This comprehensive guide covers UK visa requirements for Turkish citizens in 2026, including fees, processing times, and application procedures. The 6-month Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (₺7,611), the Student visa is $731 (₺31,433), and the Spouse visa is $2,703 (₺116,229). Turkey ranks as the #3 source country for UK visitor visas with an excellent 90% grant rate — significantly above the 79% global average. UK visa applications from Turkey are processed through TLScontact centres in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
UK visa fees for Turkish citizens in 2026: 6-month Visitor visa costs $177 (₺7,611), 2-year Visitor visa is $662 (₺28,466), Student visa is $731 (₺31,433), Skilled Worker visa is $1,072 (₺46,096), and Spouse visa is $2,703 (₺116,229). Fees are paid in USD at TLScontact Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir. Exchange rate: ₺43 per $1 USD. Priority service adds $697 (₺29,971) for faster processing.
- UK Visa Success Rate for Turkish Citizens
- UK Visa Fees from Turkey 2026
- UK Tourist Visa for Turkish Citizens
- UK Student Visa from Turkey
- UK Work Visa for Turkish Citizens
- UK Spouse & Family Visa from Turkey
- Can My Turkish Boyfriend Come to the UK?
- UK Visa Requirements for Turkish Citizens
- UK Visa Processing Time from Turkey
- TLScontact Turkey: UK Visa Application Centres
- Turkish Community in the UK
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK Visa Success Rate for Turkish Citizens 2026
The UK visitor visa grant rate for Turkish citizens is 90% — significantly higher than the 79% global average. Turkey ranks #3 globally for UK visitor visa applications with 248,009 applications in the year ending September 2025. Student visa success is even higher at 98%, and family visas have a 91% grant rate.
Turkey enjoys one of the highest UK visa approval rates among major visa-national countries. This reflects strong bilateral ties, established travel patterns, and generally well-documented applications from Turkish citizens. Here's how Turkey's visa success compares across categories:
UK Visa Grant Rates by Category for Turkey (YE Sep 2025)
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
UK Visa Fees from Turkey 2026
UK visa fees from Turkey are charged in US Dollars at TLScontact application centres in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The table below shows comprehensive fees for all major visa categories with Turkish Lira equivalents at the current exchange rate of ₺43 per $1 USD.
Complete UK Visa Fee Table for Turkish Citizens 2026
Exchange rate: ₺43 per $1 USD (January 2026). TRY amounts are approximate and may vary.
UK Tourist Visa for Turkish Citizens 2026
The UK tourist visa fee from Turkey for 6 months is $177 (₺7,611). Long-term visitor visas are available: 2-year visa costs $662 (₺28,466), 5-year visa costs $1,183 (₺50,869), and the 10-year visa costs $1,477 (₺63,511). Turkish citizens enjoy a 90% grant rate — well above the global average. Each visit is limited to 180 days maximum.
The Standard Visitor visa allows Turkish nationals to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short courses. Turkish citizens cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app and must attend a biometric appointment at TLScontact in Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir.
Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Turkey 2026
UK Student Visa from Turkey 2026
The UK student visa fee from Turkey is $731 (₺31,433). Turkish students have an excellent 98% grant rate — one of the highest globally. Additionally, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year (approximately $963 / ₺41,409 annually). Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK sponsor institution.
The UK Student visa enables Turkish students to study at UK educational institutions. With nearly 6,000 applications and a 98% success rate, the UK remains a popular and accessible destination for Turkish students seeking quality higher education.
UK Work Visa for Turkish Citizens 2026
UK work visa fees from Turkey depend on visa type and duration. The Skilled Worker visa costs $1,072 (₺46,096) for up to 3 years. Health and Care Worker visas have reduced fees of $424 (₺18,232). Turkish professionals require a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The minimum salary threshold is £38,700.
Turkish citizens seeking employment in the UK must obtain a sponsored work visa. The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. Turkish nationals have historically had good success with work visa applications.
