navy blue cover with 60 pages
Minor children who are listed in the accompaniment section (and are financially dependent) may travel using the same passport
Can be issued through Turkish consulates abroad
A photograph is mandatory
No passport fee is required for this type of document

Temporary Passport (Pink Passport)

The Temporary Passport, commonly referred to as the Pink Passport, is a single-use travel document issued to Turkish citizens who are abroad and need to urgently return to Turkey. This passport is issued exclusively by Turkish diplomatic and consular missions.

When Is It Issued?

A temporary passport is granted in the following situations:

Loss or theft of the original passport
Expiration of the passport’s validity
Deportation or other urgent circumstances requiring immediate return to Turkey

Key Features

Pink in color and consists of a single page
Grants one-time entry to Turkey only
Typically valid for up to 1 month
Collected by authorities upon entry into Turkey

Usage Restrictions

Cannot be used to enter any other country
May cause issues during connecting/layover flights, so direct flights are highly recommended
Upon arrival in Turkey, it is sufficient to inform passport control officers, who will give priority assistance

Important Reminder

The temporary passport is intended solely for emergency travel and serves as a short-term solution.
Once back in Turkey, individuals must apply for a regular passport.
It is not suitable for continuous or international travel beyond the return to Turkey.

Passport Renewal for Foreign Nationals in Turkey

Foreign nationals residing in Turkey must renew their passports through the embassies or consulates of their home countries. Since procedures vary by country, it is crucial to follow the relevant steps carefully and completely.

General Application Steps

1. Contact the Embassy or Consulate

Foreign nationals should first get in touch with their country's embassy or consulate in Turkey to learn the specific application requirements and list of required documents.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Commonly required documents include:

The current (expired or expiring) passport
Completed passport renewal application form
National identity document or card
Passport-size photographs

3. Make an Appointment

Some embassies and consulates require an appointment for processing passport renewals. In such cases, an online appointment must be scheduled in advance.

4. Submit the Application

After collecting all necessary documents, the applicant should submit their application in person at the designated date and time.

5. Pay the Processing Fee

Passport renewal usually involves a service fee, which may vary by country. Payment is typically made via bank transfer or in cash, depending on consulate policy.

6. Processing Time

Once submitted, the passport renewal process begins. The processing time differs depending on the issuing country and internal procedures.

7. Receive the New Passport

The renewed passport is typically delivered to the applicant via courier service or may be collected in person, as instructed by the consulate.

Passport Renewal Application

Important Considerations

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must ensure that:

The current passport is undamaged and valid,
It was issued within the last 10 years,
The renewal application is submitted under the name currently in use.

Application Process

Passport renewal applications can be made:

By mail, or
In person with an appointment.

It is essential that all required documents are complete and accurate before submission.

Submission by Mail

Documents must be sent in full and without errors to the relevant consular office in Istanbul or Ankara, depending on the applicant’s nationality and consulate jurisdiction.

In-Person Appointment

Applicants who prefer to submit their application in person must schedule an appointment via the official website of the relevant embassy or consulate.

Foreign nationals must strictly follow the procedures set by their country’s diplomatic mission in Turkey. For the most up-to-date information, it is strongly recommended to consult the official websites or helplines of the respective consular offices.

How to Apply for Passport Renewal in Turkey?

The following are the primary documents required for foreign nationals residing in Turkey to renew their passports:

1. Completed Application Form

The form must be filled out accurately and completely.
If available, use the electronic version for clarity and efficiency.

2. Current Passport and Photocopy

Submit the original passport along with a clear photocopy of the identification page.

3. Recent Biometric Photograph

A passport-size photo taken within the last 3 months,
Must have a white background with a clearly visible full face.

4. Proof of Payment

A receipt or bank slip showing that the passport renewal fee has been paid must be included in the application package.

Passport Renewal Processing Time

For foreign nationals residing in Turkey, the passport renewal process is generally completed within 2 to 3 weeks. However, the timeline may be extended and exceed one month depending on the following factors:

Workload at the relevant embassy or consulate,
Public holidays and official closure periods,
Incomplete or incorrect documentation submitted with the application.

Important Notes

Consular offices do not operate on public holidays. Applicants should plan their submissions accordingly.
Renewed passports are typically delivered by courier.
It is strongly recommended to prepare and submit the application carefully and completely. Any missing or incorrect document may delay the process or result in rejection.

Professional Support

Even a minor mistake in official documentation may result in a negative outcome. Therefore, it may be beneficial to seek professional consultancy services, especially for those facing language barriers or unfamiliar with local procedures.