Passports issued in Türkiye differ according to the holder’s legal status and the purpose for which the passport is used. There is a standard passport for ordinary citizens, special passports for certain public officials and official duties, as well as temporary passports and travel documents for specific categories of foreigners.
According to Türkiye’s General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVI), there are officially six types of passports in Türkiye.
1. Ordinary Passport – Burgundy Passport
Its official name is Umuma Mahsus Pasaport, and it is commonly known in Türkiye as the Burgundy Passport because of its color.
This is the standard passport issued to Turkish citizens who do not qualify for one of the special passport categories.
Applications are submitted in Türkiye through provincial and district population directorates, while Turkish citizens living abroad can apply through Turkish diplomatic missions.
Typical requirements include a Turkish identity card, biometric photograph, payment of passport and booklet fees according to the requested validity period, and presentation of the previous passport if applicable.
In some cases, ordinary passports may be issued without the passport fee, such as for certain students who meet the required conditions.
Does the Burgundy Passport Require a Visa?
That depends on the destination country.
Some countries allow Turkish ordinary passport holders to enter without a visa, while others require a visa in advance or an electronic visa.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes updated information on visa requirements according to the destination country and passport type.
2. Green Passport – Special Passport
The official name is Hususi Damgalı Pasaport, or Special Passport, and it is known for its green color.
Not every Turkish citizen can apply for it. It is reserved for categories defined by law.
Eligible groups may include certain civil servants, senior public employees, eligible retirees, and some mayors, as well as other categories such as qualifying exporters, lawyers, and academic staff at foundation universities, provided they meet the legal requirements.
In some cases, the spouse and children of an eligible green passport holder may also benefit from this right.
Children over the age of 18 may qualify in certain circumstances until the age of 25 if they remain students, unmarried, and are not employed in a position covered by social insurance, subject to official conditions.
Why Is the Green Passport Important?
One of its main advantages is that it provides visa-free access to a number of countries that may require a visa from holders of an ordinary Turkish passport.
However, visa exemption does not apply to every country, and travel rules can change. Travelers should always verify the current entry requirements before departure.
The green passport is also exempt from the standard passport fee, although the passport booklet fee still applies.
3. Gray Passport – Service Passport
The gray passport is officially known as Hizmet Damgalı Pasaport, or Service Passport.
It is primarily issued to people sent abroad on an official assignment by the Turkish government, public administrations, municipalities, or other authorized institutions, when the individual does not qualify for a diplomatic or green passport.
For example, an employee or representative of a public institution who is sent abroad for an official project, event, or assignment may be issued a gray passport for the duration or purpose of that mission.
The application requires official documentation, including a passport request form and documentation confirming the overseas assignment.
Like the green passport, the gray passport is exempt from the standard passport fee, while the passport booklet fee still applies.
4. Black Passport – Diplomatic Passport
The Diplomatik Pasaport, or Diplomatic Passport, is known for its black color.
It is reserved for people who qualify for diplomatic passports under Turkish law and based on their official position.
Unlike ordinary, green, and gray passports, which are generally processed through population directorates, diplomatic passports are issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Depending on the holder’s official status, qualifying spouses and children may also be entitled to diplomatic passports under applicable rules.
Diplomatic passport holders may benefit from special visa arrangements or exemptions in a number of countries, although these rules vary by destination.
5. Temporary Passport
Türkiye also issues a temporary passport, which NVI currently describes as a pink-colored passport.
This is not intended for ordinary international travel.
It is issued by Turkish diplomatic missions abroad for one-time use, primarily to help a Turkish citizen return to Türkiye or to their country of residence when necessary.
For example, if a Turkish citizen loses or damages their passport while abroad and needs a travel document to return, a temporary passport may be issued depending on the circumstances.
6. Passport for Foreigners
The sixth category is Yabancılara Mahsus Pasaport, meaning a passport specifically for foreigners in cases defined by law.
According to the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, this document is issued through Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management, rather than through the normal passport procedure used for Turkish citizens.
People who may fall under this category include individuals legally recognized as stateless persons in Türkiye, subject to the rules of the Passport Law and legislation concerning foreigners.
This should not be confused with the Turkish passport that a person may obtain after acquiring Turkish citizenship.
What Is the Difference Between Turkish Passport Colors?
The official classification can be summarized as follows:
| Color | Type | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | Ordinary Passport | Standard passport for Turkish citizens |
| Green | Special Passport | For legally eligible categories |
| Gray | Service Passport | For official assignments abroad |
| Black | Diplomatic Passport | For eligible diplomatic and senior official positions |
| Pink | Temporary Passport | Temporary document issued abroad for return travel |
| — | Passport for Foreigners | For specific legal categories of foreigners |
Does Obtaining Turkish Citizenship Mean You Receive a Green Passport?
No.
A person who acquires Turkish citizenship becomes eligible to apply for the ordinary Turkish passport — the burgundy passport, just like other Turkish citizens, provided the standard application requirements are met.
The green passport is not granted simply because a person has Turkish citizenship.
It requires separate legal, professional, or employment-related qualifications.
This is an important distinction, especially for people considering Turkish citizenship through investment, because acquiring citizenship does not automatically grant access to all types of Turkish passports.
Where Do You Apply for a Turkish Passport?
Inside Türkiye, applications for the ordinary passport are generally submitted through provincial or district population directorates.
Applications for green and gray passports are handled by the relevant provincial population and citizenship directorates.
For Turkish citizens abroad, passport procedures are generally carried out through Turkish diplomatic missions depending on the passport type and the applicant’s situation.
Appointments can be arranged through official NVI systems, e-Devlet, or other authorized appointment channels.
Conclusion
When people refer to the burgundy, green, gray, or black Turkish passport, the difference is not simply the color.
Each passport reflects the legal status of the holder and the purpose for which it was issued.
The burgundy passport is the standard passport for ordinary Turkish citizens.
The green passport is reserved for specific legally eligible categories.
The gray passport is intended for official assignments.
The black passport is the diplomatic passport.
Türkiye also provides a temporary travel document and a passport for certain legally defined categories of foreigners.
It is also important to remember that visa-free travel rules vary according to both the passport type and destination country, and these rules may change over time. Travelers should always check the latest requirements before departure.
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