Travelling to Turkey on someone else’s invitation puts part of your plan in another person’s hands. If your host has never written such a letter, you may both be guessing at what it needs to say and who should sign it.

Quick answer: To get an invitation letter from Turkey, ask a host in Turkey who is directly connected to your visit, such as a family member, company, university or event organizer, to write one. Send them your passport details, travel dates and purpose, and ask whether your consulate wants it notarized. The letter supports your visa file but does not guarantee approval.
Fact-checked by the MS International Editorial Team. Last verified against official sources: October 2026.

The most important part of any invitation letter is accuracy. Names, numbers and dates have to agree with the rest of your file. A letter with one wrong digit in a passport number can cost you days you may not have.

What Is a Turkey Invitation Letter?

A Turkey invitation letter is a written document from a host in Turkey that explains why you are visiting and confirms who is inviting you. It is commonly used for family visits, business trips, educational activities, conferences, exhibitions, cultural programs and other planned travel.

The letter gives visa officers a clearer picture of your plan by connecting your visit to a real person, company, institution or event. It is a formal supporting document, not a casual note, and it should be truthful and consistent with your travel documents. It usually explains:

Who is inviting you
Why you are visiting Turkey
When you plan to arrive and leave
Where you will stay
Whether the host is offering accommodation or other support

Do You Need One at All?

Not always. The need depends on your nationality, your purpose and the type of visa you apply for. Check your own route first:

Your route	Is a letter usually needed?
Visa-free entry	No visa application is made, so there is no visa file to add a letter to. Some nationalities are visa-exempt for short tourist stays.
e-Visa	A letter is not part of the usual e-Visa steps. Eligibility depends on your nationality and passport and is checked on the official e-Visa website, and the e-Visa is valid only for tourism or commerce.
Sticker visa at a Turkish mission	It depends on the mission. Several list a notarized invitation letter for visitors who will be hosted by a friend or relative, while some accept a hotel reservation instead. Work and study visas are also issued by missions.

If you are not eligible for an e-Visa, you apply for a sticker visa at the Turkish mission nearest to you. Some missions start the process online (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists a pre-application system for the sticker visa) and then book an interview. Because the checklist differs from one mission to another, read the current one for the mission where you will apply before asking anyone for a letter.

What an Invitation Letter Does Not Do

Approval is never guaranteed by the letter. Officers still review your passport, application form, finances, travel history, accommodation proof and return ticket. A strong letter helps, but the full file must be complete and consistent, and a consulate may still ask for extra documents, which can delay the decision.

Who Can Send an Invitation Letter from Turkey?

The letter should come from the person, company, institution or organizer directly connected to your visit. The right sender, and the right type of letter, depends on whether your trip is for family, business, study, a conference or another planned activity.

Sender	Used for	What the letter should mention
Family member living in Turkey	Family visits or staying at their home	Full name, address, contact details, relationship to you, and ID or residence details if required
Friend or relative	Personal visits where they host or meet you	Their relationship with you, your travel dates, and whether they provide accommodation
Turkish company or business partner	Meetings, training, trade visits, negotiations, professional events	Company details, business purpose, dates, address, and the authorized contact person
University, school or research center	Seminars, workshops, exchange programs, research visits, short courses	Program name, dates, location, your role, and an official signature
Conference or event organizer	Conferences, exhibitions, trade fairs, cultural programs	Event name, venue, dates, organizer details, and your role as participant, speaker, presenter, delegate or exhibitor
Club, group or institution	Cultural, sports or exchange programs	Program purpose, activity dates, host details, and whether you join as participant, performer, athlete, delegate or guest

For example, a business trip should be supported by a company, while a conference trip should usually be supported by the event organizer. A family visit letter from a relative may also carry the host’s Turkish ID or residence details if the consulate asks for them. Some conference organizers issue letters only to delegates who have registered and paid in full, so ask what the organizer needs before you request one.

What Information Should a Turkey Invitation Letter Include?

A Turkey invitation letter should include clear details about the visitor, the host, the travel purpose, the dates, the accommodation and who pays for what. All of it must match your passport, visa form and travel plan.

About the Visitor

Include your full name exactly as written in the passport and your passport number. Date of birth or passport issue details can be added when needed. Nationality, current address, phone number and email help identify you and make the letter more complete. If several people travel together, one mission’s checklist asks for a list of all the invitees.

Travel Dates and Purpose

The letter should state the planned arrival date, departure date and total length of stay, matching your visa application, flight plan and hotel booking. The purpose should be specific, not vague, for example a family visit, business meeting, conference attendance, educational program, cultural event, exhibition or short-term training.

