Frequently asked questions

This page briefly answers the questions most frequently asked by Turkish citizens traveling to or living in Russia or Ukraine. At the end of each answer, there is a reference to a heading with detailed information. Rules change frequently; check the latest status on the official website before applying.

• Can I travel to Russia without a visa? No, not with an ordinary (burgundy) passport; a visa is required. Different rules apply to special, service, and diplomatic passports (see R1.1).
• Which visa is the easiest to obtain? An e-visa for short visits. You may stay for a maximum of 30 days from entry and it allows a single entry. It cannot be used for work or education (see R1.2).
• I will stay longer than 30 days. What should I do? You should obtain a consular visa: a tourist, business, private, work, or education visa (see R1.3 and R1.4).
• What should I do first when I arrive in Russia? Complete your migration registration (миграционный учёт) within 7 business days. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel completes the registration (see R2.1).
• How long can I stay in Russia? Those entering with a visa may stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. Holders of work and education visas are not subject to this limit (see R2.2).
• Will my Turkish bank card work in Russia? For current rules and practical advice on this matter, see R1.8 and R8.1. Also ask your bank before you leave.

• What is required to work in Russia? Your employer initiates the process; you obtain a work visa and work permit. The patent system does not apply to Turkish citizens (see R3.1).
• Is there a special work ban for Turks? No. The restrictions introduced in 2016 were lifted on May 31, 2017 (see R3.4).
• I am married to a Russian citizen. Can I obtain a residence permit? If you have been married for at least 3 years to a Russian citizen permanently residing in Russia, or if you have a child together, you may obtain a temporary residence permit outside the quota (see R4.1).
• Will I lose my Turkish citizenship if I acquire Russian citizenship? No, Türkiye allows multiple citizenship. Register your multiple citizenship at the consulate. Russia, however, will consider you only a Russian citizen (see R4.5 and O1.2).
• Can I drive with my Turkish driver's license? Yes. However, one year after obtaining a residence permit (ВНЖ) or Russian citizenship, your Turkish driver's license becomes invalid in Russia. You may not drive for work purposes, such as working as a taxi driver or courier, with a Turkish driver's license (see R8.5).
• Could using Instagram and Facebook cause problems? Meta is on Russia's list of extremist organizations. For which conduct may result in penalties, see R8.6.

• Do I need a visa for Ukraine? No. Turkish citizens may stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period. You may also enter from Türkiye with a chip-enabled identity card (see U1.1).
• Is it safe to travel to Ukraine now? The Embassy of Kyiv reiterated on June 16, 2025, its warning against traveling to Ukraine unless necessary due to the war (see U0.1).
• What should I do to stay longer than 90 days? You obtain a long-term visa and then apply for a temporary residence permit in Ukraine (see U1.2 and U2.1).
• Do I need to report my address in Ukraine? Yes. You must declare your address within 30 days after arriving at the new address (see U2.5).
• Can I go outside during a curfew? No, unless you have special permission. Exceptions include going to a shelter during an air-raid alarm and going to support points in emergencies such as power outages (see U0.3).

• My passport is about to expire. What should I do? Make an appointment with the consular mission to which you are affiliated and apply in person. Passports are not extended; a new passport is issued. If your Russian visa is in your old passport, it must be transferred (see O1.2 and R2.2).
• My child was born in Russia or Ukraine. How do I register the birth? Report the birth to the consular mission within 60 days. For a child born within marriage, you may also apply by mail (see O1.2, R6.3, and U5.3).
• I got married at a local civil registry office. Is it valid in Türkiye? Register the marriage at the consular mission within 30 days (see O1.2, R6.2, and U5.2).
• What happens to my military service while working in Russia? If you are in Russia with a work permit, you may defer your military service until the end of the year in which you turn 35, or perform military service by paying in foreign currency after working for at least 3 years. The fee for July 1–December 31, 2026 is TRY 472,653.60 (see O1.4).
• Do the years I worked in Russia or Ukraine count toward my retirement in Türkiye? Türkiye does not have social security agreements with either country. You may have these periods counted through overseas service credit payments (see O1.5).
• Is a diploma I received in Russia or Ukraine valid in Türkiye? Before beginning your education, check whether the school is recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK); an equivalency application can then be submitted (see R5.3 and U4.3).
• How do I grant a power of attorney for my affairs in Türkiye? Have a power of attorney prepared at the consular mission. If you have it prepared by a local notary, an apostille and Turkish translation are required (see O1.3).
• Can I vote in elections? Yes. First, you must declare your address at the consular mission and register in the overseas voter registry (see O1.6).
• Who should I call in an emergency? Call the duty line of the consular mission to which you are affiliated or the 24/7 Consular Call Center (+90 312 292 29 29). For local emergency numbers, see O1.1 and O2.1.