How to get a Schengen visa for Europe from Turkey (Türkiye)

PRO-TIP: Schengen travel Insurance is mandatory for your Schengen visa from Turkey (Türkiye)!

Written by Kurt Hambadda
Date : 03/17/2026

Schengen visa from Turkey (Türkiye): Everything you need to know for your European trip!

Hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens make the trip over to mainland Europe annually. After all, the world’s second-smallest but third-most populous continent offers an unparalleled abundance of nature, culture, history, wining, dining, adventure, and overall fun. Not to mention countless work and study opportunities.

But the majority of Europe also happens to consist of the Schengen Zone — including top destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and so on. And this means that to get there, visitors with passports from Turkey (aka Türkiye) need a Schengen visa first.

Fortunately, Schengen pros AXA can help make getting a Schengen visa from Turkey a sure thing!

Schengen Visa for Turkish nationals - Summary of Key Information

Do Turkish nationals need a Schengen visa?

Yes, Turkish passport holders need a Schengen visa for short stays in all of Europe’s Schengen countries, along with citizens from 100+ other countries worldwide (China, India, Russia, and so on).

Turkey (Türkiye) has not signed a visa-waiver agreement with the European Union (unlike countries like Australia, Canada, and the U.S., for example) — making the Schengen visa mandatory.

📌 NOTE
And as a Turkish national, you’ll need that Schengen visa whether you live in Turkey or abroad (i.e., the U.K., Australia, Canada, as well as Turkish U.S. residents, Green Card holders, etc.). But more on that below!

→ A Schengen visa is mandatory for Turkish nationals!

HEADS-UP: Schengen vs. Europe

The majority of Europe’s roughly 50 nations are both European Union and Schengen countries. However, many are not (such as Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia, the UK, etc.) — and therefore have their own, separate visa requirements.

PRO TIP: And AXA can tell you all about:

How to apply for a Schengen visa from Turkey (Türkiye): A Step-by-step Guide

Whether in Turkey or anywhere else in the world, the Schengen visa application process is fairly universal. And it goes something like this:

Step 1: Choose your Schengen visa type

Step 2: Gather the required documents and purchase the mandatory valid Schengen travel insurance

Step 3: Fill in the Schengen visa application form

Step 4: Book your visa appointment with the appropriate visa application center (VAC) or Schengen embassy/consulate

Step 5: When prompted, attend the in-person interview for document presentation and biometrics collection and payment of visa fee (and service fees, if applicable)

Step 6: Track your visa application status online

…and hope for the best!

But to ensure you don’t miss anything, we’ll break it down even further.

What kind of Schengen visa do I need?

Your visa type will depend on both the nature of your trip and the length of your stay in Europe. Generally, Turkish (and other) nationals choose from the following:

✈️ Short-stay Schengen visa: Type C


The type C Schengen visa, also known as simply the “tourist visa,” is the most common one worldwide:

  • Duration: up to 90 days within any 180-day period
  • Purpose: tourism, family visits, short business trips
  • What it allows:
    - travel to one or multiple Schengen countries
    - single or multiple entries (depending on visa issued)
  • Does not allow: work beyond short business purposes

AXA at your service!
We can also tell you more about:

🛂 Schengen Airport Transit visa: Type A

Not staying in Europe? Well, Turkish nationals just transiting the Schengen Area to non-Schengen destinations often require a Schengen Type A / Airport Transit Visa (ATV) too — for instance, at European hubs like Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG/ORY), and German airports.

  • Duration: only valid for the duration of the airport transit
  • Purpose: passing through a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area
  • Countries you can visit: only the international transit area of the airport
  • Allows: staying in the transit area while connecting flights
  • Does not allow: Entering Schengen countries or traveling within the Schengen Area

PRO TIP: Since Schengen ATV regulations tend to change, always double-check with the official authorities of the Schengen country/countries you will be transiting through to confirm whether you need one.

✈️ Long-stay visa: Type D

Technically not a Schengen visa, the National (aka type D) visa is for anyone hoping to stay in Europe longer than 90 days. It is issued by the specific Schengen country you plan to stay in, and each country will have its own specific requirements for being granted one.

  • Duration: more than 90 days (can vary depending on the issuing country)
  • Purpose: work, study, family reunification, or long-term stays
  • Countries you can visit: primarily the issuing Schengen country, with short visits (up to 90 days) allowed in other Schengen countries
  • Allows: residing in the issuing country, traveling briefly to other Schengen countries
  • Does not allow: permanent residence in other Schengen countries without additional permits

AXA at your service!
And if you’re a Turkish national planning to study or work in Europe, we’ve also got some helpful guides on:

What documents do Turkish nationals need to apply for a Schengen visa?

In terms of the paperwork for your Schengen visa, you’ll generally need the following checklist (be it from Turkey or anywhere else in the world):

Depending on your particular situation, you may also need:


PRO TIP: That’s a quick overview, but we’ve also got a full, in-depth guide to all the

Documents required for a Schengen visa.

