Frequently Asked Questions
General & Our Services
Do you guarantee that I will get a visa?
No. The authority to grant or refuse a visa belongs solely to the relevant consulate. We provide consultancy so that your application is complete and accurate, maximising your chances of approval.
How do I pay the service fee?
We do not take online payments through our website. The consultancy fee is clarified during our meeting; consular visa fees are paid separately to the relevant centre.
My visa was refused before — can I apply again?
Yes. We assess the refusal reason together and prepare a new, stronger file by addressing the weak points. A previous refusal does not mean a new application will be refused.
Which applicant profiles do you serve?
We serve all profiles: employees, business owners, students, retirees and non-working applicants. The required document list differs for each profile and is prepared specifically for you.
Are US and UK applications different from Schengen?
Yes. The US relies on the DS-160 form and a consular interview; the UK application is made online via GOV.UK with biometrics at VFS Global. You can fill in our detailed information forms for both processes.
What exactly does your visa consultancy service cover?
Our service covers determining the right visa type for you, preparing a complete document list based on your profile, filling in the application forms correctly, scheduling the appointment and following the process. The decision rests solely with the consulate; we prepare a flawless file to maximise your chances.
Do I have to come to your office to apply?
We can run most of the process remotely (by phone, e-mail and online). You only need to attend in person for biometrics and the application centre appointment. We clarify the details in our first meeting.
Schengen Visa
Which countries can I visit with a Schengen visa?
With a valid Schengen visa you can travel to the 29 Schengen countries. You apply to the consulate of your main destination (where you will stay longest).
Is travel health insurance mandatory?
For Schengen applications, travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for the entire trip is mandatory. For other countries it is recommended; we inform you during the process.
How long can I stay with a Schengen visa? What is the 90/180-day rule?
You may stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period; this total applies across all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Even if you hold a multiple-entry visa, the 90/180 limit still applies — the visa's validity period and your right to stay are two different things. The 180 days are calculated as a rolling backward window, so when planning trips you must also account for your previous entries.
I will visit several Schengen countries; which country should I apply to?
You should apply to the country that is the main destination of your trip — the one where you spend the most days or where the primary purpose of travel takes place. If you spend an equal amount of time in multiple countries with no clear main destination, you apply to the country of first entry into the Schengen area. Applying to the wrong country can lead to a refusal, so it is important to clarify your itinerary and choose the correct mission.
How long does a Schengen visa application take, and how early can I apply?
The standard decision time is usually around 15 calendar days from the date the application is accepted; in cases requiring additional examination this can extend to up to 45 days. You may apply at the earliest about 6 months before your planned trip, and applying early is helpful because appointments can be hard to find during peak periods. Since current timelines vary by mission and season, we recommend confirming exact details with the relevant consulate or official visa centre.
Is travel health insurance mandatory, and do I have to give my fingerprints (biometrics) every time?
Yes, a Schengen application requires travel health insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 that covers your entire trip and the whole Schengen area. Biometric data such as fingerprints, however, generally do not need to be retaken if they were provided within the last 59 months; in that case you may be able to apply without appearing in person. Whether your biometrics are still valid is checked against the records, so if you are unsure it is best to consult the mission before applying.
How do I apply for a Schengen visa for my child?
A separate application file is opened for minor children, and the application is usually made by a parent or legal guardian. In addition to the child's passport and photo, a birth certificate and a consent (authorisation) document signed by the parents are required; custody and consent documents are especially important when travelling with a single parent or a third person. Since the exact list of required documents varies by country and the child's situation, we recommend confirming the relevant consulate's current requirements before applying.
What can I do if my Schengen visa is refused? Are ETIAS and a visa the same thing?
A refusal is not the end of the road: the decision is communicated to you with written reasons, and you can either address those shortcomings and reapply or exercise your right to appeal within the stated deadline. Since approval authority lies entirely with the consulate, no consultant can guarantee a visa; what we do is help you prepare a strong, complete file. Also, ETIAS is not a visa and does not apply to Turkish citizens; Turkish citizens enter the Schengen area with a visa, while ETIAS is only for nationals of countries that can enter Schengen without a visa.
