Can You Stay in Turkey Longer Than 90 Days? A Comprehensive Guide to Turkish Residence Permits

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorist attacks can occur suddenly or with little notice, and they can target public spaces like parks, tourist destinations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, houses of worship, educational institutions, airports, and major sporting and cultural events.

Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U. S. citizens, for purported ties to terrorist groups, based on flimsy or secret evidence and seemingly politically motivated allegations U. S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Arrests may occur from taking part in protests that the Turkish government has not specifically authorized and from criticizing the government, even on social media.

Level 4: Avoid travel to Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and any area up to six miles (10 km) from the Syrian border

Due to the ongoing threat of terrorist attacks, armed conflict, and civil unrest, avoid going to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any place within six miles (10 kilometers) of the border between Turkey and Syria. In these areas, there have been shootings, illegal roadblocks that have caused violence, ambushes, car bomb detonations, suicide bombings, and other terrorist attacks. U. S. All of the provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, as well as any area within ten kilometers of the Syrian border, have travel restrictions in place for government employees.

Quick Facts PASSPORT VALIDITY:

Six months beyond date of entry BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:

One page for entry and exit stamps TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:

Not required for stays under 90 days VACCINATIONS:

None CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:

None CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:

25,000 Turkish lira or 10,000 euros (or equivalent)

1480 Sok No:1 Cukurambar Mah Cankaya 06530, Ankara Turkey Telephone: +(90) (312) 294-0000 (emergencies only) Fax: +(90) (312) 232-7472 Contact American Citizen Services Ankara

Consulates

Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey website for the most current visa and residency permit information.

• To obtain a residence permit in Turkey, get in touch with the Directorate General of Migration Management office that is closest to you.

Obey all Turkish visa regulations and maintain valid residence permits at all times. The U. S. Embassy is unable to assist with Turkish immigration or visa-related matters. Turkish authorities enforce immigration laws.

• The validity of passports must last six months after the date of entry. If your passport does not have enough room for entry and exit stamps, you will not be allowed to enter Turkey.
• Holders of official passports must have a visa in order to enter Turkey.
• Those with regular passports are exempt from needing a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
• Get entry and exit stamps. You must have a Turkish entry stamp to fly domestically. When leaving the country, make sure your passport has an exit stamp; otherwise, you might have trouble returning to Turkey in the future and be fined.
• A visa must be obtained from a Turkish embassy or consulate prior to travel if you intend to work, study, or carry out academic or scientific research in Turkey. Visit “Living in Turkey” on the U. S. Embassy’s website.

Syria: See the Syria travel advisory. The U. S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012. The Department of State continues to warn U. S. citizens against all travel to Syria. The border between Turkey and Syria is currently closed, with the exception of situations in which the Turkish government deems necessary urgent medical attention or protection from imminent danger.

Iraq: See the Iraq travel advisory. The Department of State continues to warn U. S. citizens against all travel to Iraq. The Turkish Government tightly controls entry and exit on the border.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U. S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Turkey.

Terrorism: The potential for terrorist attacks in Turkey, including against U.S. citizens and interests, remains high.

• Terrorists have previously attacked U. S. interests in Turkey, including the U. S. Embassy in Ankara, the U. S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U. S. Consulate in Adana.
• Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorist attacks can occur suddenly or with little notice, and they can target public spaces like parks, tourist destinations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, houses of worship, educational institutions, airports, and major sporting and cultural events. Terrorists have also previously targeted Western tourists and expatriates.

Turkish security forces now have more legal authority to stop and search people and to detain them without accusation thanks to laws enacted in 2018.

For your own safety:

• Carry a passport or identity document at all times.
• Throughout your visit, keep an eye on local news sources to stay informed about any possible hotspots, dates, or moments of concern.
• Keep a low profile, use good judgment and caution, and remain extremely vigilant.
• Avoid demonstrations, which may become violent and unpredictable.
• Obey the instructions of Turkish security personnel at all times.

