Medical Visa For Turkey

Is Turkey a good medical tourism destination?

Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism in recent years. With a combination of world-class healthcare facilities, highly trained medical professionals, and attractive tourist destinations, Turkey offers a unique and affordable option for patients seeking quality medical care abroad. 

One of the main reasons for Turkey's growing popularity as a medical tourism destination is its world-class healthcare facilities. The country has made significant investments in its healthcare infrastructure in recent years, with modern hospitals and medical centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Many of these facilities have received international accreditation, and their quality of care is comparable to that of the best hospitals in Europe and the United States.

Turkey's highly trained and experienced medical professionals are another factor that attracts medical tourists. Many doctors and surgeons in Turkey have received their training in the top medical schools and residency programs in Europe and the United States. They are highly skilled and experienced in their fields, and they often have specialties and expertise that are not readily available in other countries. Medical tourists can be confident that they are receiving top-quality care from highly qualified professionals.

Another advantage of seeking medical treatment in Turkey is the cost. Compared to many other developed countries, medical care in Turkey is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for patients who cannot afford the high costs of healthcare in their home countries. Patients can expect to save up to 70% on the cost of medical treatment in Turkey compared to other developed countries, without sacrificing quality or safety.

In addition to the high-quality healthcare facilities and affordable costs, Turkey's unique cultural and historical attractions make it an attractive destination for medical tourists. Patients can combine their medical treatment with a visit to some of the country's many tourist destinations, such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, or the Turkish Riviera. This makes the experience of seeking medical treatment in Turkey a unique and memorable one, and patients can return home feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Turkey offers a wide range of medical treatments and procedures, including cosmetic surgery, dental care, orthopedics, cardiology, and fertility treatments. Some of the most popular treatments for medical tourists include hair transplantation, dental implants, and cosmetic surgery. Many of these treatments can be completed within a few days, allowing patients to return home quickly and resume their normal activities.

Medical tourism in Turkey is also supported by the government, which has taken steps to make it easier for foreign patients to access medical care in the country. The government has streamlined the visa application process for medical tourists, and it has also established a medical tourism department to promote the country's healthcare facilities and attract more patients from abroad. These initiatives have helped to make Turkey a more attractive and accessible destination for medical tourists.

So, Turkey has established itself as a leading medical tourism destination due to its world-class healthcare facilities, highly trained medical professionals, affordable costs, and unique cultural attractions. Patients seeking medical treatment in Turkey can be confident that they are receiving top-quality care from highly qualified professionals, and they can also enjoy a unique and memorable travel experience. With the government's support and continued investments in its healthcare infrastructure, Turkey is poised to remain a popular destination for medical tourism for years to come.

What is a Medical Visa?

A medical visa is a type of visa that is issued by a country's government to foreign nationals who are traveling to the country specifically for medical treatment. The medical visa allows the traveler to enter the country and receive medical care from recognized hospitals and medical facilities for a specified period of time. The purpose of a medical visa is to enable patients who require specialized medical care or treatments that are not available in their home country to travel to another country to receive the necessary medical attention. Medical visas are also issued to patients who require long-term medical treatment or rehabilitation.

The requirements for obtaining a medical visa vary depending on the country that is issuing the visa. In general, applicants for a medical visa must provide documentation from a recognized medical institution in the host country that confirms the diagnosis of the medical condition, as well as a recommendation for treatment. Applicants may also be required to provide evidence of financial resources to cover the cost of the medical treatment and travel expenses, as well as a valid passport, travel itinerary, and proof of return or onward travel.

It is important to note that a medical visa is not the same as a tourist visa or other type of visa, as it is issued specifically for medical purposes. Some countries may require that medical tourists have a separate visa for accompanying family members or caregivers, who may be traveling with the patient for the duration of the medical treatment. It is also important to follow the rules and regulations associated with a medical visa. This includes adhering to the duration of the visa, the specific hospital or medical facility that has been approved for the medical treatment, and any other restrictions that have been outlined in the visa application. Failure to comply with the conditions of the medical visa can result in legal penalties or deportation.

