Index:
Basic requirements for a UK visa
Table of visa durations and fees for 2026
Documents required for a UK visa
Special visa categories: Study, work, or long-term stay
Basic requirements for a UK visa
Turkish citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter the UK. This rule applies to all types of Turkish passports—ordinary (burgundy), special (green), and service (grey) passports. However, holders of diplomatic (black) passports apply for a visa under the United Kingdom’s Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA).
A UK visa covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can enter these countries with a valid UK visa. Your passport must be valid starting from the end of your trip and must have at least two blank pages.
UK visa applications can be started a maximum of 3 months (90 days) before the travel date. We recommend booking an appointment early because visa processing takes longer than normal especially during the summer and holidays seasons.
To start planning your trip, search for flights on our Istanbul-London flight tickets page.
Can I use my Schengen visa to enter the UK?
No, this is not possible. The United Kingdom is not a Schengen state. Even if you have a valid Schengen visa, you will still have to obtain a UK visa. And the reverse is also true: a UK visa does not allow you to enter Schengen countries.
How do I get a UK visa?
Before applying for a UK visa, you need to be sure about your travel purpose as the application procedure may vary depending on the purpose. For tourist travel, business trips or courses that last less than 6 months, a standard visitor visa will usually do. This type of visa covers regions throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The application consists of two steps: submit an application form online and pay your fees and then visit the authorized visa service provider’s office to complete the biometric identification. In the prep step, don’t forget to check the validity of your passport. And you should also start preparing financial documents that you’ll provide, in advance (i.e. bank statements, payslips, etc.).
Step 1: Apply and pay on GOV.UK website
The only authorized address for submitting the application form and paying the fees is GOV.UK, the official website of the UK government. Here are the steps to follow when applying for a UK visa on GOV.UK:
- Select the type of visa (Visit, Study, Work, or Transit) according to your travel purpose. Simply select Standard Visitor if you are traveling for tourism.
- After you select your visa type, you need to fill out an application form. To do this, go to the relevant visa page and click “Apply now” to start to fill out the form.
- You can read the questions either in English or Turkish. However, you must reply in English only.
- Once you acknowledge and confirm the conditions and then click “Submit”, you cannot go back and edit your input, so try to avoid mistakes as much as you can.
- After submitting the form in English, you’ll pay the fee online as well.
Important note: If you stay inactive on GOV.UK website for 25 minutes, your session will be terminated for security reasons. That’s why you may want to save every step when you’re done, and don’t waste your time.
Step 2. Book an appointment through VFS Global
It’s crucial for a successful appointment process that you provide your UK visa application documents complete and correct. Having your documents and supporting evidence in a scannable quality and an organized way also directly affects the assessment process. There are two ways to submit your documents: You can upload your documents yourself for free through the VFS Global website. If you like, you can also pay to get assistance with scanning from the staff at the visa center on your appointment day.
When you submit your application and pay on GOV.UK, you will be redirected to the VFS Global website to book an appointment and give your biometric identification data (your fingerprints and photo) at the visa center. The documents you provide and your passport will be organized and scanned quickly. Then, together with your application, your documents will be sent to be reviewed by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We recommend submitting all non-English documents with English versions translated by a sworn translator.
Step 3: Go to your appointment and complete biometric identification
Having completed the filing out the application form, paying the fee and booking an appointment, now it’s time to go to your appointment at the visa center. These steps are mandatory for your application to be official. Here are the VFS Global offices and their addresses in Türkiye:
- Istanbul – Altunizade: Altunizade Mahallesi, Mahir İz Caddesi, No: 13/2, Ofton Plaza B Blok, Üsküdar
- Istanbul – Beyoğlu: Hacıahmet Mahallesi, Kurtuluş Deresi Caddesi, No:29 A Beyoğlu
- Ankara: İşçi Blokları Mahallesi, Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Caddesi, No: 57/A, Regnum Sky Tower, Çankaya
- Antalya: Çaybaşı Mahallesi, Cebesoy Caddesi, Doğu Garajı Kültür ve Ticaret Merkezi No: 75 (Doğu Garajı AVM) Muratpaşa
- Bursa: Ulubatlı Hasan Bulvarı, No: 5, 16200
- Edirne: Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Kuvayi Milliye Bulvarı, No: 26, Twin Life Sitesi, No: 25
- Gaziantep: Değirmicem Mah. 16046 Nolu Sokak Kaplama İş Merkezi Sitesi No:1/B Şehitkamil
- Izmir: Ege Perla AVM Çınarlı, Ozan Abay Caddesi, No: 8, 1. Kat Konak
For the offices apart from central ones like Ankara and Istanbul, the service fee is about £77 (May 2026). They will get your fingerprints registered and take a digital picture of you. Make sure you have your valid passport and a print-out of your appointment confirmation letter with you at the appointment. Even if you upload your documents yourself online, it is mandatory that you bring your passport to the center.
