🇹🇷 Turkey Passport Photo Requirements (2026 Guide)
Photo Dimensions
Turkish passport photos must be 50 mm wide x 60 mm tall (1.97 x 2.36 inches). This is larger than the standard ICAO 35x45mm format used by most countries. For digital applications, use 590 x 708 pixels at 300 DPI.
Background Requirements
The background must be pure white. Turkey follows strict biometric standards and requires a completely uniform white background with no shadows, patterns, or colour variations.
Face and Expression
A neutral expression with closed mouth is required. Both eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. The face must be centred with the head taking up approximately 70-80% of the photo height. No tilting or turning of the head.
Glasses
Glasses are not allowed in Turkish passport photos. All eyewear must be removed, including prescription glasses, tinted lenses, and fashion eyewear.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are permitted for religious reasons. The full face must be visible from chin to forehead, and the covering must not cast shadows. Turkey allows hijabs and other religious head coverings in passport photos.
Photo Recency
Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately represent your current appearance.
Turkey Passport Fee Schedule
Passport application fees must be paid prior to your appointment at designated banks or tax offices. All fees are payable in Turkish Lira (₺) for domestic applications. The total cost consists of a passport fee, which varies by validity period, and a fixed passport book fee as determined by the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
| Passport Type | Validity | Fee (Turkey) | Fee (Abroad) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Adult (Maroon Cover) | 1 year | 4,103 ₺ | $93 |
| Standard Adult (Maroon Cover) | 3 years | 9,516 ₺ | $185 |
| Standard Adult (Maroon Cover) | 4-10 years | 13,410.40 ₺ | $290 |
| Passport Book Fee (fixed) | N/A | 1,351 ₺ | Included in total |
| Student (under 25) | Up to 5 years | Booklet fee only | Varies |
Fees last verified May 2026. These figures are based on official 2026 rates but are subject to change. Always confirm the current amounts with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü) before making payment.
Where to Apply in Turkey
Turkish citizens residing in Turkey must submit their passport applications at the Provincial and District Directorates of Population and Citizenship Affairs (İl ve İlçe Nüfus Müdürlükleri). These offices handle the entire application process, including biometric data collection.
- Istanbul: Applications can be made at various district offices (İlçe Nüfus Müdürlüğü) across the city, such as in Fatih, Kadıköy, Şişli, and Beşiktaş.
- Ankara: The main application center is the Ankara Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship (Ankara İl Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık Müdürlüğü), with additional offices in districts like Çankaya and Keçiören.
- İzmir: Applicants can visit the İzmir Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship or district offices in areas such as Konak and Bornova.
- Antalya: The Antalya Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship and its district offices serve residents in the region.
- Bursa: Applications are processed at the Bursa Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship and various district offices.
Appointments must be booked in advance through the official NVI website or by calling the 'Alo 199' service line.
Applying at Turkey Embassies Abroad
Turkish citizens living abroad can apply for passport issuance or renewal at their nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate General. These diplomatic missions provide full passport services, including the collection of biometric data.
- Germany: Turkish Embassy in Berlin; Consulates General in major cities including Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne.
- United States: Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C.; Consulates General in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Boston, and Miami.
- United Kingdom: Turkish Embassy in London and the Consulate General in London handle applications for citizens in the UK.
- France: Turkish Embassy in Paris; Consulates General in Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Nantes.
- Netherlands: Turkish Embassy in The Hague; Consulate General in Rotterdam.
Processing times at embassies and consulates may be slightly longer than domestic applications due to international shipping of the passport book.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Domestic Application | 5-7 business days |
| Application at Embassy/Consulate | 7-10 business days |
| Citizenship by Investment (Passport Issuance) | 1-2 weeks after citizenship approval |
| Lost/Stolen Passport Re-issuance | 7-10 business days |
| Minor's First Passport | 5-7 business days |
Application processing may experience delays during national holidays and peak travel seasons, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of planned travel.
How Turkey Compares to Germany
| Requirement | Turkey | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 50 x 60 mm | 35 x 45 mm |
| Pixels | 590 x 708 | 413 x 531 |
| Background | White only | White or light grey |
| Glasses | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Religious Coverings | Permitted | Permitted |
Top Reasons Turkish Passport Photos Get Rejected
Most passport application rejections occur at the time of submission at the Population Directorate due to non-compliant documents. The most frequent issue is an incorrect or non-compliant biometric photograph.
- Incorrect Photo Dimensions. The photo is not the required 50mm x 60mm size, or the head size is not between 32mm and 36mm from chin to crown.
- Improper Background. The background is not plain white or light grey, or it contains shadows, patterns, or objects.
- Non-Neutral Facial Expression. The applicant is smiling, frowning, or has their mouth open, which is not permitted.
- Glasses Reflection or Tint. Eyeglasses have glare, reflections, or tinted lenses that obscure the eyes. It is often recommended to remove glasses.
- Shadows on Face or Background. Poor lighting has caused shadows on the applicant's face or on the background behind them.
- Head Covering Obscuring Face. Religious head coverings are permitted, but they must not cast shadows or cover any part of the face, especially the chin and forehead.
- Outdated Photograph. The photo was taken more than six months ago and does not reflect the applicant's current appearance.
- Low-Quality Image. The photo is blurry, pixelated, overexposed, or underexposed, failing to meet the required clarity standards.
- Incorrect Payment Receipt. The fee receipt is missing, for the wrong amount, or from an unauthorized payment location.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Application Form. The application form has missing information, errors, or has not been filled out according to the instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear my religious headscarf (hijab) in my Turkish passport photo?
Yes, head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted in Turkish passport photos. However, your full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and there should be no shadows cast on your face from the covering.
What are the passport photo requirements for infants and children?
The requirements are largely the same as for adults. The child must be looking at the camera with a neutral expression and their eyes open. For infants, it is acceptable for their eyes not to be perfectly centered. No other person or object, like a parent's hands or a pacifier, should be visible in the photo.
Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a passport in Turkey?
Yes, an appointment is mandatory for all passport applications within Turkey. You can schedule your appointment online through the official website of the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (nvi.gov.tr) or by calling their 'Alo 199' helpline.
How can I pay the passport fees?
Passport fees must be paid before your scheduled appointment. Payments can be made at authorized banks, PTT (Post and Telegraph Organization) branches, or tax offices. You must bring the payment receipt with you to your appointment as proof of payment.
My passport was lost or stolen. What is the process for replacement?
You must first report the loss or theft to the local police to obtain a report. Then, you need to book an appointment at a Population Directorate (or a consulate if abroad) and apply for a new passport, submitting the police report along with the other required application documents.
Can I have my new passport delivered to my address?
Yes, during the application process, you will provide a delivery address. Once processed, your new passport will be sent to this address via registered mail through the PTT Kargo service. You will be provided with a tracking number to monitor the delivery.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong dimensions: Turkey uses 50x60mm, not the common European 35x45mm. This is one of the largest passport photo formats in the world.
- Wearing glasses: All eyewear must be removed. No exceptions for thin frames or prescription lenses.
- Off-white background: Only pure white is accepted. Light grey or cream backgrounds will be rejected.
- Using Schengen photo format: Turkish citizens applying for Schengen visas need 35x45mm, but Turkish passports need 50x60mm. Don't mix them up.
- Head covering shadows: Religious coverings are allowed but must not create shadows on the face.
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