Maroon vs. Green Passport: What's the Difference? Visa Rules

The difference between the maroon passport and the green passport lies in the passport type and eligibility requirement: the maroon passport is an ordinary passport, the green passport is a special-stamped type. The green passport is issued to public officials and those entitled under the law; there is no service requirement written in the law for the maroon passport. Visa status is determined not by the passport's colour but by the rules of the country you are travelling to.

In short

• The maroon passport is an ordinary passport, the green passport is a special-stamped type; the difference lies in eligibility and the application form.
• If you are unsure of your eligibility for a green passport, consult your institution or the population directorate; do not treat the list as exhaustive.
• The visa requirement is determined not by passport colour but by the rules of the country you are travelling to; verify this on the country page.
• Confirm the current validity period of the green passport with NVİ; older texts state 5 years.

The essence of the rule: two separate passport types

In Türkiye, passports are divided into 4 types under Article 12 of the Passport Law: diplomatic, special-stamped, service-stamped, and ordinary. The two types commonly referred to by colour in everyday language fall within this list. The green passport is the special-stamped passport. The maroon passport, on the other hand, is the ordinary passport.

The difference relates not to the colour of the document but to who obtains it and under what right. The green passport is issued on the basis of a public office or a right tied to it. No such service requirement is written in the law for the maroon passport.

For this reason, "which one should I get" is not really a choice for most people; the green passport is based on an entitlement. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, get information from your institution or the population directorate. This page summarises the passport types and their implications for travel; check the requirements for entry into a specific country on the country page.

Who is issued a green passport?

The eligible parties for the special-stamped passport are defined in the law, and this page does not provide an exhaustive list; verify your own situation from an official source. The main confirmed cases are as follows:

• Civil servants in grades 1, 2 and 3, and other public officials, under paragraph A of Article 14 of the law.
• Spouses of those eligible for a special-stamped passport; spouses are issued the same type of passport.
• Mayors of metropolitan municipalities, provinces and districts; for the duration of their term.
• Unmarried and non-student children of the eligible person; up to age 18.

These items are illustrative; the law may include other eligible groups as well. Therefore, do not conclude on your own that "I'm not eligible for a green passport if I'm not on the list." If it is unclear whether you are eligible, get information from your institution's personnel department or the population directorate. Also consult the same institutions about what happens to the passport once the eligibility condition ends. Clarifying your situation before applying prevents the burden of rejection or reapplication.

The difference in application, form and validity period

The practical difference between the two passports begins with the application. For the special-stamped passport application, a "special-stamped passport request form" is required from the employed public official. This form is not required for the maroon passport application.

Validity period

The validity period of the green passport has been extended from 5 years to 10 years due to the start of domestic and national passport production. Older texts still state 5 years; if you are looking at an old guide, confirm the current period with the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs.

Fee

For the maroon passport, the fee varies according to the validity period you request. Options such as 6 months, 1 year and 10 years exist, and the fee increases as the period gets longer. We do not state the current amount here; check the official tariff on the day of application.

Practical conclusion: for the green passport, the service document and form stand out; for the maroon passport, the choice of period and fee stand out. Consider your travel plans when choosing the period; many countries also check the remaining validity of the passport, so verify this on the country page.

Visa status: determined by country rules, not colour

The passport's colour alone does not indicate whether a visa is required. The visa requirement depends on the rule of the country you are travelling to, the passport type, and the purpose of travel. Some countries may make separate arrangements for different passport types, others may not. For this reason, do not rely on general statements such as "no visa needed with a green passport" or "visa required with a maroon passport."

The correct method is as follows:

• Select the country you are travelling to.
• Search for the requirement by specifying your passport type, i.e. maroon or green.
• Note the requirements for length of stay, purpose of travel and passport validity.

You can check up-to-date requirements by country on the Country-by-country visa information page. If you are curious about the 5-year visa conditions for Schengen, the Schengen trusted traveller formula article will be useful.

Visa rules change. Arriving at the border with the wrong document can lead to being turned back, which also means losing your ticket and hotel booking. If you hold a green passport, distinguish between travel made for official duty and personal travel, and verify each separately.

