A passport is an identification document with international validity, used for overseas travel. Passport holders can travel to and stay in different countries. However, there are required documents and procedures for obtaining a passport.
Passport applications must be made according to specific criteria. Necessary documents must be completed, and the application should be submitted to authorized institutions. As an official document, a passport requires following specific procedures for its use.
Individuals applying for a passport must present their identification cards, birth certificates, and other required documents. These documents include a receipt for the passport fee payment, the application form, and a passport-sized photo. Passport applications should be processed through authorized institutions. After completing the passport procedures, an internationally valid passport is issued to the applicant.
What Are the Types of Passports?
Passports are categorized based on specific criteria. The types of passports vary depending on the purpose of travel and the citizenship status of the holder. Different types of passports exist according to countries’ diplomatic relations and international agreements. Common passport types are diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports.
- Service Passport (Gray Passport):
A service passport is issued to individuals traveling abroad for government service, such as civil servants or national athletes. Its validity is limited to the duration of the assignment. Service passports are granted to those not eligible for diplomatic or special passports, facilitating international travel for official duties. While it has limited rights compared to regular passports, it offers significant advantages to individuals in government service. - Ordinary Passport (Burgundy Passport):
This type of passport can be obtained by Turkish citizens by submitting the required documents. An application fee is paid for this passport type, which is valid for a period ranging from 6 months to 10 years. - Special Passport (Green Passport):
This passport is granted to civil servants under specific conditions. It provides high-level travel privileges to the holder and their family members. The green passport is valid for 5 years and must be renewed upon expiration. - Diplomatic Passport (Black Passport):
Diplomatic passports are issued to state officials and their families. These passports are used for attending international congresses and conferences and are provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How to Get a Passport?
To obtain a passport, you first need to schedule an appointment with the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs. You can make an appointment by visiting https://randevu.nvi.gov.tr/ or calling Alo 199. Once the appointment date is set, ensure you bring the necessary documents on the scheduled day. Make sure all documents are complete and accurate. During the application process, you must present the required documents to the authorized personnel. If everything is in order, your passport will be issued quickly.
Required Documents for a Passport
For an Ordinary Passport (Burgundy Passport):
- ID card or temporary ID certificate.
- One biometric photo taken within the last six months.
- Receipt confirming payment of the passport fee and booklet fee (students are exempt from the fee but must provide a student certificate).
- Consent document for minors or individuals under guardianship.
For a Special Passport (Green Passport):
- Specially stamped passport request form for professionals like academicians, lawyers, and exporters.
- Official document explaining the employment status of retirees or those who have resigned from their jobs.
- Official document from the Social Security Institution (SGK) for former mayors upon retirement.
For a Service Passport (Gray Passport):
- Passport application form with an official service seal.
- Assignment approval along with the task arrangement form for other individuals.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?
Many people wonder how long it takes to receive a passport. After completing all necessary documents and attending the appointment at the scheduled date and time, the application process is completed. The passport is generally issued within 5 to 7 business days. If no delays occur, you will receive your passport within the specified timeframe.
What Are the 2024 Passport Fees?
The fees vary depending on the validity period. As of the beginning of 2024, the required fees for passports have been determined as follows:
| Duration | Fee | Booklet Fee | Total |
| 6 Month | 1.639,35 TL | 793,00 TL | 2.432,35 TL |
| 1 Year | 2.396,63 TL | 793,00 TL | 3.189,63 TL |
| 2 Year | 3.912,62 TL | 793,00 TL | 4.705,62 TL |
| 3 Year | 4.845,31 TL | 793,00 TL | 5.638,31 TL |
| 3 Year | 7.833,77 TL | 793,00 TL | 8.626,77 TL |
Holders of Special and Service Passports are exempt from paying passport fees. The maximum validity period for passports issued to individuals under 18 years of age is 5 years.To learn the current child passport fees, you can visit the official website of the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs. If certain conditions are met, no passport fee is charged for student passports.
How Much Are the Passport Extension Fees?
No additional fee is charged for extending the passport’s validity. The standard passport fees apply during the extension process.
Where to Pay the Passport Fee?
The passport fee and booklet fee can be paid at contracted banks, PTT branches, tax office administrations, or through the website of the Revenue Administration.
