Turkey visa application centre opens

Expatriates in Qatar can now apply for a Turkish visa from the new Turkey Visa Application Centre which opened here on Thursday. 
Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Ahmet Demirok opened the centre, located at 301 Jaidah Square, Al Matar street (Airport Road) in Doha. 
The Turkish embassy awarded the contract to provide visa processing services in Qatar to VFS Global, on October 6.
“Since last year, Qataris don’t need a visa to visit Turkey, but there are many expatriates who would like to visit Turkey. There has been a huge demand and our capacity does not allow us to provide easy visa application services. That’s why we chose to outsource the service. I believe that our partner VFS Global with its professionalism will provide good quality service to applicants.” 
The centre, launched in partnership with Mannai Trading Co is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems and facilities to ensure a convenient experience for visa applicants, the Turkish embassy said yesterday. 
It helps make the visa procedure faster and smoother, with features such as photocopy, photo-booth, printing services and automated queue governance for smooth flow of applicants.
It has dedicated security control room for round-the-clock monitoring and multi-lingual staff to handle queries and applications.
Dedicated country specific websites are also available for easy access to information about visa categories, requirements, check-list and fees, among others. The centre ensures safe and secured handling of passports, documents and personal information. 
Srinarayan Sankaran, COO – Middle East, VFS Global, said, “Turkey has always been a highly attractive destination for outbound travellers from Qatar for leisure and business. We are privileged to partner with the embassy of the Republic of Turkey and believe this centre will well serve the needs of travellers from Qatar who are keen to visit this beautiful country.” 
Over the last few months, VFS Global has expanded its network of Turkey Visa Application Centres in the Middle East, and globally, launching such facilities in India, Nepal, Iraq, and Algeria. 
VFS Global is responsible only for accepting applications on behalf of the Turkish embassy. 
All applications submitted will continue to be assessed and processed by mission. 
The timelines for turnaround of visas are as per the discretion of the authorities concerned. The center functions from 9 am to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday. 
Applications are received from 9am 4pm and passports can be collected from 4pm to 5pm on all working days. 
The Center Helpline: +974 40370014| Email: [email protected] 
Website: www.vfsglobal.com/Turkey/Qatar/
Turkey is a popular tourist destination with many expatriates and the number of visitors to the country is on the rise.