Turkish nationals already in the UK on ECAA (Ankara Agreement) visas can extend their stay — see our detailed guide on the ECAA visa UK route for Turkish Workers and Businesspersons.
UK Business Visa for Turkish Citizens 2026
For business visits (meetings, conferences, training), Turkish citizens can use the Standard Visitor visa ($177 / ₺7,611) rather than a work visa, provided they are not being paid by a UK company. For longer business activities or paid work, one of the following work visas is required:
UK Spouse & Family Visa from Turkey 2026
The UK spouse visa fee from Turkey is $2,703 (₺116,229). Turkish citizens have a 91% family visa grant rate. The UK sponsor must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year. Processing takes up to 12 weeks standard, or 6 weeks with priority service ($697 / ₺29,971 additional).
The UK Spouse visa enables Turkish nationals to join their British citizen or settled partner in the UK. The established Turkish community in the UK means many family connections exist between the two countries, and the 91% grant rate reflects generally well-prepared applications.
Can My Turkish Boyfriend Come to the UK?
Yes, your Turkish boyfriend can visit the UK with a Standard Visitor visa ($177 / ₺7,611). Turkish citizens have a 90% visitor visa grant rate. For longer stays or if you plan to marry, consider a Fiancé(e) visa ($2,703 / ₺116,229) which requires you to marry within 6 months of arrival. If already married, the Spouse visa allows permanent settlement in the UK.
If you're in a relationship with a Turkish citizen and want them to visit or live in the UK, there are several visa options depending on your circumstances. Turkish nationals have excellent visa approval rates, making the process relatively straightforward with proper documentation.
Visa Options for Turkish Partners
Tips for Your Turkish Partner's Visitor Visa Application
- Invitation letter: Provide a detailed letter explaining your relationship and the visit purpose
- Relationship evidence: Photos together, chat history, travel records of visits to each other
- Your UK documents: Passport copy, proof of address, bank statements showing ability to host
- Their ties to Turkey: Employment, property, family obligations showing intent to return
- Financial evidence: Bank statements showing funds for the trip and living expenses
UK Visa Requirements for Turkish Citizens 2026
Turkish citizens must provide comprehensive documentation when applying for UK visas. With a 90% visitor visa grant rate, well-prepared applications are typically successful.
- Valid Turkish passport: With at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
- Completed online application: Via gov.uk
- Bank statements: Last 6 months showing sufficient funds
- Employment evidence: Employment letter with salary, position, and approved leave
- Travel history: Evidence of previous international travel strengthens applications
- Accommodation details: Hotel bookings or invitation letter from UK host
- Travel itinerary: Flight bookings and planned activities in the UK
- Ties to Turkey: Property, business, family dependents demonstrating return intent
UK Visa Processing Time from Turkey
Standard UK visa processing time from Turkey is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor, student, and work visas. Priority service ($697 / ₺29,971) reduces this to 5 working days. Super Priority ($1,395 / ₺59,985) provides next-working-day decisions where available.
TLScontact Turkey: UK Visa Application Centres
UK visa applications from Turkey are processed through TLScontact centres in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. After completing your online application on gov.uk, you must book an appointment at your nearest TLScontact centre to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and documents.
TLScontact Locations in Turkey
- Istanbul: TLScontact — Main hub serving Marmara region
- Ankara: TLScontact — Serving Central Anatolia and capital region
- Izmir: TLScontact — Serving Aegean region
Application Process at TLScontact Turkey
- Complete online application: Apply at gov.uk and pay visa fee in USD
- Book TLScontact appointment: Select your nearest centre (Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir)
- Attend appointment: Provide biometrics and submit supporting documents
- Track application: Monitor status through TLScontact tracking system
- Collect passport: Return to TLScontact or arrange courier delivery
Turkish Community in the UK
The United Kingdom is home to one of the largest Turkish diaspora communities in Europe, with an estimated 500,000 people of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot origin. The Turkish community is predominantly concentrated in London, particularly in areas such as Hackney, Haringey (including Green Lanes), Enfield, and Edmonton.
