Turkish Passport Photo Requirements

Overview

Turkish passports require specific 50×60 mm photos that meet General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVI) standards. Whether applying for your first passport, renewal, or replacement, proper photos are essential for approval.

Photo Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 50 × 60 mm (width × height)
• Face height: 32–36 mm (from chin to top of head)
• Face-to-photo ratio: 70-80% of total height
• Position: Centered horizontally and vertically

Technical Requirements

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for printing
• Digital format: High-quality JPEG
• File size: 100 KB to 2 MB
• Color: Full color required
• Background: Plain white
• Quality: Sharp, clear, and professionally taken

Facial Requirements

• Expression: Neutral, serious expression
• Eyes: Open, looking directly at camera
• Mouth: Closed, no smiling
• Head position: Straight, facing forward
• Recent: Taken within last 6 months

Turkish Passport Types and Validity

Regular Passport (Umumi Pasaport)

• Adults: 10-year validity
• Minors (under 18): 5-year validity
• Fee: ₺1,100 (adults), ₺550 (minors)

Diplomatic Passport (Diplomatik Pasaport)

• Government officials: Variable validity
• Diplomatic personnel: Special issuance
• Fee: No fee for official use

Service Passport (Hizmet Pasaportu)

• Official travel: Government employees
• Validity: Based on assignment
• Fee: No fee for official use

Special Passport (Hususi Pasaport)

• Special circumstances: Specific cases
• Validity: Variable
• Fee: Varies by case

Application Process

Required Documents

• Turkish ID Card: Kimlik Kartı
• Photos: Two identical 50×60 mm photos
• Previous passport: If renewing
• Birth certificate: For first-time applicants
• Military service: Certificate for males (if applicable)

Application Locations (NVI Offices)

• Istanbul: Multiple districts (Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Fatih, etc.)
• Ankara: Central and district offices
• Izmir: Konak, Bornova, Karşıyaka
• Antalya: Muratpaşa, Kepez
• Bursa: Osmangazi, Nilüfer

Processing Times

• Regular processing: 7-14 business days
• Express service: 3-5 business days (additional fee)
• Same-day service: Available in urgent cases
• Peak seasons: Up to 21 days (summer, holidays)

Photo Guidelines and Standards

Acceptable Requirements

• Natural appearance: No heavy makeup or digital alterations
• Prescription glasses: Clear lenses, no reflections
• Religious head coverings: Permitted if worn for religious reasons
• Medical devices: Hearing aids, medical patches visible

Prohibited Elements

• Facial expressions: Smiling, frowning, or unusual expressions
• Sunglasses: Any tinted or dark glasses
• Hats or caps: Except religious head coverings
• Heavy makeup: Dramatic appearance changes
• Digital editing: Filters, beauty apps, retouching

Background Requirements

• Color: Plain white only
• Uniformity: No patterns, textures, or shadows
• Lighting: Even, professional lighting
• Contrast: Clear distinction from subject

Where to Get Photos in Turkey

Professional Photo Studios

• Passport photo specialists: Found near NVI offices
• Shopping centers: Photo services in major malls
• Camera shops: Professional photography services
• Cost: ₺50-100 for passport photos

Instant Photo Services

• Photo booths: Available in malls and government buildings
• Convenience stores: Some locations offer photo printing
• Online services: Upload and print services
• Cost: ₺25-60 for instant photos

Recommended Locations by City

Istanbul

• Kadıköy: Multiple photo shops near NVI office
• Taksim: City center photo services
• Levent: Business district studios
• Ataşehir: Modern photo services

Ankara

• Kızılay: Central area photo shops
• Çankaya: Near government offices
• Keçiören: District photo services
• Mamak: Local photo studios

Izmir

• Konak: Near NVI office photo shops
• Alsancak: City center services
• Bornova: University area services
• Karşıyaka: Local photo studios

Antalya

• Muratpaşa: Near NVI office
• Kepez: District services
• Konyaaltı: Tourist area services
• Aksu: Airport area services

Common Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

• Wrong size: Not exactly 50×60 mm
• Poor quality: Blurry, pixelated, or low resolution
• Incorrect background: Not white or has patterns
• Bad lighting: Shadows, glare, or uneven lighting

Facial Issues

• Expression: Smiling, frowning, or inappropriate expressions
• Eyes: Closed eyes, looking away, red-eye effect
• Hair: Covering face, eyes, or creating shadows
• Accessories: Inappropriate glasses or jewelry

Special Considerations

For Children and Infants

• Infants: Eyes must be open, neutral expression
• Toddlers: Parent may assist but not appear in photo
• School age: Same requirements as adults
• Parental consent: Both parents must consent for minors

For Military Personnel

• Active duty: May need military approval
• Officers: Special documentation required
• Conscripts: Standard civilian process
• Reserves: Standard process during civilian time

For Dual Citizens

• Turkish citizenship: Must use Turkish passport for entry/exit
• Foreign passports: Cannot be used for Turkey entry if Turkish citizen
• Documentation: Proof of Turkish citizenship required
• Consular services: Available at Turkish consulates abroad

Fees and Payment (2024)

Passport Fees

• Adult regular (10-year): ₺1,100
• Minor regular (5-year): ₺550
• Express service: Additional ₺300
• Same-day service: Additional ₺600

Photo Costs

• Professional studio: ₺50-100
• Photo booth: ₺25-60
• Online printing: ₺40-80
• Additional copies: ₺10-25 each

Payment Methods

• Cash: Accepted at all NVI offices
• Credit cards: Most locations accept cards
• Bank transfer: Online applications
• Mobile payment: Some locations accept mobile payments

Turkish Administrative Context

Government Agencies

• NVI: General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs
• Ministry of Interior: Oversees NVI operations
• Foreign Ministry: Consular services abroad
• Security services: Background checks for passports

Digital Services

• e-Devlet: Government service portal
• NVI online: Appointment booking and status tracking
• Digital signatures: Electronic document submission
• Mobile apps: Government service applications

Language Support

• Turkish: Primary language for all services
• Kurdish: Available in some regions
• Arabic: Limited availability in border areas
• English: Available at major offices and tourist areas

Tips for Successful Application

Before Taking Photos

• Check requirements: Review latest NVI guidelines
• Choose location: Find experienced photo service
• Prepare appearance: Natural makeup, appropriate clothing
• Timing: Allow time for retakes if needed

Photo Session

• Follow instructions: Listen to photographer’s guidance
• Check quality: Review photos before finalizing
• Get multiple copies: Order extra copies for future use
• Digital backup: Request digital copies if available

Application Day

• Arrive early: NVI offices can be busy
• Bring everything: All required documents and photos
• Check photos: Ensure photos meet current standards
• Be patient: Processing may take time during busy periods

After Submission

• Track status: Use NVI online tracking system
• Respond promptly: Answer any NVI requests quickly
• Plan travel: Don’t book flights until passport received
• Keep receipts: Maintain all application documentation

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