Visa category for attending workshop (Turkish Visa)

The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) outlines two categories which match with your plans, Tourist and Student.

Among the activities permitted on a Tourist visa are conference, seminar, meeting; a two-week workshop fits within that category. The Student-Education visa has a more rigorous process, such as a letter of enrollment from the relevant higher education institution, proof of funds for a living in Turkey (bank account, scholarship document), etc.

Another key difference: an e-visa is available for tourists, students requires consular application and interview. Absent additional information from you, whether the two-week workshop is organized by a university of which you are a student or intern, it is more likely that you would want a Tourist visa.

Again, the MFA describes what to do:

Visa Information For Foreigners

• The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was launched on 17 April 2013 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. This system allows visitors travelling to Turkey to easily obtain their e-Visas online (www.evisa.gov.tr), in approximately three minutes.

Applicants just need to log on to www.evisa.gov.tr, provide the requested information, (after the application is approved) make online payment and download their e-Visa.

• Please note that e-visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. Other purposes, such as work and study, require regular visa given by Embassies or Consulates.