What types of Schengen visa are there (single/multiple entry)?
Short-stay Schengen (type C) visas can be issued as single, double or multiple entry and with different validity periods. The consulate decides which type to grant based on your profile, purpose of travel and history.
I had a Schengen visa before; is reapplying easier?
Having used your previous visas in line with the rules (without overstaying) is a strong positive signal, and a regular travel history eases the process. Still, every application is assessed afresh with your current documents; it does not mean automatic approval.
US Visa
As a Turkish citizen, can I apply for ESTA for a tourist or business trip to the USA?
No. ESTA is only for citizens of countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, and Türkiye is not part of that program. Turkish citizens must obtain a B1/B2 visa for tourist or business travel to the United States. The process involves completing the DS-160 form, paying the fee, providing biometrics, and attending an interview at a U.S. consulate.
How does the U.S. visa interview work and what should I pay attention to?
The interview is usually brief; the consular officer assesses your purpose of travel, your ties to Türkiye, and your financial situation. It is important to answer clearly, consistently, and honestly, and to ensure your answers match the information on your DS-160 form. The decision rests entirely with the consular officer; we help you prepare a complete and accurate application, but no consultancy can guarantee a visa.
My U.S. visa was previously refused; can I apply again?
Yes, there is no waiting period for U.S. visa applications; you may reapply after a refusal. Refusals are most often issued under Section 214(b), on the grounds that the applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate strong ties to Türkiye or intent to return. In a new application it is important to clearly present any changed circumstances and your ties to Türkiye, but the outcome again remains at the consulate's discretion.
Is the validity period of my U.S. visa the same as how long I can stay in the country?
No, these are two different things. The visa's validity period (often issued as multi-year and multiple-entry) only means you may request entry to the USA until that date; how long you may actually stay is decided by the entry officer at the border upon arrival and recorded in your record. Therefore, even if your visa has not expired, you must not exceed the length of stay granted to you on each entry.
How is a U.S. visa application made for children and family members?
Each family member, including infants and children, completes a separate DS-160 form and pays a separate fee. Interview waivers may be available for applicants below 14 and above certain ages; since these conditions change from time to time, we recommend confirming the current situation with the consulate or official visa center. For family applications, scheduling appointments on the same day and having documents that prove the parent-child relationship (birth certificate, etc.) ready makes the process easier.
How much is the U.S. visa fee and how long is the interview appointment wait?
Because the B1/B2 visa fee and appointment wait times can change periodically, we avoid giving an exact figure or number of days. You should confirm the fee amount via the current official fee schedule, and the interview wait time via the consulate's or official visa center's current calendar; during busy periods appointments can be scheduled quite far in advance. For this reason, we recommend applying as early as possible before your travel date.
UK Visa
How do I apply for a UK tourist visa?
For tourism and visits, you apply for the Standard Visitor visa. The application is completed online on GOV.UK and the fee is paid there; you then book an appointment at a VFS Global visa centre to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo). We guide you through every step and help you prepare a complete application.
What documents are required for a UK visitor visa?
Typically you need a valid passport, your travel plan, documents showing accommodation and ties that you will return, plus recent bank statements and evidence of your finances. Turkish documents (bank statements, title deeds, employer letters, etc.) must have a certified English translation. We finalize the document list together based on your profile (employee, business owner, retiree, student).
How long does a UK visa take?
Processing time for standard visitor visas varies by season and application volume; current average times are published on GOV.UK and via VFS Global. For faster results, a paid priority service may be available, though its availability and fee can change over time. We recommend applying a reasonable period before your travel date.
How long can I stay with a UK visa?
The Standard Visitor visa, used for tourism, visits and short business meetings, generally allows stays of up to 6 months per entry. The visa validity period (such as 6 months, 2, 5 or 10 years) is determined based on your application and the assessment. This visa cannot be used for work or long-term settlement.
Is the IHS health surcharge paid for a UK visitor visa?