Types of Medical Visa

Currently, there are two types of medical visas that can be acquired for a visit to Turkey: the Medical Visa, which can be acquired from the Turkish Consulate, and the Online Visa (eVisa), which can be acquired prior to arrival through Turkey's government online visa system. Unless travelers are from visa-exempt countries or territories, they must obtain a medical visa for travel to Turkey, except if  they are citizens of countries eligible to apply for an e-Visa online. 

It is important to note that the eVisa is only valid for purposes of tourism or commerce. For reasons such as work or study, regular visas provided by Embassies or Consulates are required.

Procedure for getting Medical Visa in Turkey

If you are planning to travel to Turkey for medical treatment, you will need to obtain a medical visa before your trip. Here are the steps you should follow to apply for a medical visa in Turkey:

1. Check the eligibility criteria: Check the eligibility criteria for medical visa and ensure that you fulfill all the requirements before applying. For example, you will need to provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and two recent passport-size photos.
2. Contact the Turkish consulate: You should contact the nearest Turkish consulate in your country to get information on the medical visa application process. They will provide you with the necessary information, including the required documents and the application fee.
3. Gather the required documents: You will need to gather all the required documents, including your passport, application form, photos, and the medical documents from your medical provider. Make sure that all the documents are complete and accurate.
4. Submit the application: Once you have completed the application and gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application to the Turkish consulate in your country. You may need to provide additional documents or attend an interview as part of the application process.
5. Wait for the visa to be issued: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the visa to be issued. The processing time may vary depending on the consulate and the volume of applications they receive. You can track the status of your application online or by contacting the consulate.
6. Travel to Turkey: Once you have received your medical visa, you can travel to Turkey to receive medical treatment. It is important to remember that the visa is only valid for medical treatment and you should not engage in any other activities during your stay.

Procedure to obtain E-visa in Turkey

If you are planning to travel to Turkey and are eligible for an e-Visa, here is the step-by-step procedure to obtain an e-Visa:

1. Visit the e-Visa website: Go to the official e-Visa website of the Turkish government and click on the "Apply Now" button.
2. Fill out the application form: Fill out the online application form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and passport information.
3. Upload your documents: You will need to upload a scanned copy of your passport, as well as a recent passport-style photograph of yourself.
4. Pay the visa fee: Once you have completed the application form, you will need to pay the visa fee using a valid credit card.
5. Submit the application: After you have paid the visa fee, you can submit your application. Your application will be processed and you will receive an email confirmation.
6. Receive the e-Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive your e-Visa via email. You should print out a copy of the e-Visa and carry it with you when you travel to Turkey.

It is important to note that e-Visas are only valid for certain purposes, such as tourism or business, and are not valid for medical treatment. If you are traveling to Turkey for medical treatment, you will need to apply for a medical visa at the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy.

How to know if you are eligible to get a Medical Visa in Turkey?

First step towards obtaining a medical visa in Turkey is checking if you fit in the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for obtaining a medical visa in Turkey are as follows:

1. Purpose of visit: The purpose of your visit to Turkey must be for medical treatment.
2. Invitation letter: You must have a letter of invitation from a registered medical institution in Turkey, which includes details of your medical condition, the required treatment, and the duration of the treatment.
3. Travel documents: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your arrival in Turkey.
4. Completed visa application form: You must complete the visa application form and provide two recent passport-size photographs.
5. Financial means: You must have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your medical treatment and your stay in Turkey. You may be asked to provide evidence of your financial means, such as bank statements or a letter of guarantee from your sponsor.

