As anyone who has applied for a Schengen, UK or US visa knows, appointments are usually given early in the morning and most often in Istanbul. Ankara, İzmir and Antalya also have centres, but Istanbul offers the widest choice of appointments. For an applicant coming from Anatolia, the safest option is to stay near the centre the night before. On this page we have grouped Istanbul's visa application centres area by area; next to each area you will find its map and a nearby hotels link.
Which Country, Which Centre?
Consulates leave application intake to service providers, and these providers change or move from time to time. For example, VFS Global's France centre moved from Beyoğlu to Astoria Mall in Esentepe in December 2025. That is why the address on your appointment confirmation always takes precedence. The table below is a general guide:
| Provider |
Main countries |
Area in Istanbul |
| VFS Global |
UK, France, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Canada and others |
Esentepe (Astoria Mall), Altunizade |
| iDATA |
Germany, Italy |
Gayrettepe, Altunizade |
| TLScontact |
Switzerland |
Esentepe (Astoria Mall) |
| Kosmos |
Greece |
Esentepe (Astoria Mall) |
| BLS International |
Spain |
Kâğıthane (Yeşilce) |
| AS Visa |
Hungary, Portugal |
Beyoğlu |
| US Consulate General |
USA (interview) |
İstinye |
Visa Centre Areas and Nearby Hotels
- Esentepe – Astoria Mall (Gayrettepe / Zincirlikuyu)
The busiest spot for visa centres
Esentepe Mahallesi, Büyükdere Caddesi No:127, Şişli
VFS Global (UK, France and other countries), TLScontact (Switzerland) and Kosmos (Greece) are on the lower floors of this mall. iDATA's Gayrettepe branch is on the same avenue. Transport: M2 and M11 Gayrettepe, Metrobus Zincirlikuyu.
Show on Map - Nearby Hotels
- Altunizade (Üsküdar)
The visa centre area on the Asian side
Altunizade Mahallesi, around Kısıklı / Mahir İz Caddesi, Üsküdar
iDATA Altunizade (Germany, Italy) and a VFS Global branch are here. Transport: Metrobus Altunizade, M5 Altunizade.
Show on Map - Nearby Hotels
- Kâğıthane – Yeşilce
Yeşilce Mahallesi, Diken Sokak No:2, Kâğıthane
BLS International (Spain).
Show on Map - Nearby Hotels
- İstinye – US Consulate General
For visa interviews
İstinye Mahallesi, Sarıyer Caddesi No:75, Sarıyer
For a US visa, the interview takes place at the consulate and starts early in the morning. Phones, electronic devices and large bags are not allowed inside; check left-luggage options in advance.
Show on Map - Nearby Hotels
Choosing an Area
- Esentepe / Gayrettepe / Levent / Mecidiyeköy: A business hotel district; weekday prices can be higher. A hotel within walking distance of the metro saves you from worrying about morning traffic. It is directly connected to Istanbul Airport by the M11 metro.
- Altunizade / Üsküdar / Kadıköy: If you are coming from the Asian side or Sabiha Gökçen, you reach the centre without getting stuck in bridge traffic.
- İstinye / Maslak / Sarıyer: The closest area for the US interview. Since interviews are in the morning, staying here the night before makes sense to avoid traffic along the Bosphorus.
Quick Checklist for Appointment Day
- Appointment confirmation, passport and document file (with photocopies)
- Be at the door at least 15–20 minutes before your appointment; latecomers' appointments may be cancelled.
- Large bags and some electronic devices may not be accepted at the centres; take only what you need when leaving the hotel.
- Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) is collected, so the applicant must attend in person.
- Arrange your hotel check-out around your appointment time; many hotels will keep your luggage.
If you are on a tight budget and a public employee: the Istanbul Public Guesthouses and Lodging Houses list includes options close to the visa areas, such as the TPAO guesthouse in Esentepe.
This page was prepared in 2026 for information purposes. Addresses, phone numbers and admission conditions may change; please call the institution to confirm before you set off.