No. The IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) is not paid for the short-term Standard Visitor visa; it applies to work, student or long-term residence visas. For a visitor visa you only pay the visa fee (plus any priority service fee). We still recommend taking out private travel health insurance for your trip.
What can I do if my UK visa is refused?
Visitor visa refusals generally carry no direct right of appeal; the soundest path is to review the reasons in the refusal letter, address the gaps and reapply. Common reasons include insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to return, or inconsistent statements. We review your refusal letter together and strengthen a fresh application by closing the gaps; however, since the decision rests entirely with the consulate, no outcome can be guaranteed.
How far back should bank statements go for a UK visa?
Usually the last 6 months of bank statements are requested; regular income and a balance that can cover the trip matter. Sudden large deposits just before applying may require explanation. We guide you on the current requirements.
Canada Visa
How does the Canada tourist/visitor visa application process work?
Turkish citizens travelling to Canada for tourism or to visit family/friends apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa); the deciding authority is Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application is submitted online through your own IRCC account, followed by biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) and uploading your documents. At Vize.Plus we guide you in preparing a complete file and managing each step of the process.
Do I need to give biometrics (fingerprints) for a Canada visa?
Yes, as a rule Turkish citizens must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) for a Canada visa application; this is done by appointment at an authorised visa application centre. Biometrics may remain valid for a certain period, but since current rules can change we recommend confirming appointment and validity details with official IRCC information. We assist you with the appointment and document steps throughout the process.
As a Turkish citizen, can I travel to Canada with an eTA?
No; for tourist travel to Canada Turkish citizens generally need a TRV (visitor visa), and an eTA is not a valid option in this case. The eTA applies only to people covered by specific visa-exempt categories and limited situations; for Turkish passport holders the correct route is a Temporary Resident Visa application. We help you clarify which document you need and make the correct application.
Is the Canada visa issued as multiple entry?
Canadian visitor visas are frequently issued as multiple entry, and the validity period can often extend up to your passport's expiry date. This lets you enter more than once during the validity period; however, the length of stay at each entry is decided by the border officer. The type and duration of the visa are entirely at IRCC's discretion; we help you prepare a strong file that supports this outcome.
What is the Super Visa for visiting my parents or grandparents?
The Super Visa is a special visitor visa allowing Canadian citizens or permanent residents to invite their parents or grandparents for long-term visits. Compared with a standard tourist visa it can allow a longer stay per entry and usually requires extra conditions such as private medical insurance and the host's income meeting set thresholds. We assess your eligibility together and help prepare your file according to IRCC's current criteria.
What can I do if my Canada visa is refused?
For a Canada visa, approval authority rests entirely with IRCC and no consultancy can guarantee approval; in case of refusal you usually receive a notice explaining the reasons. By addressing issues such as missing documents, insufficient ties, or an unclear travel purpose, a new and stronger application can be made. At Vize.Plus we review the refusal reasons with you and help you prepare a more solid next application by filling the gaps.
Documents & Finances
Do my documents need a sworn translation?
For UK applications, sworn certified English translations of Turkish documents are mandatory. For Schengen and US applications the requirement varies by country/case; we guide you through it.
What should my bank statement look like for a visa application?
Consulates usually ask for the last 3 months of bank statements and expect them to show a regular pattern of income and expenses. Sudden, large deposits made close to the application date can raise suspicion of a balance arranged just for the application, so it is best if your statement looks natural and consistent. Since the expected amount and current conditions vary by country, we recommend confirming the exact requirements with the relevant consulate or official visa center.
Can someone else cover my trip financially (a sponsor)?
Yes, many countries accept having a sponsor (usually a close family member) cover your expenses. In that case the sponsor's identity documents, proof of your relationship, and the sponsor's bank statements and income documents are required; some countries also ask for a signed letter of undertaking or sponsorship. Because the conditions for accepting a sponsor vary by country, we recommend confirming the exact document list with the relevant consulate.
What is an invitation letter for?
