United States Visa for Turkey Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Turkish citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your chances. Be prepared for lengthy wait times of 5-6 months for interview appointments.

Visa Application process

The US visa application requires several steps and significant advance planning due to long wait times for interview appointments.1

Complete DS-160 Online Application

Fill out the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov.1 This comprehensive form collects information about your travel plans, background, employment, and family. Upload a recent passport photo meeting US requirements. Print the confirmation page with barcode.1

Pay the MRV Fee

Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa fee through the ustraveldocs.com website.3 This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Keep your receipt number as you will need it to schedule your interview.5

Schedule Your Interview

Create a profile at ustraveldocs.com and schedule your interview at the US Embassy in Ankara or Consulate General in Istanbul.5 Current wait times are approximately 175 days in Ankara and 188 days in Istanbul.4 Book as early as possible.

Attend the Interview

Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, photo, appointment letter, and all supporting documents.1 Your fingerprints will be scanned electronically. The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes and is conducted in English or Turkish.1

Wait for Processing

If approved, your passport with the visa will be ready for pickup or delivery within a few days to a few weeks.1 If additional administrative processing is required, it may take longer.1

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
2. Pay the MRV Fee
3. Schedule Your Interview
4. Attend the Interview
5. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount	MRV Application Fee: $185	Visa Issuance Fee: $0	The application fee must be paid before scheduling your interview. Payment can be made online or at designated banks in Turkey.5

What you need to prove

Under US immigration law (Section 214(b)), you must demonstrate that you:

Have a residence abroad you do not intend to abandon 2
Intend to enter the US temporarily for a specific, legitimate purpose 2
Have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses 2
Have ties to Turkey that will compel you to return 2

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Application Form
Passport Photo
Financial Evidence
Employment Evidence
Ties to Home Country
Visa Interview

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States • At least one blank page for the visa stamp; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US or Schengen visas if available] (Tip: If your passport expires within 6 months of travel, renew before applyingPrevious US visas in old passports demonstrate positive travel history)

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-160) at the CEAC website • Fill out all sections completely and accurately; • Upload a recent passport-style photograph; • Print the confirmation page with barcode; • Keep your application ID number for reference] (Tip: Save your application frequently as it can time outAnswer all questions honestly, even if you think the answer may hurt your caseHave all travel dates and addresses ready before starting)

Passport Photo

A recent color photograph meeting US visa photo requirements • 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in size; • Taken within the last 6 months; • White or off-white background; • Neutral facial expression with both eyes open; • No glasses or head coverings (unless religious)] (Tip: Use a professional photo service to ensure complianceDigital photo will be uploaded with DS-160)

Financial Evidence

Documents demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses • Bank statements for the last 3-6 months; • Evidence of regular income or employment; • Tax returns or salary slips; • Property ownership documents if applicable] (Tip: Show a consistent balance, not just a recent large depositDemonstrate you can afford the trip without depleting your savingsInclude any investments or additional assets)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status and strong ties to Turkey • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Business registration if self-employed] (Tip: If self-employed, provide business registration and tax documentsStudents should get an enrollment letter from their institutionRetired applicants should show pension documents)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Turkey after your visit • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing spouse and children in Turkey; • Business ownership or ongoing projects; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: This is one of the most important factors in your applicationStrong ties significantly reduce refusal riskBe prepared to discuss your ties during the interview)

Visa Interview

In-person interview at the US Embassy in Ankara or Consulate in Istanbul • Book appointment through ustraveldocs.com after paying the MRV fee; • Bring DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, and supporting documents; • Biometrics (fingerprints) taken at the appointment; • Interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes] (Tip: Arrive 15 minutes earlyAnswer questions briefly and honestlySpeak clearly and confidentlyDo not bring electronic devices into the embassy)

Optional documents

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the US • Purpose of your visit; • Planned destinations and activities; • Hotel reservations (tentative is acceptable); • Return flight itinerary (do not purchase non-refundable tickets)] (Tip: Be specific about what you want to see and doIf visiting family or friends, have their contact details readyDo not book non-refundable travel until visa is approved)

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
MRV Application Fee	$185	Non-refundable
Visa Issuance Fee	$0	No reciprocity fee for Turkish citizens

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
45%	Weak Ties to Home Country
25%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
15%	Unclear Travel Purpose
10%	Previous Immigration Issues
5%	Incomplete or Inconsistent Application

45% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Bring evidence of stable employment, property ownership, family members remaining in Turkey, and ongoing commitments. Be prepared to clearly articulate why you will return.

25% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show consistent bank statements over several months with regular income. Demonstrate you can afford the trip without financial strain. Explain the source of any large deposits.

15% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Be specific about your travel plans and why you want to visit the US. If visiting family or friends, know their immigration status and have their contact information ready.

10% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be completely honest about any previous issues. Explain what has changed in your circumstances since then. Never lie about previous refusals.

5% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Application

How to avoid: Review your DS-160 carefully before submitting. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents. Correct any mistakes through a new application if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

The B1/B2 visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry. You cannot live in the US through repeated visits.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. You cannot work, even remotely, for US employers. If you need to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa.

How long does it take to get a US visa from Turkey?

Current wait times for interview appointments are approximately 175 days in Ankara and 188 days in Istanbul for B1/B2 visas. After the interview, visa processing typically takes a few days to a few weeks.

What is the US tourist visa fee for Turkish citizens in 2026?

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. Additional fees may apply for certain visa categories.

Do I need to show hotel bookings and flight tickets?

While you should have a general travel plan, you are not required to have confirmed bookings. The US government advises against purchasing non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved.

What happens during the visa interview?

The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your travel plans, ties to Turkey, employment, and financial situation. Answer honestly and concisely. Be prepared to explain why you will return to Turkey.

What if my visa is refused?

You will receive a refusal letter indicating the reason under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (most common) or another section. You can reapply at any time if your circumstances change, but you must pay the application fee again.

Is Turkey part of the Visa Waiver Program?

No, Turkey is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. All Turkish citizens must apply for a visa before traveling to the United States for tourism or business.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

U.S. Embassy Turkey - Nonimmigrant Visa Application

https://tr.usembassy.gov/niv-how-do-i-apply/

U.S. Department of State - Visitor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

U.S. Department of State - Visa Fees

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

U.S. Department of State - Visa Wait Times

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

U.S. Travel Docs Turkey

https://www.ustraveldocs.com/tr

At a glance