This established community creates strong ties between Turkey and the UK, reflected in the high volume of UK visa applications from Turkey — ranking #3 globally for visitor visas with nearly 250,000 applications annually. Many Turkish nationals travel to the UK to visit family members, for business purposes, or to pursue education at British universities.
- Visitor visa grant rate: 90% (248,009 applications — #3 globally)
- 6-month Visitor visa: $177 (₺7,611)
- 2-year Visitor visa: $662 (₺28,466)
- Student visa: $731 (₺31,433) — 98% grant rate
- Skilled Worker visa: $1,072 (₺46,096) up to 3 years
- Spouse/Fiancé(e) visa: $2,703 (₺116,229) — 91% grant rate
- Priority service: $697 (₺29,971) — 5 working days
- Application centres: TLScontact Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir
- Exchange rate: ₺43 per $1 USD
Turkish nationals travelling via Amman or holding Jordanian residency should note that Jordan's UK ETA was revoked in September 2024 — Jordanian nationals now require a full visa application, with fees charged in USD at VFS Global Amman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turkish citizens need a visa for the UK?
Yes, Turkish citizens require a visa to visit the United Kingdom. Turkey is on the UK's visa-national list, meaning Turkish passport holders must apply for and obtain a visa before travelling to the UK, regardless of the purpose of visit. The most common option for short visits is the Standard Visitor visa ($177 / ₺7,611 for 6 months). However, Turkish citizens enjoy a 90% grant rate — well above the 79% global average.
What is the UK visa refusal rate for Turkey?
The UK visitor visa refusal rate for Turkish citizens is approximately 10% (90% grant rate), based on Home Office statistics for the year ending September 2025. This means 9 out of 10 Turkish visitor visa applications are approved. Turkey ranks #3 globally for UK visitor visa volume with 248,009 applications, and 24,855 were refused. Student visas have an even lower refusal rate at just 2% (98% grant rate), and family visas have a 9% refusal rate (91% grant rate).
How much is the UK visa fee from Turkey 2026?
UK visa fees from Turkey in 2026: 6-month Visitor visa $177 (₺7,611), 2-year Visitor visa $662 (₺28,466), 5-year Visitor visa $1,183 (₺50,869), 10-year Visitor visa $1,477 (₺63,511), Student visa $731 (₺31,433), Skilled Worker visa $1,072 (₺46,096), and Spouse/Fiancé(e) visa $2,703 (₺116,229). All fees are paid in US Dollars at TLScontact centres. Exchange rate: ₺43 per $1 USD.
How long does UK visa processing take from Turkey?
Standard UK visa processing time from Turkey is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for visitor, student, and work visas. Priority service ($697 / ₺29,971) reduces this to 5 working days. Super Priority ($1,395 / ₺59,985) provides next-working-day decisions where available. Settlement and family visas take up to 12 weeks standard processing. Applications are submitted through TLScontact centres in Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir.
Can my Turkish boyfriend come to the UK?
Yes, your Turkish boyfriend can visit the UK with a Standard Visitor visa ($177 / ₺7,611) which has a 90% approval rate. For the application, provide an invitation letter, relationship evidence (photos, chat history), and your UK documents. If you plan to marry, consider a Fiancé(e) visa ($2,703 / ₺116,229) which requires marriage within 6 months and allows settlement. If already married, the Spouse visa provides a direct path to permanent residence in the UK.
How many Turks live in the UK?
There are approximately 500,000 people of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot origin living in the UK, making it one of the largest Turkish diaspora communities in Europe. The community is predominantly concentrated in London, particularly in areas such as Hackney, Haringey (including Green Lanes), Enfield, and Edmonton. This established community drives the high volume of UK visa applications from Turkey — ranking #3 globally with nearly 250,000 visitor visa applications annually.