Common mistakes

Most mistakes regarding passport type arise from assumptions. The most common ones are:

• Mistaking the colour for a visa exemption. The colour does not automatically change the entry requirement for a country; you need to check the country's rule.
• Mistaking the old period for the current one. Older NVİ and MEB texts state 5 years for the green passport; the period has been extended to 10 years, but confirm this before applying anyway.
• Overlooking the child's age limit. A special-stamped passport is issued to the eligible person's unmarried, non-student child up to age 18; check both conditions together.
• Assuming eligibility status. Find out whether you are eligible for a green passport from your institution or the population directorate, not by guessing.
• Choosing the period for the maroon passport without checking the fee. The fee increases as the period gets longer; but choosing too short a period also means reapplying.
• Entering passport information incorrectly during check-in. During online check-in, enter the number, name and validity date exactly as on your passport.

The remedy for every mistake is the same: take the document in hand, compare it with an official source, then buy the ticket.

Step by step: which passport is right for you?

Follow this order before applying:

1. Clarify your eligibility. You may be a grade 1, 2 or 3 civil servant, another public official, a mayor, or their spouse or unmarried, non-student child. If you are unsure whether your situation falls within the scope of the special-stamped passport, consult your institution or the population directorate.
2. Prepare the documents. Obtain the special-stamped passport request form, required from the employed public official, from your institution for the green passport. This form is not needed for the maroon passport.
3. Choose the period. For the maroon passport, evaluate options such as 6 months, 1 year or 10 years together with the fee. For the green passport, confirm the current period with NVİ.
4. Verify the current requirements. Check the appointment, fee and document list through the official application channel; this page explains the framework of the law, not daily practice.
5. Check the visa by country. Search for the requirement according to your passport type on the page of the country you are travelling to; use the visa information page for details.
6. Buy the ticket once your passport is in hand. If your new passport has not been issued yet, do not make a firm reservation.

Pre-departure checklist

Review your documents with this list before heading to the airport:

• Check your passport type (maroon or green) and its validity date.
• Verify the visa requirement for the country you are travelling to according to your passport type.
• Find out the remaining validity period the country requires on the passport; check your airline's current rule.
• Make sure the name and surname on your ticket and reservations match your passport exactly.
• If travelling with a child, check the child's own passport and age status.
• If you use a green passport, confirm your current status regarding your duty or entitlement with your institution.
• Keep a photo and photocopy of the passport's first page separate from your luggage.
• Enter your passport information exactly as on the passport during online check-in.

During busy holiday periods, waiting times at borders and airports increase; for example, completing documents in advance is even more important for international routes during the October 29th holiday. Passport procedures may not be completed quickly; start well before your departure date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the maroon passport and the green passport?

The maroon passport is an ordinary passport, the green passport is a special-stamped passport. The green passport is issued to public officials and those entitled under the law; there is no service requirement written in the law for the maroon passport.

Who is issued a green passport?

It is issued to civil servants in grades 1, 2 and 3, and other public officials. It is also issued to spouses, to mayors for the duration of their term, and to the eligible person's unmarried, non-student children up to age 18. If you are unsure of your situation, consult your institution.

Is a visa required with a green passport?

This depends on the rule of the country you are travelling to; colour alone is not decisive. Check the current requirement according to your passport type on the country page.

How many years is the green passport valid for?

The period has been extended from 5 years to 10 years due to the start of domestic and national passport production. Older texts may state 5 years; confirm the current period with NVİ.

Is the special-stamped passport form required for the maroon passport application?

No. The special-stamped passport request form is required from the employed public official for the green passport application. This form is not required for the maroon passport application.

What determines the maroon passport fee?

The fee varies according to the validity period you request. In options such as 6 months, 1 year and 10 years, the fee increases as the period gets longer. Check the current amount from an official source on the day of application.

Sources

• LAW NO: 5682 PASSPORT LAW (*) Date of Adoption: 15 July 1950 — tursab.org.tr
• Passport Law No. 5682 — mevzuat.gov.tr
• General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs - Passport Procedures — nvi.gov.tr
• General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs - Documents Required for Special-Stamped Passport Application — nvi.gov.tr
• What Is a Special/Green Passport? Who Can Get a Special Passport and How? — flypgs.com
• What Is an Ordinary Passport? Who Can Get a Maroon Passport and How? (2025) — flypgs.com