But, again, to make sure you’re not missing anything, make sure to check with your Schengen destination country’s embassy/consulate/official website.

Do Turkish nationals need travel insurance when applying for a Schengen visa?

Yes. In fact, one of the basic requirements for a Schengen Visa from Turkey (or anywhere else) is that you have the proper travel insurance.

IMPORTANT: And keep in mind that you’ll need to have this plan already in place when applying!

What are the travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa?


And it can’t be just any plan either. As per the European Commission, your Schengen visa travel insurance plan must:

  • be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
  • have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (including hospitalization, emergency treatment, etc.)
  • cover repatriation expenses (including in case of death)
  • cover you in all the Schengen member countries
  • be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area

⚠️ HEADS-UP: Your Schengen visa application will be automatically rejected if your travel insurance does not meet these EU requirements above.

💡 PRO TIP: Fortunately, all of AXA’s plans meet the EU requirements above (and then some)!

Why Turkish travelers choose AXA Schengen visa insurance

There are countless reasons to choose AXA for both your Schengen visa appointment in Turkey and your upcoming trip to Europe:

  • The reliability of a world-renowned, decades-trusted brand
  • Instant visa insurance certificate, ready to submit with your visa application
  • Refund guaranteed if your visa is refused
  • 24/7 medical assistance
  • Extended protection for you and your loved ones

… and plenty more, which you can see for yourself by exploring our coverage options:

  • AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: our most standard coverage; meets all Schengen visa requirements; covers you in all Schengen countries + 4 European microstates (San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City).
  • AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: complete European coverage; meets all Schengen visa requirements; covers you in all Schengen countries, all EU countries, the European microstates above, and the UK!
  • AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: our all-inclusive, worry-free coverage; countless premium benefits (and upgrade options!); meets all Schengen visa requirements; covers you in all Schengen/EU countries, all the European microstates, and the UK.
  • AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: our yearly plan; perfect for multiple-entry Schengen visa applicants and/or frequent travelers to Europe. Also meets all Schengen visa requirements, covers you in all Schengen/EU countries, the microstates, and the UK — but all under a single contract for a full year!

There’s surely an AXA plan that works for you and your family’s journey from Turkey to Europe.

PRO TIPS:

So before you book that visa appointment, take a minute to compare AXA’s coverage options and get a free, zero-obligation AXA quote!

And check out AXA’s guide on How to buy Schengen insurance online from Turkey too!

Where can Turkish nationals submit their Schengen Visa application?

Schengen visa applications in Turkey are primarily handled by authorized visa application centers (VACs) as opposed to Schengen embassies/consulates directly.

Fortunately, these centers can be found in most of the country’s major cities — i.e., Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, Bursa, Gaziantep, and so on.

PRO TIP: And AXA can help you navigate half of them below too!

Where to apply in Turkey

  • VFS Global: Applications for Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
  • iDATA: Applications for Germany and Italy.
  • TLScontact: Applications for France and Switzerland.
  • Kosmos Vize: Applications for Greece.
  • Direct consulates/embassies: For smaller Schengen nations (and/or those with no visa application centers), check the EU’s full list of EU/Schengen Consular contacts worldwide.

IMPORTANT EU PRO TIPS: While AXA continuously strives to bring you the latest info regarding Schengen visas near and far, be sure to always double-check with official EU resources, such as:

What if I’m a Turkish citizen living abroad?

If you’re a Turkish citizen legally residing in another country, you can apply at the appropriate Schengen embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application center (VAC) in your country of residence.

📌 Key points:

  • In practice, this still usually means booking an appointment with a third‑party VAC such as VFS Global — but it will obviously depend on where exactly you are and where you’re going.
  • The steps, documents needed, and processing times are generally the same as they would be from Turkey.
  • As a general rule, you’re expected to apply where you legally reside, and only in limited, justified cases will a consulate accept applications from non-residents.

​PRO TIP: So, again, double-check with your country of residence, destination country, and the official sources above!

Where should I apply if I’m visiting more than one Schengen country?

Apply to the Schengen country where you plan to spend the most time.

And if staying an equal amount of days in two (or more) Schengen countries, apply to the one you plan to enter first.

PRO TIP: We can also further explain:

Schengen visa First Port of Entry rules

Schengen visa timing: when to apply, and how long to wait

Timing is crucial when it comes to your visa — be it from Turkey or anywhere else. So here’s what to keep in mind:

When to Apply

  • Apply no more than 6 months and no fewer than 15 days before your trip
  • Remember that while you can usually book your initial appointment online, you’ll still need to come for an in-person interview and biometrics/document collection at some point.


PRO TIP: So to avoid delays, it’s usually recommended that you give yourself at least 3 weeks before your departure date.

How long does it take to process my Schengen visa from Turkey?

