What Is a Passport?
A passport is an official travel document that certifies a person's identity and citizenship status. When entering or exiting a foreign country, a passport serves as an international identification card. It is also required for obtaining visas and passing through border security checks during travel.
Types of Passports and Their Features
A passport is one of the essential elements for international travel. Knowing which passport you need for traveling, studying abroad, or attending business trips is important. In Turkey, there are four main types of passports, each offering different rights and advantages:
- Burgundy Passport (Ordinary Passport)
- Green Passport (Special Passport)
- Gray Passport (Service Passport)
- Black Passport (Diplomatic Passport)
Burgundy Passport (Ordinary Passport)
The Burgundy passport is the most commonly used passport type by citizens of the Republic of Turkey for traveling abroad. Also known as the "ordinary passport," it is issued to all citizens without any occupational or status restrictions. This passport is used when applying for visas in most countries around the world.
Who Can Get a Burgundy Passport?
- Citizens of the Republic of Turkey
- Minors (with parental consent)
- Those traveling to countries requiring a visa
Green Passport (Special Passport)
The green passport is a privileged type of passport granted by the Republic of Turkey to certain public officials and their family members. Known as the "special passport," it allows travel to more countries without the need for a visa compared to the burgundy passport.
Who Can Get a Green Passport?
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree civil servants
- Retired public employees
- Spouses and children under 25 of public officials
- Mayors and former members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM)
How to Obtain a Green Passport?
Applications are made at Provincial Directorates of Population and Citizenship with an approval letter from your employing institution.
Gray Passport (Service Passport)
The gray passport is a type of passport issued to public officials who need to travel abroad to perform state-related duties. This passport is valid only for the duration of the official assignment.
Who Can Get a Gray Passport?
- Public employees assigned abroad on behalf of the state
- Individuals assigned by municipalities and public institutions
- Athletes, artists, and journalists participating in international organizations
Advantages of the Gray Passport
- Expenses covered by the state during the assignment
- Speed and convenience in international operations
Black Passport (Diplomatic Passport)
The black passport is a type of passport granted to those with diplomatic duties, offering extensive privileges internationally. This passport can be used only for the duration of the diplomatic assignment.
Who Can Get a Black Passport?
- The President, members of parliament, and ministers
- Ambassadors and consuls
- Diplomats working at international organizations
- Spouses and children of individuals on diplomatic duty
Advantages of the Black Passport
- Visa exemption
- Diplomatic privileges
- Faster border crossings
Application Process for the Black Passport
Those assigned to diplomatic duties can apply for a passport through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How to Apply for a Passport?
You can follow these steps to apply for a passport:
- Schedule an Appointment: Make an appointment online through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs website (randevu.nvi.gov.tr) or by calling Alo 199.
- Prepare the Required Documents: Bring your identity card, biometric photo, fee receipt, and your old passport (if available).
- Apply: On your appointment day, go to the population directorate, submit your documents, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints).
- Wait for Delivery: Your passport will be delivered to your address by courier within 7-10 business days.
You can track your application via e-Government (e-Devlet). This process is valid for all types of passports; however, special passports may require extra documents.
Required Documents for Passport Application
| Required Documents | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Turkish Republic ID Card or Identity Card | A valid Turkish Republic identity card or ID must be submitted for passport application. It is important that the document has a photo. |
| 2. Biometric Photograph |
|
| 3. Passport Fee and Booklet Fee Payment Receipt | After paying the passport application fee, a copy of the payment receipt must be submitted. Fees can be paid via banks or tax offices. |
| 4. Passport Request Form | In some cases, a request form filled out by your employing institution or the relevant ministry may be required (especially for green, gray, and black passport applications). |
| 5. Old Passport (if available) | If you have previously obtained a passport that has expired, you must also submit it during your application. |
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