Job Discussion Forums

pennyboo · Joined: 16 Jun 2013 Posts: 10 Location: Santa Fe, NM

So I've been hired by a university in Manisa and have been told that I can apply for my work visa while in Turkey. In the same e-mail the principal of the uni told me I can enter Turkey on a tourist visa, as far as she knows, and to check during my interview...as you know, you don't have an interview for a tourist visa. Am I missing something here? Or are they trying to pull a fast one on me? I'm set to fly out on the 26th. Could so one give me their take on all of this? I feel like this practice isn't standard and I'll have to do border runs every so often. Confused

wander&teach · Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Posts: 126

You are from the U.S. so hop on the plane, pick up your 90 day visa at the arrivals terminal for $20.00 U.S. (bring a greenback) and you are on your way; standard operating procedure. Visa runs are no longer allowed in Turkey and you are now allowed 90 days entry within a 180 days. After your arrival you will fill out reams of paperwork, take a visit to the local Foreign Police Office to register, get fingerprinted and photographed and your resident/work permits will miraculously appear minutes before your visa expires Laughing

If you are at a large Uni. it will be much sooner.

pennyboo · Joined: 16 Jun 2013 Posts: 10 Location: Santa Fe, NM

Thanks so much! You've eased my fears. Smile

wander&teach · Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Posts: 126

Your welcome. Things in Turkey work counterintuitive to the American way of thinking and there will be a learning curve. Keep an open mind, don't over think things, and let the natural course of events take place. 99.9% of the time everything works out just fine even though it feels like you are about to fall off a cliff. When you are in distress and need help, Turks are the first to help find a solution to your problem, and make sure you are happy in their country. They are extremely proud.

Tip #1: Make Turkish friends of the same sex A.S.A.P. if you can. This can be a lengthy process, even a courtship of sorts, but once you "connect" you are family and they will watch over and protect you even in a business setting.

Of course there are bad apples everywhere in the world but if you live in NM you already know that gig Laughing