Assigned Journalists – Working Visa – Turkish Visa

Are you a journalist looking to work overseas? If so, you may need to apply for a specific type of visa in order to stay for an extended period. In some countries, journalists need a special kind of visa in order to work or report within their borders. The kind of visa you will need depends on where you are applying. As is the case in many places, assigned journalists in Turkey will need to apply for a working visa in order to gain the right to report on the country and its people.

What is an Assigned Journalist Visa?

An assigned journalist visa (or an AJV) is a special type of visa that is only available to journalists who wish to report from inside a given country. It allows them to stay in the country for an extended amount of time and to work within its borders.

Requirements for an Assigned Journalists Visa in Turkey?

Turkey is very strict about who it allows to work within its borders and so it has some pretty specific requirements for gaining an assigned journalist visa. The main criteria are as follows:

• Must be aged 18 or over
• Must hold a valid passport issued by the country in question
• Should have a letter of assignment from their media outlet
• Needs to provide a proof of their health insurance
• Must pass security clearance by the Turkish government
• Must provide proof of financial ability to support themselves and their family
• Must provide evidence of the purpose of their stay

How to Apply for an Assigned Journalists Visa?

It is relatively simple to apply for an AJV in Turkey, and the process is quite straightforward. Those applying for the visa will need to download an application form from the Turkish government’s official website and must then submit it along with all of the relevant documents and paperwork.

Additionally, they will need to attend an interview at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in their home country so that their identity and purpose for travel can be verified. It is also important to remember that the visa process can take up to three months, so those wishing to visit or work in the country should plan in advance.

What are the Benefits of an Assigned Journalists Visa?

For journalists travelling to Turkey for a longer period of time, an assigned journalist visa is essential. The primary benefit of this type of visa is that it allows its holders to stay in the country much longer than the standard tourist visa. This allows dedicated journalists to really immerse themselves in their work, exploring and studying the culture and politics in detail.

Additionally, the AJV also allows holders to make connections with those who may be of assistance to them in their work, as well as provide them with access to places that they may not be able to visit with a standard tourist visa.

What are the Costs of an Assigned Journalists Visa?

In terms of the costs associated with an AJV, it is important to bear in mind that there are two types of fees that will need to be paid. Firstly, there is the processing fee. This is a flat rate fee and it must be paid when the application is submitted.

Secondly, there is the visa fee, which must be paid prior to the visa being issued. This fee will vary depending upon the length of time that is desired and the level of access that is to be granted.

What Documents Are Needed to Obtain an Assigned Journalists Visa?

In order to obtain an AJV, one will need to provide several documents. These include:

• A valid passport issued by one’s home country.
• A letter of assignment from the media outlet they intend to work for.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of financial ability to support oneself and any dependents.
• Evidence of the purpose of the stay.

What happens After Receiving an Assigned Journalists Visa?

Once the visa has been issued, those travelling to Turkey will need to register with the local immigration office within three days of arriving in the country. It is important to remember that it is illegal to work in Turkey without a valid visa and any breach of this law could result in the journalist being expelled from the country.

It is also important to note that it is a requirement that all AJV holders renew their visa at least 15 days before it is due to expire.

Conclusion

If you are an assigned journalist looking to work in Turkey, securing an assigned journalist visa is essential. While the application process can be lengthy and involve some cost, the benefits of being able to stay in the country for an extended period and having greater access to the people and stories that you will be reporting on far outweigh the effort expended.

So, if you are a journalist looking to travel to or work in Turkey, it is essential that you ensure that you have an assigned journalist visa. After all, you never know what stories you may uncover in this fascinating country!

That that being said, always remember to stay safe when travelling and research the areas you plan to visit thoroughly prior to your arrival. With the right visa and the right preparation, you are sure to have a wonderful time discovering all that Turkey has to offer.