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Middle East / Europe

Turkey

We help Columbus residents navigate Turkey e-visa applications, prepare for Turkish consular appointments, and organize the supporting documents needed for visits and transit. We also help Turkish-Americans prepare documents for US immigration filings, including certified Turkish document translation.

Country at a Glance

Capital
Ankara
Population
85 million
Languages
Turkish
Columbus diaspora
3,000+ (Turkish community)
Founded
October 29, 1923
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time Zone
TRT (UTC+3)

US Travel Advisory — Level 2

Exercise Increased Caution

Geographic Overview

Where is Turkey?

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Columbus Connection

3,000+ (Turkish community) Columbus Residents

Columbus has a Turkish-American community of students, academics, and professionals — many connected to Ohio State University. But Turkey's significance for Columbus residents goes beyond the Turkish community: Istanbul Airport (IST) is the primary transit hub connecting Columbus to Somalia, Ethiopia, East Africa, and much of the Middle East. Turkish Airlines operates more international routes than almost any other airline.

Why Columbus Residents Travel Here

  • 1Transit through Istanbul — the main hub for Columbus→East Africa travel
  • 2Tourism (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Aegean coast)
  • 3Business and trade (Turkey is a major textile and manufacturing hub)
  • 4Family visits for Turkish-American community
  • 5Medical tourism (Turkey is a leading destination for dental, cosmetic, and surgical procedures)
Current Situation

Turkey Visa & Travel Overview

US State Department Level 2Exercise Increased Caution

US State Department Level 2 — terrorism concerns. Istanbul, Ankara, and tourist areas are generally accessible. Border regions carry higher risk.

Columbus has a Turkish-American community of students, academics, and professionals — many connected to Ohio State University. But Turkey's significance for Columbus residents goes beyond the Turkish community: Istanbul Airport (IST) is the primary transit hub connecting Columbus to Somalia, Ethiopia, East Africa, and much of the Middle East. Turkish Airlines operates more international routes than almost any other airline.

US Embassy / Consulate

Ankara (+ consulates in Istanbul, Adana)

tr.usembassy.gov

Turkey Embassy in US

Washington, DC (+ consulates in NY, Houston, Chicago, LA)

washington.emb.mfa.gov.tr

Founded

October 29, 1923

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Time Zone

TRT (UTC+3)

Driving Side

Right

Phone Code

+90

Istanbul Hub

IST — 300+ destinations

Our Services

How Asal Helps With Turkey Documents

We are a document preparation and translation service — not an attorney or embassy. We make sure every document in your packet is correct before you submit.

Turkey e-Visa Application Assistance

Turkey offers e-visas for eligible nationalities through the official portal evisa.gov.tr. We help prepare your application, review eligibility, and ensure your supporting documents are in order.

Turkish Document Translation

Certified English translation of Turkish civil documents — birth certificates (Nüfus Cüzdanı), marriage certificates (Evlenme Cüzdanı), family registry extracts (Nüfus Kayıt Örneği), and Turkish ID documents.

Visa Support for Non-e-Visa Eligible Nationalities

Nationals of some countries — including many East African countries — may need a Turkish consular visa rather than e-visa. We help organize the supporting documents required for Turkish consulate appointments.

Passport Photos & Transit Documentation

Photos and document review for Turkish visa applications and related travel documentation.

Documents

What You Typically Need

Every case is different — requirements vary by visa type and individual circumstances. We review your specific documents when you come in.

  • 1Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond stay)
  • 2Return or onward ticket confirming departure from Turkey
  • 3Accommodation confirmation (hotel booking or invitation)
  • 4Financial proof (bank statements, credit card evidence)
  • 5For consular visa: complete application form, photos, and supporting documents
What Trips People Up

East African & Somali Passport Holders — Consular Visa Required

Somali, Eritrean, South Sudanese, and some other East African passport holders are not eligible for Turkey's e-visa system and must apply at a Turkish consulate or embassy. The Turkish Consulate in Chicago serves Ohio residents. The application requires a complete form, specific photos, financial evidence, travel insurance, and flight/hotel confirmation. We help organize this complete package so your consulate appointment goes smoothly.

Visa Types We Help With

Turkey e-VisaTurkish Consulate VisaTurkish Document TranslationTransit Documentation
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Turkey

Can I get a Turkey e-visa with a Somali passport?+
Somali passport holders are not eligible for the Turkey e-visa system. You must apply for a visa at the Turkish Consulate General in Chicago (which covers Ohio). We help you prepare the complete consulate application package.
I have a US green card — can I transit through Istanbul (IST) without a Turkish visa?+
US permanent residents (green card holders) traveling to a third country may transit through Turkey without a visa, subject to certain conditions. Turkish airlines also has an airport transit visa policy. We recommend verifying your specific situation at the Turkish Consulate or Turkish Airlines website before travel, as policies can change.
Can Asal translate my Turkish documents for US immigration?+
Yes. Turkish civil documents use a specific format — the family registry extract (Nüfus Kayıt Örneği) is the most important, covering all registered family members. We provide certified Turkish to English translation accepted by USCIS.
How long does a Turkey e-visa take and what does it cost?+
Turkey e-visas are typically processed within 24-72 hours. The official government fee is $50 USD for US citizens. We help you prepare the application correctly through the official evisa.gov.tr portal — there is no need to use third-party services.

Consulate & Processing Information

Turkey e-visas are issued at evisa.gov.tr. The Turkish Consulate General in Chicago is the relevant consular post for Ohio residents. Turkey also has a specific transit visa policy — if you are transiting through Istanbul without an e-visa, check current requirements.

Important: Asal Multi Services is a document preparation service, not an immigration attorney, legal representative, or embassy. We do not provide legal advice and are not affiliated with any embassy, consulate, or US government agency. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant government authority.
Service Area

Turkey Document Assistance Near You

Serving all of Central Ohio from our office at 3185 Morse Rd, Suite 15, Columbus OH 43231.

Ready to Prepare Your Turkey Documents?

Walk in or call — we speak English, Somali, and Arabic.

3185 Morse Rd, Ste 15, Columbus, OH 43231 · Mon–Fri 10am–6pm · Sat 10am–6pm · Sun 10am–4pm