In Turkey, there have also been violent incidents and threats directed towards religious minorities, organizations, institutions, and houses of worship. The level of anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic sentiment remains significant.

Protests and gatherings: Public gatherings are frequent in Turkey and can take the form of political events, family get-togethers, sporting events, protests, or demonstrations before and after elections are announced. U. S. citizens should.

• Refrain from attending protests and gatherings since they could turn violent and unpredictable.
• Be advised that in some places, celebratory gunfire is frequent and has recently resulted in fatalities.
• Observe the orders of the local authorities; even in cases where government approval has been granted for gatherings, police may use tear gas or detain participants in an effort to disperse the group.

Crime: Turkey’s street crime rate is generally low, but you should still exercise the same caution that you would in the US. The following types of crime have been reported in Turkey:

• Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging. Carry only necessary items when in tourist areas.
• Major cities have higher rates of residential crime, with thieves primarily targeting ground floor apartments for their thefts.
• There have been cases of sexual assault in Turkish spas and baths (hamams), in taxis, and while traveling alone late at night. Assaults involving date rape drugs have also been reported.
• Confidence schemes involve fooling tourists into placing an extremely expensive food or drink order at a restaurant. Eat at reputable establishments and request to see the menu and prices before placing any orders.
• In Turkey, scams are widespread, especially those involving online dating services. Usually, the individual in Turkey requests that the other send substantial amounts of money in order to offer financial support. Sending money to someone you have never met in person is not advised. Exercise due diligence when purchasing jewelry, rugs, or real estate. For information on scams, visit the FBI and Department of State websites.

Eastern and Southeastern Turkey: We strongly recommend that U. S. Citizens avoid going to regions close to the borders with Syria or Iraq and reevaluate visiting certain parts of eastern and southeast Turkey.

U. S. The provinces of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli, and Van are off-limits to government workers’ travel. Agri province’s Mount Ararat is a special military zone, and entry authorization from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate is required before entering Turkey.

The following incidents and activities have taken place in eastern and southeastern Turkey:

• Attacks by terrorist groups: The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Da’esh, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) or the Islamic State of Iraq and ash Sham (ISIS), have carried out numerous attacks in the region, including ambushes, suicide bombings, and the detonation of car bombs, improvised explosive devices, and other homemade weapons. In the eastern and southeast provinces, the PKK has attacked Turkish military and police personnel, sometimes injuring bystanders in the process.
• Access is restricted: The entire Turkey-Syria border as well as the southeast provinces of Hakkari, Mardin, and Sirnak along the Iraqi border are under the jurisdiction of Turkish security forces. It is forbidden to record or capture images of Turkish military operations or make any attempt to enter military facilities within Turkey.
• Shootings: Artillery and bullet rounds fired from Syria have struck Turkish towns along their border, with some of the strikes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries.
• Roadblocks: When visiting southeast Turkey, take commercial flights whenever feasible. If you must drive, stick to major highways and only drive during the day. The Turkish Jandarma (rural police) monitors checkpoints on roads. Cooperate if stopped at a checkpoint. Be prepared to provide identification and vehicle registration. Keep your cool, avoid making any abrupt movements, and follow all directions. In the Southeast, we strongly advise against using public transportation.
• Protests: As a result of planned protests, Kurdish organizations and Turkish police have engaged in violent altercations.
• Curfews: Because the PKK has been barricading some neighborhoods, the Turkish government has imposed temporary curfews in cities throughout the southeast. Adhere to any locally imposed curfews.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police by dialing 155 and contact the U. S. Embassy or nearest consulate. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U. S. victims of crime overseas. We urge U. S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U. S. Embassy or closest consulate.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Give a general account of the victim’s involvement both during and after the local investigation’s conclusion.
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide limited medical support in cases of destitution or an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States.
• help you find resources for accommodation and flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance and visit the Embassy webpage for resources.

