Bodrum to Kos Door Visa Guide (2025–2026)

Required Documents, Fees and Application Process

If you want to travel from Bodrum to Kos (Istanköy) by ferry but do not want to deal with the Schengen visa process, the door visa is one of the most practical solutions. In this guide, you will find detailed information about what a door visa is, which documents are required for the Bodrum–Kos route, application timing, common mistakes, and how to manage the process easily from a single point.

What is a Door Visa?

A door visa (facilitated visa) is a short-term, single-entry visa valid for a maximum of 7 days for tourist visits from Türkiye to certain Greek islands by sea.

The important point is that this visa is not a Schengen visa and is valid only for the island you enter. Therefore, you should not plan to travel between different islands with a door visa.

Where Can You Go with a Bodrum–Kos Door Visa?

This guide focuses specifically on crossings via the Bodrum–Kos route, including departures from Bodrum Center and Turgutreis.

Since the door visa is issued for the island entered by ferry, your travel plan should be based entirely on staying and exploring Kos Island.

Who Can Apply? Conditions and Critical Points

The most important conditions for obtaining a door visa are:

• Being a citizen of the Republic of Türkiye
• Applying with a valid burgundy passport
• Meeting passport validity and blank page requirements
• Not having a TRNC entry or exit stamp in the passport
• Not having a previous Schengen visa refusal record
• Completing and submitting all documents before travel

Please note that this visa is not issued instantly at the port. A complete application file must be prepared in advance.

Because Greek authorities may apply stricter controls during busy periods, preparing complete and accurate documents is extremely important.

When Should You Apply?

Documents for the Bodrum–Kos door visa should be submitted before the travel date.

During high season, processing times and quotas may increase. For this reason, the safest approach is:

• Preparing documents at least 7–10 business days before travel
• Considering courier or shipping delivery times if documents are sent physically
• Avoiding preparation too early, since some documents may have validity date limitations

The ideal timing is close enough to your travel date while still allowing sufficient processing time.

Required Documents for the Bodrum–Kos Door Visa

Prepare the following documents carefully and completely.

1) Visa Application Form

• Must be completed on a computer in English
• Must use capital letters and Latin characters
• Signature sections should follow official instructions
• In some cases, signatures are provided before the Greek police upon arrival

2) Biometric Photograph

• Schengen standard size (35×45 mm)
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Light and clean background required

3) Passport Copy

• Passport must not be older than 10 years
• Must remain valid for at least 3 months after travel
• Copies of previous Schengen visas may support the application process

4) ID Card Copy

• Front and back sides must be clearly readable
• Driver’s licenses are generally not accepted

5) Travel Health Insurance

• Must be prepared in English
• Recommended validity should begin 1 day before departure and end 1 day after return

6) Bank Account Statement

• Must include the last 3 months of transactions
• Minimum expected balance: €450 or equivalent in TRY
• The statement should display the applicant’s name and surname
• Active account usage is preferred

7) Ferry Ticket

A purchased round-trip ferry ticket is required. A reservation alone is generally not sufficient.

For ferry tickets and process management:
https://bodrumkosferry.com/

8) Hotel Reservation

If staying overnight on Kos Island:

• Reservation must be confirmed
• Document language should be English or Greek
• Guest names must appear clearly on the document

9) Additional Documents for Children Under 18

• Separate application form required for the child
• A notarized parental consent letter may be requested
• If traveling with only one parent, additional checks may apply

Door Visa Fees

Door visa fees may vary depending on:

• Island destination
• Travel season
• Service fees
• Intermediary agency policies

Because of this, it is recommended to check the latest fee information directly through the agency or ferry route provider.

Please note that visa fees are generally non-refundable.

Most Common Mistakes During the Application Process

Avoiding the following mistakes can significantly improve the success of your application:

• Applying with a TRNC stamp in the passport
• Preparing incomplete or disorganized documents
• Confusing a ferry reservation with a purchased ticket
• Submitting a one-day bank statement instead of the last 3 months
• Hotel confirmations without guest names
• Applying too close to the travel date and missing processing deadlines or quotas

The Most Practical Way: Door Visa and Ferry Ticket Together

The two most important parts of the Bodrum–Kos door visa process are:

• Correct ferry ticket arrangements
• Proper and complete document flow

Managing both from a single source provides a major advantage and helps avoid delays.

For ferry tickets and door visa information:
https://bodrumkosferry.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the door visa replace a Schengen visa?

No. The door visa is not a Schengen visa. It is a short-term, single-entry visa valid only for specific Greek islands.

Can I travel to other islands with a door visa?

Generally no. The visa should only be used for the island on which it was issued.

How many days is the door visa valid?

Under current regulations, the visa is generally valid for a maximum of 7 days with single entry.

When should documents be submitted?

Ideally, documents should be prepared and submitted 7–10 business days before travel.

Is a ferry reservation enough?

In most cases, no. A purchased ferry ticket is required.

Conclusion

If you are planning a quick Aegean getaway, traveling from Bodrum to Kos with a door visa can be very simple when documents are prepared correctly and submitted on time.

To avoid delays and complications:

• Secure your ferry ticket early
• Follow the document checklist carefully
• Submit your application within the recommended timeframe

For ferry tickets, reservations, and door visa details:
https://bodrumkosferry.com/