However, there are some points which you need to keep in mind while checking the eligibility:

• Except residents of Gabon and Zambia, all other country residents must have a residence permit or a valid visa from Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Schengen zone countries. 
• All citizens excluding those from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines are required to travel with one of the airlines that has a partnership with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These partner airlines are Turkish Airlines, AtlasGlobal, Pegasus Airlines, and Onur Air. Egyptian citizens may fly on EgyptAir.
• Algerian citizens must be between the ages of 18 and 35 to be eligible for an e-Visa. Otherwise, a regular visa is required.
• Citizens of Zambia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines are not eligible for an e-Visa upon arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.

Paperwork/Documentation involved in Visa process

To apply for a medical visa to Turkey, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Passport: Your original passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Turkey. It is mandatory to have at least 2 blank pages in a passport.
2. Visa application form: You can fill the online application form and print the completed form.
3. Photograph: Two passport-sized photographs of yourself(preferably of dimensions 2.5”x 2.5” with matt finish or semi-matt finish ).
4. Medical report: A medical report from a recognized medical institution, detailing your health condition and the reason for your visit to Turkey.
5. Invitation letter: An invitation letter from a hospital or medical institution in Turkey, detailing the nature of your treatment and the duration of your stay.
6. Payment receipt: A receipt that shows you have paid the visa processing fee.
7. Travel itinerary: A travel itinerary that details your travel plans, including your arrival and departure dates and flight details.

It is important to note that additional documents may be required depending on your individual circumstances. It is best to check with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements and instructions.

Validity and significance of Turkish Medical Visa

In most situations, a Turkish eVisa allows you to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. However, if you find yourself in Turkey and want to prolong your stay, you can approach immigration officials, a police station, or an embassy for guidance on the appropriate course of action. Depending on various factors such as the reason for the extension, the original purpose of your visit, and your country of origin, it may be possible to extend your visa. It is best to seek advice from the appropriate authorities to determine your options for extending your stay in Turkey. 

Turkish medical Visa has great significance too. A Turkish medical visa is a special type of visa that is issued to individuals who wish to travel to Turkey for the purpose of receiving medical treatment. This type of visa is significant because it allows individuals to access medical care in Turkey, which is known for its high-quality medical facilities and skilled healthcare professionals. With a Turkish medical visa, individuals can receive treatment at hospitals and medical institutions in Turkey, which offer a wide range of medical services and procedures, including but not limited to cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, and organ transplants. This type of visa is especially useful for those who require specialized medical treatment that may not be available in their home country or who wish to receive treatment at a more affordable cost.

Check the list below to see which countries are applicable for the E-visa To Enter Turkey

• Afghanistan
• Barbados
• Canada
• Djibouti
• Gabon
• United Kingdom
• Algeria
• Belgium
• Cape Verde
• Dominica
• Gambia
• Vanuatu
• Angola
• Benin
• Central African Republic
• Dominican Republic
• Ghana, Vietnam
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bermuda
• Chad
• East Timor
• Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus
• Yemen
• Armenia
• Bhutan
• China
• Egypt
• Grenada
• Zambia
• Australia
• Botswana
• Comoros
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea
• Zimbabwe
• Austria
• Burkina Faso
• Congo
• Republic of the, Eritrea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Lithuania
• Bahamas
• Burundi
• Congo
• the Democratic Republic of the
• Estonia
• Haiti
• Nepal
• Bahrain
• Cambodia
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Ethiopia
• Hong Kong (BN(O))
• Rwanda
• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Croatia
• Ireland
• Maldives
• Nigeria
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Suriname
• Spain
• Jamaica
• Mali
• Norway
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Tanzania
• Mozambique
• Latvia
• U.S.A
• Uganda
• Poland
• Mauritius
• Palestine
• Solomon Islands
• Togo
• South Africa
• Lesotho
• Mexico
• Swaziland
• United Arab Emirates
• Kenya
• Malta
• Oman
• Senegal
• Taiwan
• Liberia
• Kuwait
• Mauritania
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Somalia
• Fiji
• India
• Libya
• Indonesia
• Madagascar
• Netherlands
• Saint Lucia
• Sri Lanka
• Namibia
• Iraq
• Malawi
• Niger
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sudan
• Portugal
• Turkey