Application Process

Nigerian citizens must apply for a Turkey tourist visa through the Turkish Embassy in Abuja or authorized visa application centers, as the e-Visa option is not available for Nigerian passport holders.3 The process involves several key steps:

1. Complete Pre-Application Online

Start by filling out the visa pre-application form at visa.gov.tr.4 Provide accurate information about your travel plans, personal details, and background. After completing the form, you can book an appointment at the embassy or visa application center.

2. Gather Required Documents

Compile all necessary documents including your valid passport, passport photographs (6cm x 5cm), bank statements for the past 6 months, employment letter, flight reservation, hotel booking or invitation letter, travel insurance, vaccination cards, and national ID.1 Each family member must submit a separate complete application file.

3. Pay Visa Fee

The visa fee is $250 for single entry or $400 for multiple entry.1 This fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Payment is typically required in US dollars.

4. Attend Appointment

Visit the Turkish Embassy in Abuja or the authorized visa application center on your scheduled date.1 Bring all original documents and copies. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, employment, and ties to Nigeria.

5. Wait for Decision

Standard processing takes 15 to 21 working days.1 You will be notified when a decision is made. Your passport with the visa sticker can be collected from where you submitted your application.

Fees

All fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied.1 Payment must be made in cash, typically in US dollars. Additional service fees may apply at visa application centers.

What You Need to Prove

The Turkish authorities assess several factors when reviewing your visa application:1

Financial Stability: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay without working illegally. Show bank statements with consistent balance and regular income. A minimum balance of $3,000 and approximately $50 per day for your planned stay is recommended.

Clear Travel Purpose: Provide a convincing itinerary with specific plans. Whether visiting for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings, your purpose must be clear and supported by documentation.

Ties to Nigeria: Demonstrate strong reasons to return home after your visit. This includes stable employment, property ownership, business interests, and family obligations. Young, single applicants without clear ties face higher scrutiny.

Documentation Completeness: Submit all required documents in good condition. Missing or inconsistent documentation is a leading cause of rejection.

Processing Times

The standard processing time for Turkey tourist visa applications from Nigeria is 15 to 21 working days from the date of submission.1

Processing may take longer if:

• Your application requires additional verification
• You need to provide supplementary documents
• High application volumes during peak season
• Your background requires additional screening

To avoid delays, apply at least one month before your intended travel date. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.

After Your Visa is Approved

Once approved, your visa will be placed as a sticker in your passport. Verify all details on the visa sticker, including:

• Your name (spelled correctly)
• Validity dates (entry must be within this period)
• Number of entries allowed
• Maximum stay duration

At the Turkish border, you may be asked to present:

• Your passport with valid visa
• Return flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Travel insurance policy
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Immigration officers can deny entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your visit.

If Your Visa is Refused

If your application is refused, the Turkish Embassy may not always provide detailed reasons.5 Common grounds for refusal include insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to Nigeria, or incomplete documentation.

Steps to take after a refusal:

1. Review your application: Identify potential weaknesses in your documentation
2. Strengthen your profile: Build more ties to Nigeria, improve financial standing, or gain travel history to other countries
3. Gather better documentation: Address the likely issues before reapplying
4. Reapply when ready: There is no mandatory waiting period, but only reapply when you have genuinely improved your application

Consider seeking professional assistance from immigration consultants for complex cases or multiple refusals. A stronger application with clear ties to Nigeria and solid financial evidence significantly improves your chances on reapplication.