REGULATIONS ON ENTRY INTO TÜRKİYE AND VISA PROCEDURES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS

The entry, visa, and residence procedures for foreign nationals in Türkiye are regulated under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458. These regulations aim to ensure public order and security while fulfilling international obligations.

 

Articles 9–10: Entry Ban and Notification

  • Entry bans may be imposed on grounds such as public order, security, or public health.
  • Notifications are made by provincial authorities or border authorities.
  • The notification generally includes legal remedies.
  • Administrative objections are not always available, but judicial review (administrative court) is possible.

 

Article 11: Visa Requirement and Application

  • A visa is a document issued for entry into Türkiye.
  • Foreign nationals intending to stay longer than 90 days must obtain a residence permit.
  • Visa applications are submitted to Turkish consulates.
  • Issuance of visas is discretionary and not an absolute right.

 

Article 12: Visa Exemption

  • Certain nationalities are exempt based on international agreements or Presidential decisions.
  • Individuals holding valid residence or work permits are visa-exempt.
  • Tourism alone is not a legal ground for visa exemption.

 

Article 13: Visas Issued at Border Gates

  • Border visas are granted only in exceptional and limited cases.
  • Their duration is not fixed and depends on circumstances.
  • In practice, such visas are rarely issued today.

 

Article 14: Transit Visas

  • Transit visas are issued for individuals passing through Türkiye to another country.
  • These visas cover only the transit duration and are not issued for long periods (e.g., not 6 months).

 

Article 15: Foreigners Who Will Not Be Granted a Visa

A visa will not be granted to:

  • Individuals with insufficient passport validity
  • Those subject to an entry ban
  • Individuals posing a threat to public order or security
  • Those presenting false or misleading documents
  • Individuals posing serious public health risks

 

Visa Cancellation

  • A visa is canceled by the authority that issued it.
  • Grounds for cancellation include:
    • Fraud or document falsification
    • Misuse of the visa
    • Entry ban decisions
    • Invalid passport
  • If a deportation decision is issued, the visa becomes invalid.

Relation to Residence Permits

  • Foreigners staying more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit.
  • Applications are made to the Directorate of Migration Management.
  • The residence permit duration must be at least 60 days shorter than the passport validity period.

Additional Notes

  • e-Visa: Available for certain nationalities via an online system
  • Visa refusal: Applications may be rejected; judicial remedies are available
  • Visa extension: Visas are not extended; residence permits must be obtained for longer stays

These regulations form the legal framework governing the entry and stay of foreign nationals in Türkiye. It is important to follow up-to-date legislation and seek legal advice when necessary.