Note: As of April 2014 e-visas MUST be acquired in advance. See report “Turkey: From April no more visas on arrival”

Tourist Visas important update (November 2013)

This will affect visitors who come to Turkey several times a year or for extended periods.

Since the new 90 in 180-day Tourist Visa was introduced in 2012 border guards have, in many cases, loosely enforced the regulations. Also, it was generally accepted that a Tourist Visa allowed the holder to spend up to 90 days in the country during the span of that visa. The rules are now being interpreted differently and are being rigorously enforced.

The visa is still valid for 180 days, but the 90 days maximum stay is calculated differently.

Tourists who purchase a visa can still spend up to 90 days in Turkey and the 90 days can be split over multiple visits. However (and this is where it is catching people out), the number of days you have spent in

Turkey will be calculated by counting back from the date you leave. In some cases that would include time spent here on a previous visa.

If you buy two visas in a year and make regular visits to Turkey this could affect you.

Many people have already fallen foul of this and received fines for overstaying because they believed a new visa means a new start. *It does not!*

Tourist Visa Requirements & Conditions To Visit Turkey

Rules from 1st February 2012 – Updated 25 November 2013

(Applies to 63 countries including the UK and European passport holders).

As from 1st February 2012 tourists/visitors visas now last for 180 days but holders are only allowed to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days in *ANY* 180 day period. Multiple visits are allowed provided the total number

of days does not exceed 90. All calculations should include both the entry and exit dates, no matter what time of day or night.

These rules bring Turkey in line with Schengen countries and the rules are being interpreted along the same lines. During 2012 and 2013 enforcement of these rules was somewhat lax and many people benefited from that. However, that has all changed now and the rules are being strictly enforced and fines for overstaying have been issued. Regular visitors should be careful when planning their dates as the 90 days in *ANY *180 day period could span more than one visa.

How has it changed?

The “old” system allowed 90 days in Turkey for every new visa purchased and was based on the date you purchased your visa and the dates calculated moving forward. The “new” system still allows 90 days but they now count back from your last day of exit. It is called the Schengen or “count back” system.  This means when you exit Turkey they will count back 180 days and then calculate how many days you have resided in Turkey within that 180 days.

The Stamps

The visas have “180 gün içinde 90 gün geçerli müteaddit girişvizesidir. Türkiye sınırlarından ilk girişte süre başlar. Çalışma hakkıvermez,” written on them.

Which translates as:

“Multiple entry visa valid for an intended stay of no more than 90 days per period 180 days. Duration begins on the date of entry to Turkey. The holder has no right to work.”

The cost of the new visa remains at £10 for UK passport holders and EURO 15 for other European countries. Visas can be obtained at the port of entry, payment must be in cash (Scottish notes are not accepted)

Online Visa Applications

Visitors can now obtain tourist visas online before they come, this will save queuing for the sticker – Here’s how!

Go to this website: www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

Read the information and requirements and click on the “Make a new application” link, you will need your passport details and debit/credit card to hand. The price is 20 USD.

Notes

You should apply for the e-Visa for at least 24 hours before you travel.

E-Visa online payment system is only accepting payments in USD at this time, so your credit/debit card company will probably charge you an additional fee for foreign currency transactions.

Overstaying your visa can result in a heavy fine (which increases depending on the time spent over the time limit) and/or a ban on re-entering Turkey for up to five years, depending on the length of the overstay and you would also need to apply for your next visa from your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate overseas before returning to Turkey.

Departing Turkey without paying the relevant fine will lead to an automatic five-year ban on re-entry.

·         Overstay 1-15 days – No ban.

·         Overstay from 16-90 days – Banned for up to three months.

·         Overstay for more than 90 days – Banned for up to six months.

The alternative to the restrictive Tourist Visa would be to apply for a Residence Permit.

Samet Golgeci

Managing Owner

Finike Yachting Agency

Tel & Fax : +90 242 855 57 57

Gsm         : +90 542 657 43 03

Web         : www.finikeyachting.com

E-mail      : [email protected]