If you're an Indian citizen planning a trip to Turkey, your first instinct might be to apply for a Turkey sticker visa. After all, it seems like the most direct route. But what if we told you that applying for a UK visa instead could be a much smarter—and more rewarding—decision?

In this blog post, we’ll explain why getting a UK visa is often the better option for Indian travelers heading to Turkey. We'll compare both visas in terms of cost, approval rates, processing time, travel flexibility, and hidden perks that most people overlook.

Whether you're planning a solo trip, a family vacation, or even a business visit, here's why a UK visa can be your golden ticket.

1. Skip the Embassy: Use Your UK Visa to Instantly Get a Turkish e-Visa

Indian citizens usually need to apply for a Turkey sticker visa, which requires:

• Multiple documents

• Embassy visits or agent coordination

• Longer processing times

• Higher chances of delays or rejections

But here's the shortcut: If you already have a valid UK visa, you can simply apply for a Turkey e-Visa online on Atlys. It takes 5 minutes and costs around ₹4,300.

With this e-Visa, you can enter Turkey for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. No embassy. No paperwork. No stress.

Winner: UK Visa

2. A UK Visa Gives You Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access to 20+ Countries

Here’s where the UK visa really shines.

A valid UK visa opens doors to over 20 other countries, which either:

• Let you in visa-free

• Grant you a visa on arrival

• Offer a quick online e-Visa

These include:

Important Note: UAE visa on arrival is only eligible for Indians with UK residence visa or BRP and not with a UK tourist visa.

If you’re planning multiple trips or want the flexibility to travel spontaneously, a UK visa becomes a powerful tool in your passport.

Winner: UK Visa (By a mile)

3. UK Visa Processing Is Often Faster and More Predictable

Many travelers assume UK visas are harder to get, but the reality is different. In 2024–2025, most Indian applicants with solid documentation receive their UK tourist visa in under 15 working days, often faster if you choose the Priority (5-day) or Super Priority (1-day) service.

Meanwhile, Turkey sticker visas can:

• Take 6 weeks

• Be delayed due to consulate holidays or overbooking

Also, UK visa processing is digitized—everything happens via a centralized system with a clear timeline and SMS/email updates. That predictability is gold when planning a trip.

Winner: UK Visa

4. UK Visa Has Higher Approval Rates for Indians

At Atlys, we’ve seen approval rates across thousands of applications, and the numbers speak for themselves.

• UK Tourist Visa Approval Rate (Indians): ~92%

• Turkey Sticker Visa Approval Rate (Indians): ~64%

The UK visa system is more structured, has clearer guidelines, and doesn’t rely on local consular discretion as much as Turkey’s sticker visa process often does. If your documents are strong and your travel intent is clear, you’re more likely to get approved for a UK visa.

Also, a UK visa carries higher international credibility—so once you have it, future visas to Europe, the US, or Australia also become easier.

Winner: UK Visa

5. UK Visa Is Actually Cheaper Than a Turkey Sticker Visa

This one surprises a lot of people.

The UK visa is ₹6,000 cheaper —and for more benefits.

Even if you opt for the Turkish e-Visa (₹4,500), you'd still need the UK visa to be eligible. So the smarter route is to just get the UK visa and unlock not only Turkey but 20+ other destinations too.

Winner: UK Visa

6. Longer Validity and Multiple Entries

Turkey’s sticker visa usually allows:

• Single or double entry

• Valid for 90–180 days

UK visas offer:

• 6-month validity by default

• Multiple entries allowed

• Options to apply for 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year visas later

A 6-month UK visa lets you:

• Visit the UK

• Use it to get Turkish e-Visas repeatedly

• Travel to other eligible countries with visa-free or e-Visa access

Winner: UK Visa (Long-term travelers, this one’s for you)

7. Better Digital Experience with the UK Visa System

Applying for a UK visa is a more modern, seamless experience:

• Online application form

• Upload documents digitally

• Schedule biometric appointments easily

• Transparent communication

Turkey’s sticker visa process often involves:

• Paper-based forms

• Going to bank to get signed and stamped bank statements

• Scanned copies

• Coordination with embassy staff for additional verification

• A less predictable experience

For digital-first Indian travelers, the UK system simply feels more trustworthy and efficient.

Winner: UK Visa

8. You Can Use the UK Visa to Get Future Schengen, US, or Canada Visas More Easily

Consulates worldwide look at your travel history. If you’ve successfully visited the UK and returned, it builds your visa profile.

So next time you apply for:

• A Schengen visa

• A US B1/B2 visa

• A Canadian visitor visa

...your UK visa history can tip the scales in your favor.

Bonus Win: UK Visa

Final Verdict: Get a UK Visa Instead of a Turkey Sticker Visa

If you're an Indian citizen deciding between a Turkey sticker visa or a UK visitor visa, the choice is clear. The UK visa isn’t just more powerful—it’s cheaper, faster, more flexible, and far more valuable.

It opens up a world of possibilities—not just for Turkey, but for spontaneous trips to UAE, Georgia, Albania, Qatar, and beyond.

So if you’re planning that Turkish vacation, don’t take the long way around. Get a UK visa first—and let it unlock a global journey.