Tourism: Best practices and safety inspection regulations are strictly enforced, and the sector is generally governed. Appropriate signage designates hazardous areas and activities, and professional staff is usually available to assist with planned events. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. It could take longer for first responders and medical personnel to stabilize a patient and offer life-saving care outside of a large metropolitan area. U. S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

• A copy of your passport or a residency permit, or another official form of government photo identification, should always be carried with you.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U. S. , regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U. S. Embassy immediately. Turkish authorities may not inform U. S. officials of dual nationals arrested in Turkey. See our webpage for further information on arrests.

• Insulting the State: Disrespecting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk or the Turkish government, flag, president, or security forces is prohibited, and this includes insulting them on social media. Remove any delicate images, remarks, or other content from your laptops, cameras, social media accounts, and other electronic devices that might be interpreted as offensive or controversial.
• Drug offenses: Turkish law enforcement takes a strong stance against the use of illegal drugs. The possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs are punishable by harsh fines and lengthy jail terms ranging from four to twenty years.
• Cultural artifacts: It is illegal to remove any antiquities from Turkey due to the broad definition of the term in Turkish law. Use licensed dealers when purchasing antiquities, and obtain museum certificates for each piece. You risk being arrested and serving time in jail if you leave without a receipt and certificate. For detailed information about customs requirements, get in touch with the Republic of Turkey’s Embassy in Washington.
• Dual citizenship: U. S. -Laws imposing particular duties or hardships on Turkish citizens may apply to Turkish dual nationals. Male dual citizens over the age of 18 may be required to serve in the military and be conscripted by Turkey. Before entering Turkey, address any questions you may have with representatives at Turkish Embassies or Consulates.
• Purchasing fake or pirated goods is advised, even if they are widely accessible. It is against the law to buy them locally and to bring them back into the country.
• Religious proselytizing: There is no law against religious proselytizing.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

LGBTI Travelers: Homophobia, transphobia, and intolerance towards homosexuality are widespread throughout Turkey. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people have been the targets of violence in recent years and are not protected by anti-discrimination laws. Law enforcement officials occasionally exploit legal references to “offenses against public morality,” “protection of the family,” and “unnatural sexual behavior” as justification for mistreatment. Furthermore, as per the law, “no association may be founded for purposes against law and morality,” a provision that has been exploited by authorities to suppress or restrict the operations of organizations addressing LGBTI issues.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers in Need of Accessibility Assistance: According to the Turkish Constitution, it is illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities when it comes to employment, state services, healthcare, and education. Nonetheless, most cities have very limited disabled access to buildings and public transportation, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities in Turkey is generally inadequate. Airports and metro stations are typically accessible, but other forms of public transport (buses) are not.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: The Embassy is aware of multiple sexual assaults against U. S. citizens in Turkey, including assaults against tourists traveling alone or in small groups, and at spas and hamams.

• If you feel safe doing so, please seek immediate assistance from Turkish Health Services, the Turkish National Police, or the closest hospital if you have been sexually assaulted.
• We urge you to contact the closest U. S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Earthquakes: Earthquakes occur throughout Turkey. Make contingency plans and leave emergency contact information with family members outside Turkey. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and at Ready.gov. For more information on disaster preparedness, please click on the following links:

Medical care provided in Turkish hospitals varies greatly. Though new private hospitals in Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul have modern facilities, equipment, numerous U. S. -trained specialists, and international accreditation, some still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions. Health care standards are lower in small cities in Turkey.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Make sure your prescription medication is legal in Turkey before you travel there by confirming with the Turkish government. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Some medications may be unavailable in Turkey.

