before arrival

Visa Procedures

Different entry requirements may apply depending on your country of origin, nationality, bilateral agreements, and the purpose of your visit to Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) in Trabzon. These requirements may include an e-visa, a visa application through a consulate or embassy, a visa upon arrival, or entry with a national ID or passport.

If you are unsure whether you will need a visa to enter Türkiye, or the type of visa applicable to you, please consult the Turkish Government's official websites listed below:

Consulate/Embassy Visa

 If you are not eligible for an e-visa, you may need to apply for a visa through a Turkish embassy or consulate. Use this link to locate the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. Pre-application and visa appointments can be arranged here.

Visa Upon Arrival

Citizens of specific countries meeting certain criteria may obtain a visa upon arrival. For more details and to confirm eligibility, click here.

National ID/Passport

Citizens of countries participating in the European Agreement on Regulations Governing the Movement of Persons between Member States of the Council of Europe may enter Türkiye using their national ID. For a list of eligible countries, please visit here. However, if you intend to apply for a residence or work permit during your stay, entering with a valid passport is advised to facilitate the process.

Turkish citizens residing abroad and holders of a Mavi Kart (Blue Card) can enter Türkiye with either a valid passport or national ID, without the need for a visa or residence permit.

Staff

If you plan to join KTU as international staff, you must obtain both a work visa and a residence permit before arriving in Türkiye. However, if you already hold a valid residence permit for at least six months, you may apply for a work permit from within the country without the need to leave—except for students residing in Türkiye on a student visa, to whom this exemption does not apply. For further guidance on visa requirements, please contact your department at KTU. If you are an international staff to be employed for the first time, please visit here to see other necessary documents. 

Students

International students planning to study at KTU for more than three months are legally required to obtain a residence permit, which can be applied for upon arrival in Türkiye. Please ensure that your passport remains valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay. Additionally, you may need an acceptance letter to apply for your visa. This letter will be issued once your application is approved by the relevant academic department at KTU. For more information about the admission process of international students, please visit here. 

Reminders

  • Non-EU/EEA citizens may be subject to special visa or residence requirements, even if they hold a residence permit from a European country.

  • As visa processing times can vary, it is recommended to submit your application as early as possible after receiving your letter of acceptance or invitation. Acceptance letters are issued upon approval of your application by the relevant academic department at KTU.

  • Please note that the KTU Internaitonal Office does not handle visa applications. It is the responsibility of incoming staff, researchers, students, and visiting members to arrange their own visas.

  • For the latest entry requirements, visa procedures, and applicable exemptions, please visit here. 

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for residing in Türkiye. Without valid coverage for your intended stay, you will not be eligible to apply for a residence permit. You may choose from the following health insurance options:

  • General Health Insurance (GSS) provided by SGK (Turkish Social Security Institution)
  • Social security agreements between certain countries and SGK
  • Private health insurance purchased either in your home country or in Türkiye

General Health Insurance (GSS) by SGK

SGK, Türkiye’s Social Security Institution, is the official provider of general healthcare services. By paying a minimum monthly premium, you can enroll in SGK’s General Health Insurance (GSS), granting access to state hospitals and medical centers free of charge, as well as select private hospitals at discounted rates. Before seeking treatment, it is advisable to confirm whether the hospital has an agreement with SGK. For details on coverage, visit SGK’s official website.

  • Students must apply in person at the SGK Directorate in Trabzon within 90 days of officially registering at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) to benefit from GSS.
  • International faculty and staff become eligible for SGK coverage 60 days after the start of their employment. For assistance with documentation and inquiries, please contact your department at KTU.

Social Security Agreements with SGK

SGK has established social security agreements with various countries, allowing eligible individuals to benefit from healthcare services in Türkiye. The list of participating countries is provided below:

 

Country

Agreement Code

Germany

A/T 11, A/T 12, A/T 23

Austria

A/TR 3, A/TR3-A, TR/A6

The Netherlands

N/TUR 106, N/TUR 111, N/TUR 112

Belgium

BT.8, BT.10

T.R.N.C.

K.K.T.C. / T.C. 3, K.K.T.C. / T.C. 5

Macedonia

MC/TR 4, TR/MC 10

Romania

R/TR 3

Albania

AL/TR 4, AL/TR 10

Bosnia

BH/TR4, BH/TR5

Czech Republic

CZ/TR 111, CZ/TR 112

Luxembourg

L/TR 3

France

SE 208-01 FT, SE 208-02 FT, SE 208-30 FT, SE 208-06 A FT, SE 208-28 FT, SE 208-09 FT

 

Private Health Insurance

You also have the option to obtain health insurance from a private provider, either in Türkiye or in your home country. This offers a flexible solution to ensure adequate health coverage throughout your stay in Türkiye.

Accommodation

Accommodation for Incoming Erasmus+ Students

Karadeniz Technical University offers accommodation for incoming Erasmus+ students at the KTU Koru Student Dormitory. As the number of rooms is limited, incoming students are strongly advised to make their application at least two months in advance of their arrival in Trabzon. For further details, you are strongly advised to contact with the responsible person for incoming students at the international relations office.

Accommodation for Visiting Researchers

Karadeniz Technical University offers accommodation for incoming Visiting Researchers at the KTU Koru Guest House.

How to Get Here

From the International Airport

Getting to Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) from Trabzon Airport is simple, with several convenient options available.

The campus is located just a 5-minute walk from the airport, making it easily accessible for students on foot. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly from the airport—simply tell the driver to go to "Karadeniz Technical University" or "KTU."

Public transportation is also available just outside the airport. You can take a minibus (dolmuş) or bus that goes inside the campus. However, as different routes operate in the area, be sure to confirm that you are boarding the correct one.

For a more structured transfer, private transfer services offer direct transportation from the airport to KTU. It is recommended to check their schedules and fees in advance.

Additionally, having someone to assist you upon arrival can help ease your transition and ensure a smoother organization of essential tasks.

From the Bus Station

To reach the KTU campus from the bus terminal, you have several transportation options:

  • KTU minibuses offer direct access to the university’s A Gate (main entrance).
  • Moloz minibuses provide a route to B Gate.
  • Taxis are available for direct and convenient transportation to the campus.

Additionally, if your bus company operates shuttle services to central locations, you can transfer from there to the campus with ease.

 

Contact 

Phone:

+90 462 377 30 00 (General)

+90 462 325 31 85 (Directorate of Information)

+90 462 377 4201 (Office of International Relations/Exchange Programs)

+90 462 377 4506 (Office of International Student Affairs)

E-mail:

kik@ktu.edu.tr (for general information)

digk@ktu.edu.tr (for exchange students)

uik@ktu.edu.tr (for international students)

intz@ktu.edu.tr (for international staff/researchers)

Address: Karadeniz Technical University, 61080 Trabzon /Türkiye

 

Brochures

KTU Introductory Booklet     KTU Promotion Presentation           Trabzon City Guide

                        

Handbooks

 

International Student's Handbook       Erasmus Internship Guide           Residence Permit Student Guide