New tourist visas have started to be issued to Brit's coming into Turkey which if enforced will close the loophole for ex-pats living here on 90 day tourist visas. The new stamps now being issued state multiple entry visa valid for a stay of no more than 90 days per period of 180 days. The passport police at Izmir airport have confirmed that regulations have changed and now UK passport holders can only stay in Turkey on a tourist visa for a total of 90 days in a period of 180 days and if you use your 90 days all at once you cannot re-enter Turkey for another 90 days.
Currently some British ex-pats choose to live here on cheap £10, 90 day tourist visas, taking a day trip to Kos before their visas expire. These new regulations, if enforced, will mean those people would now have to apply for a residence permit which costs £40 for the first month and £30 per month thereafter, so a one year permit would cost £370 per person. The price of residence permits for British passport holders virtually doubled at the start of this year.
This regulation would also affect visitors and property owners who chose to spend more than 3 months here at one time.
Your comments are invited.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Latest information from the British Embassy in Ankara.
ReplyDeleteThe recent visa changes that were announced by Turkey have been rescinded, at least for the time being, following representations from the British Ambassador to Turkey.
The Ministry of Interior has now confirmed that the proposed change has been delayed. All ports of entry have been informed and visa procedures will revert to those in place before 14 July. British nationals will once again be able to enter Turkey on 90 day visas.
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.
The above is a partial quote from the British Consular Services Turkey 26 July 2010.