In light of the recent changes to the US immigration rules that require citizens of Syria, Iraq and Iran to obtain a visa in advance, The Turkish Embassy has been working to increase the speed and efficiency they provide.
What is a Turkey Visa?
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If you are a Bermudian or Dominican citizen and wish to travel to Turkey, you will need a visa. The Turkish government has announced that it will be expediting the processing of visas for Bermudians and Dominicans in order to improve tourism opportunities in both countries. This means that the visa process should only take a few days, instead of weeks or months. Turkey Visa for Bermudian Citizens
Turkey is a popular tourist destination, with many attractions such as ancient ruins, luxury resorts, and beautiful beaches. The country is also home to an impressive variety of wildlife including elephants, bears, lions, and tigers. While there are many different types of visas that may be required for different types of travel, most tourist visas for Turkey are typically based on your nationality and intended purpose of visit. For example, if you are a Bermudian citizen intending to visit family in Turkey, you would likely only require a tourist visa. If you are travelling for leisure purposes however, you may need to apply for a business or pleasure visa.
The Turkish Embassy in Port-of-Spain is responsible for issuing visas for Bermudians and Dominicans. You can contact them via telephone at (809) 730-2020 or by email at turkishembassy@govmaui.bm/.
When Can I Apply for a Turkey Visa?
If you are a Bermudian or Dominican citizen and wish to visit Turkey, you may be eligible for a visa waiver. The Turkish government has announced that it will begin granting visa-free access for Bermudians and Dominicans starting on March 1, 2018. This means that if you are a Bermudian or Dominican citizen and have a valid passport, you will not require a visa to travel to Turkey. However, keep in mind that this is only for the initial entry into Turkey. If you plan on remaining in Turkey for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a Turkish visa.
The process of applying for a Turkish visa can be complicated, so be sure to speak with an immigration lawyer if you are interested in traveling to Turkey. Additionally, remember that the application process may take up to several weeks so it is important to apply as early as possible. Turkey Visa for Dominica Citizens
How Does the Process Work?
The process of getting a Turkish visa for Bermudians and Dominicans will be expedited starting on May 1, 2017. The new regulation was announced by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu during his visit to Bermuda on April 30. The regulation will allow Turks travelling to Bermuda and Dominica to receive their visas in one day instead of three days as before. This is good news for tourists travelling to Turkey who may have been waiting months or even years for a visa.
Turks can now obtain their Turkish visas online through the consulates’ websites. The website for the Turkish Consulate in Hamilton provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply online including uploading your passport photo, filling out an application form, and providing required documentation such as your ticket confirmation and hotel reservation confirmation. For those unable or unwilling to apply online, the consulate also offers walk-in services from Monday-Friday 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. However, during peak tourist seasons (e.g., Easter) there may be longer wait times so it is best to plan ahead if you want to apply in person at the consulate.
For Bermudians applying for a Turkish visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: You must provide your full name (including middle initial), date of birth, gender, nationality (Bermuda citizenship is
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost for a tourist visa to Turkey has been reduced for Bermudians and Dominicans. The new rates are as follows: A three-month tourist visa will now cost $60, an eight-month visa will now cost $140, and a one-year visa will now cost $210. These changes come into effect on September 1st, 2016. Turks and Caicos Islanders can also apply for a tourist visa at the same reduced rates.
Conclusion
As we reported earlier this month, the United States and Canada are set to begin imposing tariffs on $200 million worth of imported goods from Turkey. When these tariffs go into effect on March 16th, 2018, Turkey will add an additional 25% duty to all imports of U.S. agricultural products and 10% duty to all imports of Dominica agricultural products. In order to help offset the impact of these tariffs on our local economies, the Bermudian government has announced that turkey visas for Bermudians and Dominicans will be expedited starting next week.
