New visa requirements update

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  As of April 10, 2014 dependents of inbound service members and government civilians are required to possess a Turkish visa as well as the no-fee passport obtained through the local Military Personnel Section office prior to arrival to Incirlik Air Base.

Because this new visa application process has been evolving over the past few months some new, vital information has recently become available.

Military members are still authorized to travel to Turkey using permanent change of station orders, NATO orders and a valid military identification card. However, government civilian employees must obtain a visa before travel even if NATO orders are issued.

Even when all the correct documents are available, the total process can take up to three months. Having all the right information up front is key to accompanied personnel arriving together with their dependents at Incirlik AB.

Tech. Sgt. Melinda Maldonado, 39th Force Support Squadron NCO in-charge of customer service, stresses the importance of timeliness.

"Once a service member knows they're coming to Turkey, they should verify what is needed in the Foreign Clearance Guide and contact the local MPS passport agents immediately," said Maldonado. "The process time is not officially known, so the sooner the better."

Once the no-fee passport for dependents is received the member can apply for a visa with their local MPS. The passport agent will provide the needed documents to the member. Other special requirements are located on the Department of Defense Passport Matters site.

All visa applications for minors require a power of attorney signed by both parents. The legal office can assist with the PoA document needed for minors. General PoAs are usually not accepted. A special PoA from both parents giving permission for the children to travel out of country is required for the application.

"If the parents are the biological parents, the power of attorney just needs to state that both parents give permission for the child/children to travel and be signed by both parents."

"Websites are available for information and documents, but the best references are your local MPS passport agents who can contact the proper consultants for unknown information concerning visas," said Maldonado.

For information about electronic visas and to apply for one visit the evisa site here.