How do I renew my passport while living in Turkey and still keep my Turkey visa?

by Anderson
(Istanbul, Turkey)

Question: I live in Turkey and my passport will soon expire. I need to know if I can apply for a new passport in person at the US Consulate in Istanbul. I enter and leave the country on a tourism visa valid for 3 months. How will I leave the country if I surrender my old passport and do not have a visa stamped in my new passport?

Answer: Yes, you can apply for a passport renewal at the US consulate in Istanbul. You are not required to visit the consulate if you meet all the criteria for renewal by mail.

* You are at least 16 years old at the time of application; and
* Your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 years of age or older; and
* Your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years; and
* Your most recent passport was issued for its full five- or ten-year validity; and
* You are able to submit the passport with this application; and
* You are not requesting a change in the passport data, other than a name change due to marriage.

Requirements to renew your passport include:

1. Completed form DS-82.
2. Current passport and photocopy of the same.
3. Two passport photos.
4. Name change document if it applies.
5. Payment of $75 fee.

You can pay the $110 in cash or credit card if you visit the consulate personally. By mail, the only forms of payments are "Yurtiçi Döviz Çeki" or "Bloke Döviz Çeki" which are acquired at banks.

Your current passport will be returned to you along with the new one. You should use both passports when you travel until the visa expires.

In order to find the UPS office closest to you, please call 444-0033. Your passport will be sent to you via UPS to the return address you include on your original UPS package.

If you prefer to visit the consulate, location and hours are given below. You must make an appointment first.

American Citizen Service (ACS) hours for Istanbul:
ACS public hours: 08:00-12:00, Monday through Thursday by appointment. (closed to the public all day Fridays)

Address:
Üçşehitler Sokak No.2
34460 Istinye, Istanbul
Phone: (90) (212) 335 9000
Fax: (90) (212) 335 9102

U.S. Consulate in Istanbul Appointment Service