Another visa restriction from the UK to Turkey... Now they will also need a visa!

The UK has made a comprehensive change to its visa policy for Turkey, including diplomatic passport holders in the visa requirement.

With the new regulation coming into effect on March 11, ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors, and even the President will be required to obtain a visa to travel to the UK.

Under the decision notified to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a visa exemption will only apply to ministers traveling on official duty. Apart from this, all diplomatic passport holders traveling for vacation or private visits will be required to apply for a visa.

FINGERPRINT REQUIREMENT INTRODUCED

Until now, diplomatic passport holders were able to enter the UK visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, with the new regulation, the UK has made it mandatory for diplomatic passport holders, like every other Turkish citizen, to provide fingerprints.

The visa application process will begin on February 18 through the UK Embassy in Ankara and its Consulates General.

Previously, the US, Canada, and Saudi Arabia required visas from diplomatic passport holders. With the UK joining this practice, restrictions on Turkish passports have increasingly grown.