Turkey Opens Visa Services in Herat for Afghan Citizens

Turkey Opens Consular Visa Services in Herat for Afghan Citizens

Turkey has recently activated its consular visa services in Herat, Afghanistan. This development allows Afghan citizens to apply locally for business, medical, and student visas to travel to Turkey. The Turkish Consulate General in Herat announced that all applications for these visa types must be submitted through the officially authorized Sefa Visa Application Centre.

The activation of these services took place during a ceremony celebrating the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. While the consulate had been operating in the province for about ten months, the formal activation of visa services marks a significant step in facilitating travel for Afghan nationals. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has designated Sefa Visa Travel & Tours Agency as the sole authorized center for Turkish visa applications within Afghanistan. It is important to note that this center accepts applications but does not make the final decisions on visa approvals.

Business Visa Requirements

Individuals seeking a business visa for commercial meetings, establishing business connections, contract negotiations, or short-term commercial activities in Turkey need to provide specific documentation. A key requirement is a passport valid for at least 12 months. Applicants must also submit a commercial invitation from a Turkish company, along with the inviting company’s commercial registration documents. Additionally, a work and salary certificate, company partnership documents (if applicable), a bank account statement, and a bank letter are necessary. Copies of any previously obtained visas and a valid residence permit for foreign nationals are also required.

Education Visa Requirements

For students planning to study at universities, high schools, or official educational institutions in Turkey, an acceptance letter from the institution is mandatory. Similar to the business visa, a passport valid for at least 12 months is needed. Other required documents include a graduation diploma or a student certificate. Applicants must demonstrate financial capability through a bank account statement, a bank letter, and other documents proving sufficient funds for their education period. Copies of previous visas and a valid residence permit for foreign nationals are also part of the application package. For applicants under 18 years of age, parental consent is a necessary document.

Medical Visa Requirements

Those applying for a medical visa to receive health services in Turkey must present a medical report and an invitation from a Turkish health institution. A passport valid for at least 12 months is a prerequisite. The application must also include a bank account statement and information about accommodation arrangements in Turkey. Similar to the education visa, applicants under 18 years of age will need to provide parental consent.

Visa Fees and Application Process

The total reported charge for these visa services is $220 per applicant. This fee covers the visa application itself, necessary insurance, and service costs. The Sefa Visa Application Centre handles the submission of these applications. Visa decisions are made by Turkish diplomatic missions, not by the application center itself. The Turkish Consulate General in Herat has expressed its commitment to expanding bilateral relations and fostering economic ties, aiming to create more investment opportunities in Afghanistan and facilitate travel for Afghan businesspeople.

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