A Family & Friend Visit Visa is a short-term visa issued by consulates for individuals traveling to visit family members, relatives, or friends living abroad. This visa category covers private visits and is one of the most commonly requested short-stay visa types.
Often referred to as an invitation visa, a visit visa generally requires an official invitation from the person you intend to visit. At PassWorld, we provide professional support throughout the entire process—from reviewing the invitation letter to preparing a complete and well-organized application file.
What Is a Family & Friend Visit Visa?
A Family & Friend Visit Visa is intended for Turkish citizens who wish to visit family members, relatives, or friends residing in another country.
Unlike tourist or business visas, this visa category is based primarily on an invitation from the host in the destination country. The invitation serves as an important supporting document that confirms the purpose of the visit.
PassWorld manages every stage of the application process, including invitation review, document preparation, and application coordination, ensuring that your file meets the destination country’s requirements.
Visit Visa Categories by Country
The official name of this visa category varies depending on the destination country. Common examples include:
- Schengen Countries: Type C Schengen Visitor Visa
- United Kingdom: Standard Visitor Visa (Family Visit)
- United States: B1/B2 Visitor Visa
- China: Q2 Visa
- Algeria: Family Visit Visa (Visa Familial)
Each country has its own regulations and application procedures, making country-specific preparation essential.
Purpose of a Visit Visa
A visit visa is commonly issued for:
- Visiting family members living abroad
- Visiting relatives
- Visiting friends or acquaintances
- Attending family gatherings, celebrations, or special occasions
This visa is intended solely for temporary personal visits and does not permit employment, long-term residence, or commercial activities in the destination country.
Invitation Letter Requirements
The invitation letter is one of the most important documents in a Family & Friend Visit Visa application.
The invitation should be issued by the person residing in the destination country and must comply with the requirements of the relevant consular authority.
Depending on the country, additional supporting documents from the host may include:
- Copy of passport or national identity card
- Residence permit or proof of legal residence
- Proof of income or financial documents
- Sponsorship or guarantee declaration (where applicable)
- Documents demonstrating the relationship between the applicant and the host
Invitation Requirements for Schengen Visit Visas
For many Schengen countries, invitation letters for family and friend visits are expected to be officially registered or certified by the relevant local authority, such as:
- The municipality, or
- The immigration or foreign nationals office
Simple invitation letters prepared without official certification may not be accepted by many Schengen consulates.
Some countries, including Sweden and the Netherlands, may also require the host to submit proof of financial means together with the invitation.
Validity of Invitation Letters
Invitation letters are generally issued for specific travel dates and periods.
Depending on the destination country, invitations may cover stays of:
- 15 days
- 30 days
- 45 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
- Up to 180 days
However, for Schengen short-stay visas, the maximum permitted stay remains 90 days within any 180-day period, regardless of the invitation’s validity.
Required Documents for a Visit Visa
Although documentation requirements vary depending on the destination and the applicant’s personal circumstances, the following documents are commonly requested:
- Valid passport
- Biometric photographs
- Copies of passport and identification documents
- Personal bank statements
- Travel medical insurance
- Flight reservations
- Accommodation information
- Employment documents or professional status documents
- Invitation letter and supporting documents
Countries such as the Schengen Member States, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and New Zealand often require applicants to provide detailed evidence of both their financial capability and the genuine purpose of their visit.
How to Apply for a Visit Visa
Depending on the destination country, visit visa applications may be submitted through:
- Embassies and consulates
- Authorized visa application centers
- Professional visa consultancy services
- Official e-Visa systems (where available)
- Border or visa-on-arrival programs in eligible countries
For destinations including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia, applications are generally submitted through authorized visa application centers.
Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the destination country and individual circumstances.
Typical processing periods include:
- Schengen Countries: Minimum of approximately 15 days
- Some countries, including Belgium, Norway, and Switzerland, may require additional administrative processing, resulting in longer waiting times.
- Applications supported by invitation letters may also undergo additional review.
As a general recommendation, PassWorld advises applicants to begin the visa process at least 30 days before their planned departure. Depending on the destination country and application complexity, processing may take between 10–15 days and 45–50 days.
Important Information About Family & Friend Visit Visas
- Visit visas are intended only for short-term stays.
- They do not authorize employment, permanent residence, or commercial activities.
- An invitation letter strengthens an application but does not guarantee visa approval.
- Consular authorities evaluate both the invitation and the applicant’s overall personal, professional, and financial circumstances.
- Additional administrative review may be required in certain cases before a final decision is issued.
