Each Turkish volunteer has to obtain a visa to enter in the EU zone. Therefore our volunteers can not just pack up and depart on the next day after you inform them about the approval of the project like the volunteers from the EU zone.
Coordinating / Hosting organisations should be aware of this case and either be patient and ready to get the volunteers after the start date of the project OR act very fast to supply the necessary information and documents in order to have the volunteers on time. “The volunteers are late, as slow as you are.”
Visa process is complicated, annoying and stressfull due to the bureaucracy. The staff (of the consulates or the visa reception offices acting on their behalf) unfortunately still are not aware of EVS. There is also no visa type for voluntary work (except in the UK). Thus the volunteers apply for “tourist visa” mainly, which is given only for 3 months length. Then the volunteers should apply for a “Residence Permit” after their arrival.
For example, the visa applicant EVS volunteers are requested to supply a bank account which most of them can not, although the main aim of the EVS is selecting disadvantaged volunteers. Some visa applications are rejected or delayed just because of lack of bank accounts.
Also there is no standard about the requested papers. Some doceuments requested from a volunteer are not requested from another one. The most essential documents are;
- Offical invitation letter signed and stamped by the coordinating organisation,
- Signed and stamped Activity Aggreement by all parties,
- Insurance papers (GENÇTUR supplies them within a week time)
- GENÇTUR visa Support letter (GENÇTUR supplies it immediately)
- Therefore we ask all our partners to act fast for supplying the invitation letter which should contain;
- Full name, date of birth, nationality and pass number of the volunteer.
- Short explanation about Erasmus+ Program and EVS, saying that “all the expenses including food, accommodation, transport, insurance and pocket money is covered by the program.
- Clear address of the accommodation of the volunteer in your country.
- Start and end days of the project
