Transfer of the Consular Services
As of 15th April the Consulate General in Istanbul will be responsible for consular matters concerning Swiss nationals living in Turkey. All consular services (issue of passports and identity cards, changes in civil status, registrations, etc.) will be carried out by the Consulate General in Istanbul.

All visa related issues will be handled in Ankara until 15th November 2013. You find information concerning Visa for foreign citizens under the link on the right side.

The aim of the reorganization of the consular services is to provide an efficient and high-quality range of services tailored to the needs of the Swiss Abroad.

The reorganization takes account that nowadays most consular services can be carried out by mail or e-mail. Swiss citizens abroad are increasingly communicating with the Swiss representations abroad in this way. Only very few matters, such as capturing biometric data for passports, require the individuals concerned to appear in person.

The following additional measures will be introduced at the same time as the transfer of consular services:

• Biometric data can be captured at cantonal passport offices in Switzerland or at Swiss representations abroad that offer consular services. Applications for passports and identity cards must be submitted to the representation responsible for the applicant’s place of residence. For Swiss living in Turkey it is Istanbul.
      
• Life certificates of our pensioners for AHV/AVS: It is not necessary for applicants to appear in person for an interview at the Consulate General. Certificates can be notarized by the Muhtar.

The FDFA Helpline provides detailed information 365 days a year around the clock about the following FDFA services: 

• Travel advice 
• Itineris - online registration for Swiss nationals travelling abroad
• Consular protection
• Living abroad
• Other consular services (services of Swiss representations in connection with passports and identity cards, registration, civil status, civil rights, notarisations, confirmations, certificates, inheritance, welfare, deposits, etc. )

You find the coordinates of the Helpline on the right side of the homepage.