With the new e-visa system that was implemented on February 25, 2026, your passport will be scanned on your appointment day and returned to you within approximately 3 hours. If you wish, you can also use the paid courier service instead of going to the visa center again. The result of your application will be emailed to you once the process is completed.
Step 4: Check the status of your application
After you have applied for a UK visa and provided your data, your files will be reviewed by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
While you will typically get the result for the standard visa type, the wait time may be longer during the summer, holidays and peak season. To expedite the process in urgent situations, you have the option to pay an extra fee and get prioritized. You can track your application on the VFS Global website with your application reference number and see its current status.
Due to the e-visa system implemented in 2026, your application result will be sent to the email address you provide in the application form, so check your inbox and spam folder frequently.
Step 5: Get your application result
UK visa applications are generally processed within 15 business days, and results are sent to applicants’ email addresses. UK visas are issued for a period of 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years depending on your travel purpose and application. When your visa is approved, don’t forget to check the information on the printed visa sticker and on your digital e-visa for accuracy (e.g. start and expiration dates, your ID info etc.)
Important note: Even when you successfully get a visa, officers at the border gate may check your financial resources and ask you to explain the purpose of your visit.
If you plan to visit London, don’t miss our blog post about where to go in London.
UK visa rejection and appeal
If your UK visa application is rejected, you’ll receive a rejection letter (officially called Reasons for Refusal Letter) which is issued by UK visa officers and explains the reasons for rejection. It will be wise for you to go over every point in the letter one by one and identify what is missing in the documents and what is not clear in the financial proof. For the standard type of visa, you generally don’t have the option to appeal directly. However, if you think UKVI officers made an undeniable mistake, you can request an administrative review.
Since the steps for appeal vary depending on rejection reason and application type, please review the most up-to-date official instructions for re-application and potential appeals.
Table of visa durations and fees for 2026
You can choose the best match for your trip from among the 6-month UK visa, 2-year UK visa, or longer-term options.
| Visa type | 2026 fee (GBP) |
| Short-term visitor (up to 6 months) | £135 |
| For health and academic purposes (special circumstances) | £234 |
| Long-term visitor (2 years) | £506 |
| Long-term visitor (5 years) | £903 |
| Long-term visitor (10 years) | £1.128 |
You will pay the visa fee with your credit card after filling out the application form. Fees may be updated by the UK government, so check the up-to-date fees on GOV.UK before you pay.
Why don’t I see the 1-year UK visa in the list? UK visitors can get a visa for a period of 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. A period of 1 year is not available.
Documents required for a UK visa
The application file you provide must be complete and consistent. Your information should match both on the application form and on your documents.
Core documents:
- Valid passport: Original passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 6 months from the end of travel date.
- Old passports, if any: It could be useful to submit to show your visa history.
- Identity register copy: A document obtained via e-Government with a barcode, showing all family members.
- Biometric photo: Your digital photo will be taken at the visa application center on the day of your appointment.
- Appointment confirmation: The document obtained from VFS Global that allows you to enter the visa application center on your appointment day.
- Visa application form and checklist: A digital copy of the form you filled out on GOV.UK and the document checklist that the website has given you.
Financial documents:
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months: Must be stamped and signed by the bank. Must show sufficient funds to cover travel expenses.
- Proof of regular income: Payslip, tax certificate, or pension statement.
- Additional income: If applicable, supporting documents that prove your economic ties to Türkiye, property deeds, vehicle registration certificates, or rental income statements.