An invitation letter is a document in which the person or company you will visit confirms that they have invited you and explains the purpose of your trip; it strengthens applications for family/friend visits or business travel. It usually includes the inviter's identity or residence details, address, and in some cases a statement that they will provide accommodation and cover costs. An invitation letter alone does not guarantee approval; the final decision always rests with the consulate.
How many months must my passport be valid?
Most countries require your passport to remain valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond the end of your planned trip, and usually at least two blank pages are expected. Schengen countries generally apply a "valid for at least 3 months after return" rule, while some countries may ask for 6 months. Since validity and page requirements vary by country, we recommend confirming with the relevant consulate or official visa center before applying.
What are the requirements for a biometric photo?
Visa applications usually require a biometric photo taken within the last 6 months, with a white or light background and a clearly visible face; glare on glasses, smiling, or anything covering the face is not accepted. Most countries use the 35x45 mm size and ICAO standards, though there can be small differences by country. To avoid issues, we recommend having the photo taken at a studio experienced with visa photos and confirming the current dimensions with the relevant center.
How do the documents differ for employees, business owners, students and retirees?
The common documents (passport, photo, bank statement, travel health insurance, reservations) are similar for everyone; the difference lies in the extra documents proving your professional and income status. Employees usually provide an employment letter, payslips and social security records; business owners provide a tax certificate, trade registry/activity document and company bank statements; students provide a student certificate and, if needed, parental consent or a sponsor's documents; retirees provide a pension card and pension statement. For the exact list, which varies by profile and country, you can consult our advisors or confirm with the relevant consulate.
I have no payslip (self-employed/student); what can I submit?
Self-employed applicants can provide their tax registration, company/activity documents and bank statements; students can provide a student certificate and usually the family (sponsor) financial documents. We prepare the right alternative documents for your profile together.
Process, Appointment & After
How long does a visa application take?
Schengen applications are usually decided within 10–15 business days; this can be longer in peak periods. The US and UK processes work differently and depend on appointment availability.
Do you book the appointment?
Yes. We book your appointment at the consulate’s authorised centre (iData, VFS Global or the consular system) on your behalf and follow the process.
Are fingerprints required for every application?
For Schengen applications, if your fingerprints were given within the last 59 months they usually do not need to be retaken; otherwise you must attend the centre for biometrics.
How do I track my application?
From the “Application Tracking” page on our website you can check your status instantly with your passport number and Turkish ID number; no membership is required.
How and where do I book a visa appointment?
Appointments are booked through the country's authorized application centers (such as iData or VFS Global) or, in some cases, directly via the consulate. The valid channel depends on the destination country and visa type; we identify the correct channel during your application and guide you through the booking step. For the current channel and availability, confirmation from the relevant official center or consulate is essential.
How far in advance should I apply for a visa?
As a general rule, apply at least a few weeks—ideally one to two months—before your planned travel, since appointment demand and processing times can lengthen seasonally. Most Schengen applications can only be lodged within a set window before travel, so applying too early is not advisable either. Because the exact timing varies by country, season, and center workload, we recommend confirming with the relevant official center or consulate before you plan.
How do I submit my passport and collect it when the decision is ready?
Your passport is submitted to the application center during your appointment; once the decision is ready, you can collect it in person from the center or, where available, request courier delivery to your address. The options offered vary by center. If you applied through Vize.Plus, you can monitor your passport's status in our Application Tracking section and see the tracking details once it has been shipped.
How can I track the status of my application?
For applications handled through Vize.Plus, you can check the status in our Application Tracking section using your passport number and Turkish ID number—no account or password required. There you can see the current stage, any missing-document notes, and the courier tracking link once the decision is finalized. The consulate's official decision follows its own timeline; we simply reflect the latest status we have, transparently.
What happens if a document is missing from my application?
Missing or inconsistent documents are among the most common causes of refusal and delay. We check all your documents beforehand and guide you to complete any gaps; it is best to submit only once your file is complete.
Do I have to attend the application centre in person?
Yes; you must attend the application centre in person to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). If your fingerprints were given for Schengen within the last 59 months, in some cases you may not need to provide them again.
