Visa Services

Frequently Asked Questions

The Visa Information Service (VIS) is the only authorized source of visa information for all of Turkey. Applicants can get complete information and schedule an appointment by calling +90 212-340-4444. All callers must either buy a personal identification number (PIN) from VIS or visit any branch of Türkiye İş Bankası to purchase a PIN.

Do you have a new passport and a U.S. visitor’s visa in your previous passport? You might be able to save yourself the $131 application fee and trip to the Embassy or Consulate. If your U.S. visa in your old passport is still valid, you do not need to get a new visa. All you need to do is travel with your new passport and your old passport together.

Q: Where does this service work?
A: The VIS is accessible throughout Turkey. Appointments will be scheduled in both Ankara and Istanbul.

Q: How much does the PIN cost?
A: The PIN costs $20 USD. The PIN will be valid for one year from the date of purchase. In addition, one PIN can be used to schedule up to five (5) family members living at one residence. The fee may be paid in Turkish Lira based on the local exchange rate in effect at the time of the transaction.

Q: When can I use the PIN?
A: You can use your PIN immediately if bought from VIS or beginning the day after you have purchased it from Türkiye İş Bankası. The hours of operation of the VIS are 8:30 – 18:00, Monday through Friday, except for Turkish holidays.

Q: May I use the PIN more than once?
A: The PIN is valid for a second call to the VIS on the same day as the original call, but only to change or cancel an appointment. Additional calls with questions will require a new PIN number.

Q: I need to schedule appointments for my whole family. Do I need a PIN for each person?
A: No, you may schedule an appointment for yourself and up to 5 family members using the same PIN. The PIN costs $20 USD. The five individuals may be family members, co-workers, professional teams, musical groups, etc. as long as the entire group is traveling together. Travel agent groups must have one PIN per person unless they fit the above criteria.

Q: How can I purchase a PIN from outside of Turkey?
A: You may call VIS from anywhere in the world.

Q: Can I still call the Consulate General or Embassy for visa information?
A: No. Please use the new service for all visa questions.

Q: How will the VIS benefit me?
A: The service provides access to a visa information specialist providing extensive information on visa requirements and application procedures for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas. If you need an interview to apply for a non-immigrant visa, you must schedule your appointment through this service. Listening carefully to the information provided will help you save time when applying for a visa. The biggest delay most applicants experience is applying for a visa without all the required information and the proper forms completed.

Q: What kind of information does the VIS provide?
A: This service provides current, accurate information for Turkish citizens, Iranian citizens, and other foreign nationals who wish to apply for a visa to enter the United States of America. Callers will be able to access information on both non-immigrant and immigrant visas, including guidelines on what an applicant is required to have in order to apply for a visa. Also, all appointments for interviews are scheduled through the VIS.
Q: Should I pay the visa application fee (MRV fee) of $131 to İş Bankası?
A: No. The visa information fee of $20 is paid at İş Bankası and allows you to receive information about applying for a visa and to schedule an appointment. The visa application fee (MRV fee) of $131 is paid at a different bank, Fortis.