It usually takes 15 days to process a Schengen visa application, be it in Turkey or anywhere else.

However, depending on your particular situation and how busy your Schengen visa application center (and/or consulate) is, it may sometimes take up to a month or two.

But, of course, AXA’s got an in-depth guide on that too:

Schengen visa processing times

PRO TIPS:

  • Contact the center if you don’t hear anything in 2 weeks. And remember that you can apply up to 6 months prior to your trip!
  • Please note that waiting times may be longer during periods of high demand, such as the end-of-year holidays, the summer vacation season, and public holidays in European countries.

How much does a Schengen visa cost in Turkey?

Schengen visa costs are universal across all countries, too, so no Turkey-specific pricing. And here’s what they look like as of 2026:

Standard Schengen visa fee

  • Adults: €90 (~₺4,424 TRY)
  • Children 6-12: €45 (~₺2,212 TRY)
  • Children under 6: Free

And if you like, AXA can tell you more about visa pricing in our detailed

Schengen visa cost guide.

Can the Schengen visa fee be waived?

Yes, the fees above can sometimes be waived for:

  • Participants (25yo or under) in certain seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, and/or educational events
  • Students and/or teachers on certain study and/or training trips
  • Researchers and other professionals traveling for the purpose of scientific research

So check with your particular institution and/or destination country!

NOTE

Schengen visa fees are set by the European Commission and updated every 5–7 years. The last increase was in 2024. However, fees may change, so always check the official updated list before applying.

Additional VAC service fees

Meanwhile, visa application centers often charge extra processing fees (not included in the standard Schengen visa price).

These are mandatory, so always check the official VAC website before booking your appointment.

PRO TIP: Both Schengen visa fees and the visa application center/consulate service fees (two separate things) are non-refundable, even if you don’t get your visa. However, AXA’s costs are fully refundable if your visa is denied!

How to apply for specific Schengen countries’ visas

DID YOU KNOW? Over a million Turkish nationals apply for a Schengen visa annually, making it the world’s second-largest Schengen visa applicant after China. Countries like Greece, Germany, and France tend to be top destinations.

However, with an average annual rejection rate of almost 15%, being granted a Schengen Visa from Turkey is not always easy.

Fortunately, some solid, mandatory, fully-refundable Schengen visa travel insurance is not the only thing AXA can help you with. We’ve also got some specific guides on:

PRO TIPS: And, finally, we might also save you some time with some individual, in-depth guides on dozens of other Schengen visa applications (click and scroll down!):

So explore, book away, and good luck. And rest assured knowing that with AXA by your side, your dream journey from Turkey to Europe is one huge step closer to being a reality!

Secure your Schengen visa faster with AXA:
Free quote and instant insurance certificate.

And you might find the following Schengen topics helpful too:

FAQs

What if the Schengen country I intend to visit has no embassy or consulate in Turkey?

Schengen countries without consular representation in Turkey will typically be represented by another country’s consulate, or a company like VFSGlobal (see above). And that’s where you should apply.

What about ETIAS? Does it apply to Turkish citizens?

No, ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationals (such as those from Australia, Canada, the U.S., and so on). Turkish passport-holders traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays will still require a traditional Schengen visa to enter most of Europe, but not ETIAS.
PRO TIP: But if you’re curious, AXA can tell you all about ETIAS (and its best friend EES) too.

Can I study or work in Europe with a short-stay (aka Type C/”tourist”) Schengen visa from Turkey?

No. A Type C Schengen visa allows you to visit the Schengen zone on holiday, for a family reunion, and/or for a short business trip. It cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re there.

What happens if I overstay my Schengen visa?

The consequences of overstaying your visa will vary (depending on your destination country and the EU). However, they can range from paying a fine to jail time, deportation, and/or even being banned from reentry.
PRO TIP: Fortunately, to help avoid those consequences, AXA can tell you all about Schengen visa validity too!

What should I do if my Schengen visa is refused?

If your Schengen visa request is refused for whatever reason, you have the right to either appeal to the authorities of the Schengen member state where you applied, or apply again.
PRO TIP: And while AXA will generally refund your insurance costs, we can also tell you how to best avoid Schengen visa refusal in the first place!

What’s the difference between a Schengen visa and a “European” visa?

A Schengen visa allows travellers to visit all countries in the Schengen Area under the same entry rules.

A “European visa,” meanwhile, doesn’t exist. Instead, a handful of European countries outside the Schengen Area (such as the UK, Albania, Moldova, Ireland, etc.) have their own individual visa requirements.

FINAL PRO TIP: So always double-check with the European Commission and the embassy/consulate/official website of your European destination country

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With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Basic

AXA Schengen Basic

AXA Schengen Basic is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Essential

AXA Schengen Essential

AXA Essential is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Basic.

AXA Schengen Annual

AXA Schengen Annual

AXA Annual is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Essential for different countries during 90 days.