A Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a resident or citizen is
one of the essential
Turkey tourist visa document
requirements, as it can be an added advantage. However, not everyone
would have a friend, family, or associate in Turkey to
provide such a letter. In such cases, Turkeyvisa.ae can help
you get an invitation letter.
Who is Eligible For LOI?
The Turkey visa with a Letter of Invitation is made available
for all nationals. Some countries need a Turkey visa to enter
Turkey while some countries are exempt from visas and can stay
in Turkey for up to 90 days. To be eligible for a
Turkey e-visa for UAE residents, applicants
must have a US/UK or Schengen visa. If not, they
can always apply for a regular Turkey visa with Letter of
Invitation.
Documents required for Letter of Invitation
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Democratic People's Republic of
Korea, Georgia, Guinea, Holders of Hong Kong Document of
Identity, India, Liberia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova,
Macau Special Administrative (MSAR) Travel Permit Holder,
Myanmar, Nigeria, Russia, People's Republic of China, Sierra
Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and
Commonwealth of Independent States.
Level I Countries
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan,
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia,
Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
What is the Purpose of Letter of Invitation for Turkey Visa
The Letter of Invitation is like a letter of introduction
(LOI). A resident, citizen, or company in Turkey can provide
this invitation letter to a foreign national who wants to
visit Turkey for personal or official reasons. It is an
additional document that will add more support to you Turkey
visa application. The Turkey visa Letter of Invitation should
include details like the relationship of the letter writer to
the visa applicant, the purpose of the visit, duration,
itinerary, etc. The inviter should also specify that he/she
would be financially supporting the visitor during their stay
in Turkey.
How to Write an LOI for Turkey Visa?
The Letter of Invitation for Turkey visa is an official
document that one needs to send to the Turkish Embassy. Hence,
it is important that the structure and tone of the letter is
formal. Here are some of the things one must include in the
letter of invitation for
Turkey visa Dubai
The letter
of invitation should include the name, address, and contact
details of the inviter.
The
inviter should state the visitor’s purpose of visit, and how
he/she will be supporting the person during his/her visit in
Turkey.
The
inviter should include the full name, passport number,
nationality, and birth date of the visitor in this letter.
It is
necessary to mention the visitor’s relationship with the
inviter.
The
inviter needs to mention that he/she would be supporting the
visitor financially during their trip to Turkey. The inviter
may also have to provide financial documents like bank
statements to prove that he/she can financially support the
guest.
The email
address and phone number of the inviter should be mentioned
in the letter. This is crucial so that the embassy can
contact the inviter for verification, if needed.
Documents Required For Letter of Invitation
If you want to apply for a Turkey visa, like a
Turkey single entry visa online
with a letter of invitation through turkeyvisa.ae, you need to
submit the following documents.
Duly
filled and signed visa application form.
Original
passport valid for at least six months from the date of
arrival in Turkey.
Copies of
recent and old passports with used pages and containing visa
entry and exit stamps (if relevant).
Travel
health insurance certificate covering the stay in Turkey.
Two
passport size colored photographs against a white
background.
Original
Letter of Invitation stamped and sealed by the Turkish
notary public.
Proof of
flight reservation
Note : Any other supporting documents as
deemed necessary (depending on your preferred visa option,
such as a
multiple entry Turkey visa) by the
Turkish embassy.
Photo Specifications For LOI
Your visa application may get rejected if your photograph does
not comply by the requirements,. Hence, it is important to
ensure that the photos you submit with your visa application
must have the following specifications:
You must
submit a recent photograph and also make sure not to submit
a photo used in your passport, UAE visa copy, or any other
visa copy.
Your photo
must be clear, with no shadows, and clicked against a white
background.
Ensure
that you avoid wearing white clothes while taking the photo.
Your
facial features must be clearly visible; avoid wearing
headgear, unless you follow religious or racial customs.
Refrain
from wearing spectacles or sunglasses.
Ensure
that your hair does not cover your eyes or eyebrows or any
other facial features.
The
picture should not be dark and don’t submit old or WhatsApp
photos.
FAQ's
General Question and Answers
How should I write an invitation letter for a Turkey visa?
It should include the full names, passport number, date of birth, purpose of visit, relationship
to the applicant, address, and a statement that the host will support them financially. Include
a signature and use formal language.
Does the invitation letter need to be notarized in Turkey?
Yes, notarization authenticates the letters and, in some cases, seals the applicant's fate. It's
not difficult to obtain notarization in Turkey and it is inexpensive if the host has a valid ID
and proof of address.
Can a Turkish resident invite a foreign friend for tourism?
Yes, any legal resident can invite foreigners. In those cases, the letter should include the
residents permit, their address, and relationship to the guest. In addition, the host must
indicate whether or not they are going to be pay for the guest's accomodation or if the guest is
finding alternate accommodation at their own expense.
What documents should accompany the invitation letter?
Don’t forget to include the host's Turkish ID or residence card, resident's address with proof
(for example, utility bills), and financials if they were paying for anything. These documents
reinforce the legitimacy of the guest. The applicant should include them with their application
materials in the visa file to add strength to the application and avoid rejection.
How long should the invited person be allowed to stay?
Under a short-term visa, they may remain as long as 90 days out of any period of 180 days. This
time bound does not depend on the host. Exceeding that time carries potential bans, fines, or
problems in reapplying later on.
Can I use a PDF or printout of the invitation letter, or do they need the original?
A scanned PDF sent by email, especially if notarized, can be accepted at many consulates. Some
may still request a hard copy under local rules. Make sure to always verify the exact submission
process of a specific embassy or consulate.
Is there a specific format required for the letter?
There's no prescribed format, but do use a proper structure: header, body, and signature. Be
professional and add all the facts in a transparent way. Bullet points or block paragraphs are
fine as long as you include everything.
Are there any recent changes in Turkish visa rules for 2025?
Yes, now biometric data is needed in most cases. Some countries also need more audited financial
documents as a result of diplomatic changes. As these are dependent on nationality, always
confirm at your nearest Turkish embassy.
What are three underrated places to visit in Turkey as a tourist?
Lake Salda has water of an iridescent turquoise tint and white sands and Amasya has beautiful
houses on the riverfront. Mardin has stunning architecture and ancient streets. All of these
places are less crowded than Istanbul and Cappadocia, but no less rich in beauty, culture, or
history.
Can the inviter be held responsible if the guest overstays?
Yes, should the guest overstay, the inviter could have future restrictions. The authorities
might decline to accept future letters or file a notice against the host in their system. Be
certain your guest is aware of the visa restrictions and abides by a legitimate time frame.