About the Host

The host should give their full name, complete address in Turkey, phone number and email address. A private person may add a Turkish ID number, residence permit details or proof of address. A company or organization should give official contact details and, if required, registration details, tax number, official stamp or authorized signatory information.

Accommodation and Expenses

If the host will provide accommodation, meals, local transport or financial support, the letter should say so. If you will cover your own costs, it can simply confirm the purpose and dates. Keep this honest, because it may be checked against your financial documents. The expected wording can differ by mission: one Turkish mission’s checklist for applicants in Pakistan asks the inviter to state that board and lodging are paid by the invitees themselves. Ask your mission which wording it expects before the host signs.

Signature, Date and Stamp

The letter should end with the host’s signature and date. A letter from a company, university or event organizer looks more formal on official letterhead with a stamp. For a notarized letter, the notary information should follow the required format.

Documents You May Need to Request a Turkey Invitation Letter

To request a letter, you may need to send your host basic identity details, travel information and proof related to your visit purpose. The exact list depends on whether you are visiting family, attending a conference, joining a business meeting or taking part in an academic program.

Document or Detail	Why It May Be Needed
Passport copy	Helps the host write your name and passport number correctly.
Full name and date of birth	Confirms your identity and prevents spelling or date errors.
Nationality	Helps the host prepare the letter according to your visa context.
Travel dates	Allows the host to mention the correct arrival and departure period.
Purpose of visit	Explains whether the trip is for family, business, education, conference, or an event.
Accommodation details	Shows where you plan to stay in Turkey.
Event registration proof	Useful for conference, exhibition, or event invitation letters.
Business proof	May be needed for meetings, training, contracts, or company visits.
Relationship proof	Helpful when the invitation comes from family or relatives.
Occupation or study details	Adds context for academic, business, or professional visits.

Do not send more personal documents than necessary. Share only what your host, event organizer, company or institution needs to prepare a complete and accurate letter.

How to Get an Invitation Letter from Turkey Step by Step

First identify the right host, send your details clearly, ask the host to prepare the letter, and confirm whether notarization is needed. Then collect the final version and add it to your visa file.

Step 1: Identify the Right Host and Confirm Your Purpose

Choose a host who is directly connected to your visit: a family member, friend, company, university, or a conference or exhibition organizer. If you are attending a conference, the invitation should usually come from the conference organizer. If you are visiting family, it should come from the relative hosting you. The purpose written in the letter should match your visa application and other travel documents.

Step 2: Send Your Details to the Host

Give your host everything listed in the documents table above, in particular your name as written in your passport, passport number, nationality, date of birth, travel dates, purpose, accommodation plan and contact details. Add event registration or business details if they apply. Sending complete information at the beginning reduces mistakes and saves time.

Step 3: Ask the Host to Prepare the Letter

The host writes the letter with both your details and their own. An organization should use official letterhead, and may add a stamp, authorized signature, official email or registration details.

Step 4: Check Whether Notarization Is Required

Ask your consulate or visa application center first, then ask your host to confirm the format before they send the final version. If notarization is needed, the host completes it in Turkey. The next sections explain when it is usually asked for.

Step 5: Receive the Letter

A scanned copy may be enough in many cases, but some visa offices request the original. Ask your visa office which version it accepts, and if the original is needed, allow extra time for mailing. One Turkish consulate general asks applicants to upload their documents online and still bring hard copies to the interview. When it arrives, follow the review steps in the section on what to do after receiving the letter.

How to Request an Invitation Letter from a Host in Turkey

Contact your host with a clear, polite message and give them the details they need to prepare the letter correctly. A vague message such as “Please send me an invitation letter” leaves the host guessing.

What to Say in Your Request

Tell the host why you need the letter and how it will be used. Mention:

Your reason for visiting Turkey
The dates of your planned visit
The type of visa or travel application you are preparing
Whether you need a scanned copy, original copy or notarized version
Any deadline you are working with

For a conference or event, add the event name, registration confirmation, venue, dates and your role. For a business visit, add meeting details, company name and business purpose. For a family visit, explain your relationship with the host.

When to Send the Request and How to Follow Up

Send the request well ahead of your appointment, ideally weeks before. One Turkish consulate general strongly advises applying for a sticker visa at least one month before the trip, so your host needs to finish the letter before then. This also gives your host time to correct mistakes, complete notarization if required and send the final version. If the original is needed by mail, ask even earlier.

If you hear nothing back, send a short, respectful follow-up after a reasonable time, repeating the original request details so the host can reply quickly.

