What is a Turkish Gray Passport (Service Passport)? Who is Eligible to Receive It?

A service passport, also known as a gray passport, is a type of passport issued to individuals and their families who are assigned official duties abroad by government institutions. The gray passport, which is granted upon request by special administrations and municipalities, is provided to civil servants, national athletes, and various government representatives who do not have a green passport and do not meet the eligibility requirements for one.

Who is Eligible for a Gray Passport?

According to the 5682 Passport Law, the gray passport is issued only for the duration of official service. It is primarily granted to government employees and their families who do not hold a green or black passport, as well as other designated state officials, including:

• Individuals assigned to work abroad by municipalities, special administrations, and the government,

• Individuals appointed abroad by the Turkish Red Crescent Society and the Turkish Aeronautical Association,

• Those representing the Republic of Turkey in international organizations of which Turkey is a member, as well as those working as officials in these organizations,

• Spouses of individuals holding a service passport,

• All children of service passport holders under the age of 18,

• Children over 18 who are still studying, unmarried, unemployed, and under the age of 25,

• Unmarried and unemployed children over the age of 25 who have physical or mental disabilities.

What is the Validity Period of a Gray Passport?

Since a gray passport is a service passport, it is valid only for the duration of the assigned duty abroad. Generally issued for a period of five years, the validity may vary depending on the request of the assigning institution. Upon completion of the overseas duty and return to Turkey, the passport must be returned to the institution that issued it, which will then submit it to the Provincial Directorate of Population.

What Documents Are Required for a Gray Passport Application?

Applicants for a service passport must provide the following required documents. When all documents are submitted correctly, the passport will be issued promptly. The required documents for a gray passport application include:

1. Service passport application form (signed by authorized personnel, not exceeding 60 days old),

2. Original and photocopy of the national ID card,

3. Two biometric photos taken within the last six months,

4. Passport booklet fee receipt (The 2025 passport booklet fee is 1,135 TL),

5. Original copies of any previous passports,

6. Student certificate from e-Government or the relevant school for children in education,

7. Consent letter from legal guardians for minors or disabled children (If parents are married, both must provide consent; if divorced, the custodial parent must give consent),

8. Medical reports from healthcare institutions for individuals with physical, mental, or psychological disabilities.

   
   

   

   
   

Can a Gray Passport Be Used for Tourism?

Since a service passport is only valid for the duration of official duties, it cannot be used for tourism purposes. If a gray passport is used for tourism during the period of official duty, it may be revoked. A green passport should be used for personal travel purposes instead.

Who Can Obtain a Gray Passport as a Family Member?

Spouses of gray passport holders, children under 18, unmarried children under 25 who are still studying, and disabled children over 25 who are unmarried can obtain a gray passport.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Gray Passport?

A service passport is one of the fastest types of passports to be issued and is typically delivered within 3 to 5 business days.

Which Countries Can Gray Passport Holders Travel to Without a Visa?

Holders of a gray passport can travel visa-free to approximately 156 countries worldwide, covering many destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Europe

Countries in Europe that allow entry with a gray passport without a visa include Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the Czech Republic, France, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Belarus, Switzerland, Iceland, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, Greece, Croatia, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, and Luxembourg.

Africa

Gray passport holders can travel visa-free to South Africa, Djibouti, Rwanda, Botswana, Tanzania, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt.

Asia and the Far East

Asia, known for its breathtaking landscapes, includes many visa-free destinations for gray passport holders. These countries are Japan, Sri Lanka, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Brunei, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Israel, Bahrain, Yemen, and the Maldives.

America and the Caribbean

Gray passport holders can travel visa-free to Cuba, as well as Venezuela, Honduras, Peru, Guatemala, Suriname, Barbados, Belize, and Bolivia in the Americas.

“For the most accurate and up-to-date list of visa-free countries for service passport holders, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gray Passport

Advantages:

• When applying for a gray passport, only the booklet fee is required, and no passport fee is charged,

• It allows visa-free entry to many countries,

• It is issued and delivered in the shortest time possible.

Disadvantages:

• It cannot be used for tourism purposes,

• It must be returned at the end of the service period.