For U.S. citizens who live in Turkey, please see the Embassy’s website for information on the Turkish General Health Insurance (GHI) law. If you are considering enrolling in Turkish GHI, carefully research what is and is not covered. Once you enroll in GHI, your coverage can only be cancelled if your residence permit expires or if you no longer reside in Turkey.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

Road Conditions and Safety: Roads in Turkey range from single-lane country roads to modern, divided motorways. While conditions vary, most of Turkey’s highways are well-maintained and in good condition in the country’s tourist-heavy western, southwest, and coastal regions.

Be extremely cautious while driving at night. Driving after dark necessitates extra caution because of potential hazards like livestock on the road or small, unmarked, or unpaved roads, especially in rural areas.

In case of an accident or car trouble:

• Use reflector triangles, move to the side of the road, and turn on your hazard lights.
• When there is only vehicle damage in an accident, both parties should exchange insurance information, take pictures of the scene before removing the cars, and then, if agreed upon, drive away. According to Turkish legislation, drivers must submit images of the damage and complete a form in Turkish only. Non-Turkish speakers should call and wait for the police.
• Remain at the scene of any accidents involving injuries or disputes. Wait for the traffic police to arrive before moving the car, not even to make room for it. Notify Jandarma (dial 156) or the Traffic Police (dial 155) about the collision. Obtain a certified copy of the Traffic Police office’s official report (this may take a few days).
• Before attempting to have the damaged vehicle repaired or leaving the country without it, the owner of the vehicle should also apply to the customs authority with his passport and the accident report.
• In the event of an accident, it is best to call the Jandarma or the Traffic Police when in doubt.

Traffic Laws: Drive defensively at all times. Drivers frequently disobey traffic laws, such as turning left from the far right lane and running stop signs and red lights. These and other similar driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents.

• Penalties for driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content of at least 0) 05 percent) entail a fine and a six-month license confiscation for the offender.
• It is against the law to use a cell phone while driving and can result in fines.

Driver’s license requirements include:

• For stays up to 180 days: A valid U. S. driver’s license or an International Driving Permit and a U. S. driver’s license is acceptable.
• Obtain a Turkish driver’s license from the Turkish Security Directorate’s Traffic Department (Emniyet Müdürlüğü, Trafik Hizmetleri Başkanlığı) for stays longer than 180 days.
• You can import a car into Turkey for a maximum of six months. Find information at the Turkish Touring and Automobile Club.

Public Transportation: There are many different public transportation options available in Turkey’s major cities, including taxis, trains, ferries, subways, buses, and minibuses. Licensed cabs are metered. Between cities, Turkey has bus routes, train, and air services.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Turkey’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Turkey’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

For additional travel information

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Turkey. For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.

SCHENGEN Rules | How to Stay in Europe Longer than 90 Days (Avoid the 90/180 Schengen Rule)

FAQ

What happens if you stay more than 90 days in Turkey?

Can I extend my 90 day visa in Turkey?

How can I stay in Turkey for more than 3 months?

Can I visit Turkey for 3 months?

How long can you stay on a Turkey tourist visa?

The validity of a Turkey tourist visa is up to 90 days from the day of the issue depending on the country. You can stay up to 90 days on such a visa, except for some countries where the stay granted is 30 days or less. You can apply for your Turkey tourist visa up to 3 months in advance.

Does reentering Turkey reset the 90 days limit?

Therefore, leaving Turkey and reentering does not reset the 90 days within the 180 day limit. Most tourists are granted a “multiple-entry visa”, which allows them to enter and leave the country as long as their visa is valid. There are also “single entry visas “, which allow only one entry to the country.

Can I leave Turkey if my visa expires?

Even though your visa or residence permit has expired, you are technically allowed to leave Turkey voluntarily during a grace period of 10 days without being subject to any kind of punishment; however, not all immigration agents will adhere to this rule.

How to count back days in Turkey?

“Counting back” the days. To check whether your stay in Turkey has not exceeded 90 days in the previous 180 days, you need to “ count back ” 180 days. If your total time has not yet reached 90, then you can continue to stay the number of days left. Example: Today is November 29, 2020.