A visitor’s visa valid for 90 days is issued to British Citizens at the port of entry on payment of £10 (English notes only). British diplomatic/official passport holders must apply for a visa before travelling to Turkey.
We recently received reports that Turkish immigration procedures for British visitors (and the nationals of 62 other countries) had changed from 14 July.
Following a meeting in July between the Turkish Minister of the Interior and the British Ambassador, the Ministry announced that there would be no change to the previous long established operation of visa regulations for entry into Turkey . Visitors to Turkey would continue to be able to visit for 90 days, and to leave and then re-enter Turkey after being issued with a further 90 day visa. They would not be limited to 90 days in 180.
At a meeting between the Ambassador, and the Foreign Ministry, in early August the Foreign Ministry confirmed that any change to the previous system had been postponed.
Some visitors have been anxious that on arrival in Turkey they have been issued with entry visas stating that they could only stay for 90 days in 180. The Foreign Ministry said that this was due to a lack of 90 day visas. The Foreign Ministry assured the Ambassador that in practice the entry system would operate as in the past until further notice.
The Foreign Ministry and UK officials will hold talks in the autumn on the question of visas and residence permits. The Ministry confirmed that any future change in procedures will be announced in good time before implementation to allow people to make their decisions and arrangements.
Staying in Turkey beyond the date of your visa is taken seriously by the Turkish Authorities. If you overstay you will be fined upon departure. Fines vary according to the length of time you overstay. If you overstay and are fined, you must apply for your next visa at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate overseas before you travel. You may also be banned from re-entering Turkey for a period of time as follows:-
Overstay 1-15 days – no ban.
Overstay from 16-90 days – banned for up to three months.
Overstay for more than 90 days i.e. from the 91st day, banned for up to six months.
Disclaimer: Please note that this information was provided by the Ministry of the Interior and the Turkish Security Police Directorate (Foreigners Department). Although we do our best to ensure that the content is correct, we cannot take responsibility for Turkey’s immigration policy or the application of it. If you have further queries, please contact the relevant Turkish Foreigners Police Department in the area where you reside.
British Consular Services Turkey
5 August 2010