Invitation Letter Request Email Template

Subject: Request for Invitation Letter for Turkey Visa Application
Dear [Host’s/Organizer’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am planning to visit Turkey for [purpose of visit] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. For my visa application, I kindly request an invitation letter confirming my visit.
My details are:
– Full Name: [Your Full Name]
– Passport Number: [Passport Number]
– Nationality: [Nationality]
– Date of Birth: [Date of Birth]
– Reason for Visit: [Family/Business/Conference/Study]
– Travel Dates: [Arrival Date] to [Departure Date]
– Accommodation Plan: [Host address/Hotel/Event accommodation]
Tell me if you need anything else from me.
Thank you for your support.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Short Follow-Up Email Template

Subject: Follow-Up on Invitation Letter Request
Dear [Host’s/Organizer’s Name],
I wanted to kindly follow up on my invitation letter request for my Turkey visa application.
Please let me know if the letter is in progress or if you need any additional information from me.
Thank you again for your support.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]

Does a Turkey Invitation Letter Need to Be Notarized?

It may need to be, but it depends on the consulate, visa type, host type and your country of application. Some visa offices accept a signed scanned copy, while others ask for a notarized letter, especially for personal visits.

When It Is Usually Asked For

Notarization is most often requested when the invitation comes from a family member, friend or private individual, or when the consulate wants stronger proof of the host’s identity, address and statement. A notarized letter confirms that the host signed the document before a recognized authority in Turkey, which makes it stronger when the host offers accommodation, financial support or personal sponsorship. One consulate general’s published checklist (Boston, 2024) says a notarized invitation letter is required if you will be hosted, and a checklist for applicants in Pakistan says an individual’s letter should be prepared by a notary public.

Business, university and conference letters may not always need it if they are issued on official letterhead with an authorized signature, but check the exact visa instructions before applying.

Who Handles It

The host usually arranges it. They take the letter and their identification documents to a notary office in Turkey, then send you a scanned or original copy, depending on what the consulate asks for.

What to Confirm Before Applying

Check the official instructions of the Turkish consulate or visa application center where you will apply, and confirm:

Whether a scanned copy is accepted
Whether the original letter is required
Whether notarization is mandatory
Whether the host must include ID, residence or company documents

Checking this early avoids delays and the need to request a corrected letter later.

Is an Invitation Letter Enough for a Turkey Visa?

No, a letter alone will not get you a Turkey visa. It explains your travel purpose and host connection, but the decision depends on your full application. It does not replace the visa form, passport, financial proof or travel plan.

How to Use the Letter in Your Application

Match the letter with your visa form: if the form says you are attending a conference, the letter should mention the conference, and if it says you are visiting family, the letter should show the family connection. Submit it together with the rest of your documents in an organized file so the officer can follow your travel plan easily.

If your travel dates, host address, event details or accommodation change, ask your host to revise the letter before you submit it. A letter with outdated details can create confusion and weaken your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Turkey Invitation Letter

The most common mistakes are incorrect details, an unclear travel purpose, missing host information and ignoring consulate requirements. These can delay your visa process or force you to request a corrected letter.

Mistake	Why It Matters	What to Do Instead
Incorrect personal details	Wrong names, passport numbers or dates can cause delays.	Copy names and numbers straight from the passport.
Unclear travel purpose	Vague wording makes the visit look less organized.	State the exact reason, such as family visit, business meeting, conference or study program.
Missing host information	The consulate may not be able to verify the host.	Include the host’s address, phone, email, ID, residence or company details if required.
Missing travel dates	Unclear dates can conflict with your visa form or bookings.	Add planned arrival, departure and duration of stay.
Ignoring notarization rules	Some consulates may reject a regular letter when notarization is required.	Check whether your letter must be notarized before submission.
Requesting the letter too late	Your host may need time for corrections, stamps, notarization or mailing.	Request the letter several weeks before your visa appointment.

What to Do After Receiving the Invitation Letter

Check every detail before adding the letter to your visa application. A small error can create delays, so review it while there is still time to request corrections.

Check Every Detail Carefully

Compare the letter with your passport, visa form and travel plan. Make sure the following are correct:

Full name
Passport number
Nationality
Travel dates
Purpose of visit
Host name and contact details
Accommodation or sponsorship details, if mentioned

If anything is wrong, ask the host to correct it before you submit your application.

Confirm the Format Meets Consulate Rules

Check whether the consulate wants a scanned, original, signed, stamped or notarized letter. Do not assume one format works everywhere. If the letter comes from a company, university or event organizer, confirm that it carries official contact details and an authorized signature.

