What is a Green Passport and How to Get One?

A green passport is a special type of passport that indicates a person holds a diplomatic, official, or special status. These passports are used as a document that grants certain privileges and privileges to their holders. Green passport holders should be aware that they must not abuse the rights derived from this special status or violate these privileges. Furthermore, diplomatic and official passports grant their holders immunity only under certain conditions; if these conditions are violated, these privileges may cease to apply.

Who is Eligible for a Green Passport?

Heads of State and Government: High-level government officials such as the President of the Republic of Turkey, the Prime Minister, and ministers are eligible to obtain a green passport.
Diplomatic Personnel: Diplomats, ambassadors, consuls, and other diplomatic officials serving in Türkiye are eligible to obtain a green passport.
Members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM): Members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) are eligible to obtain a green passport.
Judicial and Military Personnel: Members of the high judiciary (such as members of the Court of Cassation and the Council of State) and high-ranking military personnel are eligible to obtain a green passport. Certain Public Officials: Individuals in certain positions, such as certain high-level public officials, bureaucrats, and ministry undersecretaries, are eligible to obtain a green passport.
Civil Aviation Personnel: Turkish Airlines (THY) pilots, cabin crew, and other civil aviation personnel are eligible to obtain a green passport. Athletes and Technical Staff: Türkiye’s national athletes and technical staff are eligible to obtain a green passport.
Artists and Cultural Ambassadors: Türkiye’s internationally recognized artists and cultural ambassadors are eligible to obtain a green passport.
Businesspeople and Investors: Businesspeople and investors who have made certain economic contributions to Türkiye may be eligible to obtain a green passport.
Lawyers: Legal professionals who are registered with the bar association and have practiced law for at least 15 years.

How to Obtain a Green Passport?

To obtain a green passport, the applicant must first possess a certain status. For example, individuals with certain statuses, such as heads of state, ministers, diplomats, members of the high court, and military personnel, are eligible to receive a green passport.
Applicants wishing to apply for a green passport must apply in accordance with their designated status. Applications are generally submitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey or other authorized official institutions.
The required documents may vary depending on the applicant’s status. However, they may generally require the submission of documents such as an ID card, passport, official document, letter of appointment, or certificate of approval.
The application form is a crucial document that must be completed when applying for a green passport. This form includes personal information, employment information, and other necessary information.
A fee may be charged when applying for a green passport. The application fee may vary depending on the applicant’s status and passport type.
The applicant’s documents and information are reviewed. The application is verified for eligibility and completeness.
If the application is approved, the green passport is issued to the applicant. Delivery is usually to an address specified by the applicant. It’s important to remember that the criteria and processes for obtaining a green passport may change over time. Therefore, it’s important to obtain up-to-date and accurate information from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other authorized official institutions before applying for a green passport.

What are the Required Documents for a Green Passport?

Identity Document: Personal identification document such as an ID card or passport.
Passport: The applicant must have a valid passport.
Application Form: An application form provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey or authorized official institutions and containing the applicant’s information.
Photograph: A color photograph, usually taken within the last six months, that meets biometric standards.
Office Document or Letter of Appointment: For individuals with relevant status, a duty document or letter of appointment. These documents confirm that the individual is a civil servant, diplomat, military personnel, or a member of a special professional status.
Job Description or Related Documents: Job descriptions and documents describing the duties of individuals with relevant status.
Appointment Document or Letter of Notification: For relevant public officials, an appointment letter or letter of notification.
Documents Proving Special Status: For individuals with special status, documents proving their special status for those falling into a special category, such as businesspeople, artists, and athletes.
Application Fee Payment Proof: A fee may be required when applying for a green passport. A document confirming payment of this fee is required.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the type of green passport applied for and the individual’s status. Therefore, it is important to contact the official website or authorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey or the authorized official institution before applying. Furthermore, verification should be made with the authorities to understand the specific requirements of the green passport category applied for.

Green Passport Advantages

Diplomatic Immunity: Diplomatic green passport holders are considered to be persons involved in diplomatic relations between countries and thus enjoy diplomatic immunity. This facilitates entry and exit, customs procedures, and other official procedures.
Priority Visa Procedures: Green passport holders may receive priority visa processing in many countries. This can facilitate their travel and expedite the visa application process.
Unrestricted Travel Rights: Diplomatic and certain special status green passport holders may have unrestricted travel rights to certain countries. This may eliminate certain visa restrictions.
Tax Exemption: Diplomatic green passport holders are generally eligible for tax exemption in the country where they serve. This means that taxes are not withheld from diplomats’ salaries and income. Task Force and Security: Especially for statesmen, government officials, and military personnel, green passport holders can benefit from special security measures and the ability to perform their duties more effectively.
Privileged Airport and Customs Services: Green passport holders can benefit from priority security checks, passport control, and baggage processing at airports.
Free or Discounted Services: In some countries, green passport holders may be offered free or discounted services offered to government officials. This may apply to hotels, transportation, and other services.
Special Consular Services: Diplomatic and official green passport holders can benefit from special consular services. These may include visa processing, passport renewal, and other consular services.
The benefits offered by a green passport vary from country to country and are generally privileges granted to individuals with a specific status. Therefore, it is important to contact the relevant official institutions in the relevant country for up-to-date and accurate information about the benefits offered by a green passport.

How Long Does a Green Passport Last?

The validity period of a green passport varies depending on the country’s laws and regulations. Generally, green passports, like other types of passports, are valid for a specific period and must be renewed at the end of this period. This period can vary from country to country and also depends on the status of the holder.

In many countries, green passports are valid for between 5 and 10 years. However, the period can be longer for green passports with special statuses, such as diplomatic passports. The validity period for these types of passports generally ranges from 5 to 10 years, but can vary from country to country.

Green passport holders should be aware of their passport’s validity period and ensure they are renewed before it expires. Expiring a passport can cause travel problems, so it’s important to monitor its validity period.

For accurate information on the validity period of a green passport, it’s best to contact the relevant country’s official passport office, consulate, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Up-to-date information from these institutions will provide a clear understanding of the validity period and renewal procedures.