How is a family visit visa different from a tourist visa?
In many countries a family or friend visit is a type of short-stay visitor visa; the main difference is that the person inviting you becomes part of the file. Because your host may provide accommodation and sometimes cover your costs, documents about their situation are an important part of the application.
Your application therefore needs to show clearly both your own ties to Türkiye and your host's legal status in their country, as well as your relationship with them.
Invitation letters and host documents
An invitation letter usually includes the host's identity and contact details, your relationship, the dates of the visit and where you will stay. A copy of the host's passport or residence permit and proof of address are also commonly requested.
Some countries ask the host to confirm formally that they will cover your costs; in Germany, for example, this is the Verpflichtungserklärung issued by the local foreigners' authority. We explain to both you and your host exactly which documents are needed and how to prepare them.
How do I prove the family relationship?
For visits to parents, children or siblings, the relationship is usually shown with a civil registry record or birth certificate, which may need translating. For visits to friends, the invitation and an explanation of how you know each other carry more weight.
We confirm, country by country, which language and format the documents should be in and whether translation or certification is required.