Thank the Host and Save Copies

Send a short thank-you message, for example “Thank you for sending the invitation letter. I appreciate your support and will use it for my Turkey visa application.” It keeps communication positive if you need further help later.

Keep a digital copy and a clean printed copy of the letter, together with your passport, visa documents, accommodation details and host contact information. You may need them during the visa process, at the airport or when entering Turkey.

Sample Turkey Invitation Letter Format

One short format can be adjusted for most invitation types. The wording changes for family, business, conference or education, but every version should include the visitor’s details, host details, travel dates, visit purpose and signature.

Letter Type	Key Details to Include
Family visit	Relationship, host address, visitor details, travel dates, accommodation details, and host signature
Business	Company name, business purpose, meeting dates, company address, authorized person, signature, and stamp if available
Conference	Event name, venue, event dates, organizer details, visitor role, registration details, and official signature
Educational	Institution name, program title, dates, campus or location, visitor role, contact person, and official signature

Subject: Invitation Letter for [Purpose of Visit]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I/We, [Host Name or Organization Name], located at [Full Address in Turkey], invite [Visitor’s Full Name], passport number [Passport Number], to visit Turkey from [Start Date] to [End Date].
The purpose of the visit is [family visit/business meeting/conference/educational program]. During the visit, [Visitor’s Full Name] will [stay with the host/stay at a hotel/attend the event or program] in [City, Turkey].
For verification, please contact [Host or Authorized Person’s Name] at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Host or Authorized Person’s Name]
[Position, if applicable]
[Organization Name, if applicable]
[Signature/Stamp]
[Date]

For company, university or conference letters, use official letterhead and a stamp if available. For personal invitations, add the host’s address, contact details and ID or residence information if required.

From our experience at MS International: We are a Canadian conference organizer, so our letters cover our in-person conferences in the Greater Toronto Area and we cannot issue a letter for Turkey. Our own process shows why exact details matter: we prepare the letter from your full legal name exactly as in your passport and your passport details, and we may contact you if names do not match. Our letters are issued within 3 to 5 business days after payment clears, corrections after issue carry a US$50 fee, and the letter supports a visa application but does not guarantee it. The same exact-match care applies to any host.

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Visa and invitation letter requirements for Turkey differ by consulate, nationality and visa type, so always confirm them with the Turkish mission or the official e-Visa website before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Planning a trip to Turkey without a local host? The points covered include letters from a friend or conference organizer, scanned copies, who pays for the stay and whether the e-Visa requires one.

Can I get a Turkey invitation letter without a host?

No, an invitation letter must come from a host in Turkey. If you have no host, ask your mission whether a hotel reservation is accepted instead, as some checklists list either one.

Can a conference organizer send an invitation letter for Turkey?

Yes, a conference organizer can send one if you are registered for the event. Some issue letters only after full payment. The letter should include the event name, dates, venue, organizer details and your role.

Is a scanned invitation letter accepted for a Turkey visa?

Sometimes. A scan is often enough for an online upload, but requirements vary. Some missions ask for the original or a notarized copy, or for hard copies at the interview, so check the visa office where you apply.

How early should I request an invitation letter from Turkey?

Ask as early as you can, ideally several weeks ahead. If notarization or mailing is needed, ask even earlier to avoid delays.

Does the host need to pay for my stay in Turkey?

No, hosts are not always the ones who pay. If they provide accommodation or financial support, the letter should say so. If you cover your own expenses, that should also be clear.

What if there is a mistake in my invitation letter?

Ask the host to correct the letter before you submit your visa application. Errors in your name, passport number, dates or host details can delay the process.

Can a friend in Turkey send me an invitation letter?

Yes, a friend in Turkey can send an invitation letter for a personal visit. They may need to include their address, contact details, ID or residence information and your planned visit dates.

Will an invitation letter get my Turkey visa approved?

No, an invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval. The final decision depends on your full visa file, including passport, finances, travel plan and other required documents, and the mission may ask for more.

Do I need an invitation letter for the Turkey e-Visa?

Usually not, because a letter is not part of the standard e-Visa steps. The e-Visa covers tourism or commerce only. If you must apply for a sticker visa at a Turkish mission, check whether that mission asks for a letter.

Conclusion

Getting an invitation letter from Turkey starts with checking that your route needs one, then choosing the right host and making sure the letter matches your travel purpose. Send your host exact passport details and dates, ask your consulate whether notarization is needed, and review the final letter against your passport before you submit it. The letter is helpful, but it is only one part of your visa file.