Travel plan documents:
- Transportation: Flight bookings
- Accommodation: Hotel bookings.
- Cover letter: A cover letter in English that explains your travel purpose, accommodation details and your intent to return back to Türkiye.
Additional documents depending on profession:
- For employees: SGK employment registration form, signed payslips of the last 3 months, SGK registration statement with barcode.
- For freelancers/company owners: Photocopies of tax certificate, business license, signatory circular, Trade Registry Gazette.
- For students: Up-to-date student certificate and sponsorship letter from the person who will cover the expenses.
- For retired people: Photocopy of the pension statement or pension card.
Special visa categories: Study, work, or long-term stay
If the standard visitor type up to 6 months doesn’t meet your needs, you can choose from among other visa categories:
- Student visa: Granted for language schools, university studies, or postgraduate programs lasting more than 6 months.
- Work visas: Covers visas such as Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility that grant the permission to work officially in the UK.
- Family visa: Applies for those wishing to settle or stay long-term with a spouse, child, or family member who is a British citizen or has a permanent residence permit in the country.
- Transit visa: Required to be within the airport borders when flying to a country that does not have visa-free entry via the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK visa cost?
As of 2026, for short-term visits up to 6 months, the fee is £135, a 2-year term visa £506, 5-year term £903, and 10-year term £1,128. These fees may be updated by the UK government. Please check the fees at GOV.UK before paying.
What documents are needed for a UK visa?
A valid passport, bank statements of the past 3 to 6 months, flight&hotel bookings, proof of regular income, cover letter in English explaining the travel purpose. Depending on your profession, you may be required to submit additional documents like employer letter or student certificate.
Where to get a UK visa from?
All the application and payment processes start at GOV.UK. For biometric processing and document submission, you must visit the authorized intermediary, VFS Global’s offices in Türkiye. They have offices in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Adana, Trabzon, and Gaziantep.
How long does it take to get a UK visa?
For the standard visa, you usually get your result in 15 business days. It may take longer during busy seasons. There’s also the option to expedite the process with an additional payment in urgent situations.
How much money do I need to have in my bank account for a 6-month UK visa?
There’s no specific number. The visa officer will consider the duration of your trip and its total cost. For your reference, generally, a balance of £50-£100 per day is considered sufficient. For a 10-day trip, a balance in the £500-£1,000 range is considered reasonable. The important point is to have this balance sensibly before the trip. Large amounts deposited to your account right before your appointment might be found suspicious.
Which destinations in the UK does Turkish Airlines offer direct flights to?
Turkish Airlines offers direct flights to Manchester and Birmingham, as well as to Heathrow and Gatwick airports in London, the UK’s capital city. Flights from Istanbul Airport to the UK usually take around 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Is it easy to get a UK visa?
If your documents are complete and consistent, your financial power is sufficient and your ties to Türkiye (business, property, family etc.) are clearly stated, the process is usually smooth. In most cases, applicants are evaluated based on submitted documents, without an interview. The risk of rejection mostly occurs due to missing documents, inconsistencies in bank statements, or a lack of clear explanation of the travel purpose.
Which country can I go to with a UK visa?
A UK visa is valid in the United Kingdom countries, meaning England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In order to enter a Schengen country, you need to obtain a Schengen visa. With a UK visa, you can’t enter another country in Europe.
Is it mandatory to have previously obtained a 6-month visa to apply for a 2-year UK visa?
No, it’s not. You can apply directly for a 2-year visa for the first time. However, if you have obtained visas from the UK or other countries before, you are more likely to get a UK visa as the visa officers consider past travel history as a positive indicator.
After a visa rejection, how can I apply again?
There is generally no direct right to appeal the rejection of a tourist visa. After reviewing the reasons stated in the rejection letter and addressing the missing items, you can submit a new application.
Can I travel to Scotland and Wales with a 6-month UK visa?
Yes, you can travel freely. A UK visa covers all the UK countries—no need for a separate visa for Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
What documents should I bring to the application center on my appointment day?
You must have your original valid passport and the appointment confirmation letter issued by VFS Global with you. Even if you upload your documents beforehand, your passport must be physically present there.
