Passport rank:
53rd
Visa-free destinations to:
114
In the era of globalization, the worth and supremacy of a passport extend beyond its ability to facilitate international travel; it is a symbol of prestige, opportunity, and mobility. Turkey passports have rapidly ascended the ranks of global passport hierarchy, and the reasons behind this phenomenal surge are multifaceted. With visa-free access to over 110 countries, Turkey passports now firmly occupy a place among the top 40 most powerful passports in the world, and their meteoric rise continues unabated.
The popularity of Turkey passports
Over the last decade, Turkey passports have witnessed an unprecedented surge in popularity and demand. Statistics from the Turkey Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality reveal that the number of Turkey passports in circulation globally grew from around 13 million in 2011 to over 23 million by 2021.
Several factors underpin this remarkable upswing in demand. First and foremost, Turkey has experienced substantial economic growth and political stability, making Turkey passports a coveted gateway to enhanced mobility. This newfound mobility includes not only visa-free entry to the coveted European Union’s Schengen area but also visa-on-arrival access to numerous Asian and African nations. Additionally, Turkey passports confer a range of privileges in terms of education, healthcare, taxation, and overall quality of life within Turkey itself.
Turkey passport ranking on global indexes
The expansion of visa-free access has propelled Turkey passports up the rankings of influential passport indexes such as the Henley Passport Index and the Arton Capital Passport Index.
As of the latest Henley Index, Turkey passports proudly claim the 43rd position globally, boasting a remarkable visa-free score of 110. This score grants Turkey passport holders the privilege of easy access to major economies like the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Turkey passports outshine passports from countries like Rwanda, Albania, and Bosnia on this prestigious index.
Visa-free access benefits
| Region | Destinations |
|---|---|
| OCEANIA | Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu |
| MIDDLE EAST | Armenia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Palestinian Territory |
| EUROPE | Georgia, Ireland, Kosovo, Russian Federation |
| CARIBBEAN | Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands |
| ASIA | Bangladesh, Cambodia*, China, Hong Kong (SAR China), Laos, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Maldives*, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea**, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste |
| AMERICAS | Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname |
| AFRICA | Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibout, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
Benefits and privileges of a Turkey passport
Beyond its role in enhancing travel mobility, a Turkey passport bestows a multitude of benefits upon its holders. Citizens can access healthcare and education services in Turkey on par with native Turks. Moreover, Turkey passport holders are eligible for exemptions from VAT, wealth, inheritance, and income taxes, provided they establish residence in the country.
The Turkey passport carries a certain prestigious status and social capital, opening doors to Turkey government support and diplomatic assistance abroad whenever required.
Turkey passport types
Turkey passports come in various types, including:
- Regular Passport: Issued to Turkey citizens for general international travel.
- Diplomatic Passport: Granted to Turkey diplomats and high-ranking government officials for official diplomatic missions.
- Service Passport: Provided to Turkey government employees and public servants traveling on official government business.
- Special Passport: Issued to individuals who do not qualify for other passport types but have a special status recognized by the Turkey government.
How to get a Turkey passport
Obtaining a Turkey passport is a straightforward process for Turkey citizens. However, it’s also possible for foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals to acquire Turkey citizenship and, consequently, a Turkey passport through an investment program. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
For Turkey citizens:
- Apply: Turkey citizens can apply for a passport at local passport offices by submitting the necessary documentation, including identification and photos.
- Pay the fee: Passport issuance usually involves a fee, the cost of which varies based on factors such as the passport type and validity period.
- Processing: Once the application is submitted and the fee is paid, the processing time varies. Regular passports may take a few weeks, while expedited services are available at an additional cost.
For foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals:
Foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals who wish to acquire Turkey citizenship and a Turkey passport can do so through the Turkey citizenship-by-investment program. Here are the key steps:
- Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include making a significant financial investment in Turkey, such as real estate or government bonds.
- Invest: Make the qualifying investment as required by the program. This often involves a minimum investment amount.
- Application: Submit your application for Turkey citizenship. The application process includes background checks, due diligence, and verification of your investment.
- Approval: Once your application is approved, you can proceed to obtain a Turkey passport.
Turkey passport cost
The cost of a Turkey passport varies based on several factors, including the type of passport and its validity period. Generally, the fee structure is as follows:
- Regular Passport: The cost of a regular Turkey passport is typically lower than that of other passport types, with options for different validity periods.
- Diplomatic and Service Passports: Diplomatic and service passports may have reduced or waived fees for government officials.
- Special Passport: Special passports, issued under specific circumstances, may have unique fee structures.
It’s important to note that expedited processing services, if needed, may come at an additional cost. The exact fees can change, so it’s advisable to check with official Turkey government sources for the most up-to-date information.
Identifying a Turkey passport
A Turkey passport contains sophisticated security features to prevent forgery. As a passport inspector, immigration officer, or other official, you need to know what to look for to determine if a Turkey passport is authentic. Follow these tips:
Examine the photograph
- The biometric data page should have a high-resolution photograph of the passport holder with a plain, light-coloured background. The facial image must be crisp and clear, with the eyes open and clearly visible. An unclear or grainy photo may indicate a fake.
Inspect the machine-readable zone
- At the bottom of the data page, you’ll find two rows of perfectly legible alphanumeric text known as the machine-readable zone or MRZ. No characters should be missing or blurred.
Check number consistency
- Cross-reference the 9-digit passport number printed at the top of the data page with the number in the MRZ. The two must match exactly.
Verify holograms
- When tilted under light, a holographic image of the Turkey coat of arms will shift between different views. The image should be sharp, not blurred.
Use a UV light
- Under ultraviolet light, a secondary image of the passport holder and a moon-star symbol will fluoresce on the data page.
Check microprinting
- Tiny text and intricate guilloche patterns around the data page should be sharply defined without any fuzziness.
Examine perforations
- Turkey passports contain precisely perforated endpapers with defined symbols like the Turkey flag.
Assess printing quality
- All text, images, and other security features should be crisp and clear with no signs of alteration.
Look for iridescent Ink
- Inks on the data page shift between different colours when viewed from various angles.
Feel for security threads
- When held up to the light, you should see a thin security thread woven seamlessly into the data page.
Verify the document security Code
- Enter the 9-letter code on the data page into an official verification system. The code should match the passport data.
Evaluate construction
- An authentic Turkey passport feels sturdy and durable. The booklet should be well-bound with no loose pages.
Following these inspection steps will allow you to accurately determine if a Turkey passport is genuine and unaltered. Take time to thoroughly examine each security feature.
Other Factors Influencing Turkey Passport popularity
In addition to the allure of visa-free access and the ease of acquiring a Turkey passport, several other factors drive interest in Turkey passports. Turkey’s robust economy ranks among the top 20 globally, and its impressive infrastructure, quality of life, consumer market, and ease of doing business make it an enticing destination for investors and entrepreneurs alike.
The international brand value and reputation of Turkey have also risen substantially, making its citizenship and passports coveted status symbols like never before.