Neglecting the laws regarding residency and the allowed duration of stay in Turkey may lead to unexpected expenses, from fines to a ban on re-entry. In this article, we will familiarize you with the main tourist residency regulations in Turkey, including restrictions, penalties, and the right to return after the expiration of your allowed stay so you can enjoy your lawful travel.
General restrictions on tourist residency in Turkey: Laws and allowed duration
According to a notice from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holders of regular passports from many countries, including Iran, can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within every 18-month period without a visa. If you have a passport that qualifies for the visa exemption law (like Iranians traveling for tourism), you can enter Turkey multiple times a year; however, you must always comply with the 90-day rule within each 18-month period. This means that without holding a long-term residence visa, the total days you stay in Turkey should not exceed 90 days during the past 18 months.
For those using e-Visas for travel withShiraz to Istanbul flightsor tourist visas issued by embassies or consulates, the ability to enter Turkey multiple times depends on the type of visa, whether it’s a single-entry or multiple-entry. However, as long as the total days of stay remain within legal limits, for example, if your visa allows multiple entries, you can enter and exit Turkey as many times as you wish, provided that your duration of stay each time and the total does not exceed legal limits. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days in Turkey or exceed the 18-month temporary stay period without a visa, you must obtain a long-term visa or residence permit, as this permit allows for a longer stay and in some cases enables re-entry.
How many days can you stay in Turkey without a visa?
According to official Turkish sources and the Turkish embassy in Tehran, Iranian citizens can travel to Turkey without a visa and are allowed to stay for up to 90 days within every 18-month period. This duration includes all entries to Turkey during that timeframe, not just a single trip.
What are the residence restrictions in Turkey?
Residence without a visa after landingon international flightsonly applies to tourist destinations or short visits, not for work or study. If you wish to stay longer or have different purposes, you need to obtain a short-term residence permit or other required approvals from the Turkish Immigration Office. Remember that the 90-day period in 18 months is not automatically extendable. If you plan to use two passports to stay in Turkey for a total of more than 90 days, the law generally refers back to your primary passport, and you cannot use both documents to circumvent the law.
Consequences of staying longer than 90 days
If you stay longer than the permitted duration, meaning more than 90 days within any 18-month period in Turkey, there are potential consequences:
- Exit fines upon leaving the country: You will have to pay a fine for the days you exceeded the period. The exact amount depends on the number of extra days.
- Re-entry ban: Sometimes, due to frequent violations, re-entry may be prohibited for several months to years.
- Legal issues for those who have repeatedly violated the law: Past violations of residency may be considered by immigration authorities in the future, potentially leading to harsher restrictions.
Can you travel to Turkey again after 90 days?
Yes, if the initial 18-month period is complete or in other words when the 90 days of permitted stay in the prior period have ended, you can usually travel to Turkey again after 90 days. However, there are several important points to consider:
- Before traveling again, make sure that the recent 18-month period does not include your previous stay days.
- Typically, re-entry will require documents such as a round-trip ticket, proof of accommodation, and financial documents to show that you do not intend to stay beyond the permissible duration in Turkey.
- Sometimes, if you have a previous stay violation, immigration may review your entry or impose a temporary entry ban.
List of entry conditions for Iranian travelers to Turkey
- Valid passport: The passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry into Turkey.
- Valid visa or visa exemption: Iranians do not need a visa for short-term tourist visits up to 90 days within any 18-month period. For long-term stays or work or study trips, suitable visas or residence permits are required.
- Round-trip ticket or travel continuation documents: Turkish immigration officers usually request your return ticket or onward journey documentation.
- Sufficient financial documentation: It is recommended to show financial capability for accommodation and travel expenses, including bank cards and cash or account statements.
- Specified accommodation: You usually need to show a hotel reservation receipt or the address of your accommodation in Turkey.
- Customs and entry forms: Some specific goods or large quantities must be declared on customs forms; however, the import of food, medicines, or agricultural products may be subject to limitations.
- Health and hygiene regulations: In specific circumstances, such as during disease outbreaks, you may be asked for vaccination documents or PCR test results.
The most important conditions for exiting Turkey
- Considering residency limitations: For travelers without a visa, the total duration of stay should not exceed 90 days within any 18-month period; otherwise, you will incur an exit fine.
- Paying possible fines and fees: If residency or customs regulations are violated, you must pay the fines before leaving.
- Passport control and exit stamp: Upon exit, your passport will be checked, and an exit stamp will be recorded to officially document the duration of your stay.
- Prohibited and customs items: Transporting drugs, weapons, certain medications, and prohibited goods is illegal and can prevent your exit.
- Complete travel documents: Passport, visa (if required), flight ticket, and financial documents should be with you to leave the country without any issues.
Conclusion
The law in Turkey regarding tourist residency is clear: If you are a citizen of countries eligible for visa exemption, you may stay without a visa in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days in every 18-month period. Staying longer than this period requires a residence permit or temporary exit, and neglecting this may lead to fines or re-entry bans. If you wish to re-enter Turkey, first ensure that the required time has elapsed and that you have the necessary documents on hand. Knowing these rules will make your travels worry-free.
