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Visitor visa appointments from Turkey take very long. What should I do if my invitation expires?

You do not need the invitation (Verpflichtungserklärung) to join the waiting list. The original is only asked for at the visa appointment, and on that day it must not be older than 6 months. So get a new one once the date is set.

According to the German missions in Turkey, the invitation must not be older than 6 months on the day you apply. An older one may not be accepted as proof that your guest's costs are covered.

You do not have to hand it in to join the waiting list. Once your appointment date is set, apply for a new invitation. In Berlin the office can take 3-6 weeks to process it, so allow for that.

Getting an appointment and a decision on a visitor visa from Turkey can take months. It can take as long as 7 months.

If you are unsure about anything, ask the visa application centre or the consulate in advance.

Where you can get help

This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.

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