Changes to Turkish Visas and Residence Permits during 2015 (see notes below for 2016)
Foreigners in Turkey must now carry a passport with an expiration date at least 60 days beyond the “duration of stay” of their e-Visa or Residence Permit. Passport Control Officers will apply this test on all entries and departures. The e-Visa website only states that the travel passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended first date of travel, which is the start date of the visa. The Visitor's Visa allows multiple visits totalling 90 days in any rolling 180 day period, so if multiple visits throughout the full 180 day validity of the visa are intended the best thing is to ensure passport validity is 240 days beyond the date of intended first entry.
Those wishing to stay in Turkey for periods longer than a Visitor's Visa allows must obtain a Residence Permit. This is only available for periods of 3 to 12 months for the category of temporary visitors. The confusion resulting from differing document requirements for a Residence Permit has been addressed during 2015 with the introduction by the Foreigners' Department of a Central Appointment System. This online system aims at achieving uniformity of documentation throughout all 81 Provinces. See https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/ for details. This Online system is now mandatory, and requires submission of various details electronically and, for the first application, a request for an appointment at a local office in Turkey. The originals of the documents must then be presented by the applicant or authorised representative, although renewal can be solely online. The Cruising Association has limited feedback to date on how well the system is working but understands that the worrying Cancellation Clause (if accumulated absences exceed 120 days) will only be applied in exceptional circumstances.
Note (September 2016): Since the July update some changes have been made to the Foreigners and International Protection Law 6458 which recognise certain negative aspects concerning Residence Permits for leisure visitors. Permits may now be obtained for up to 2 years and the 120 day absence cancellation clause has been removed from new permits. However, there is currently a problem obtaining health insurance for 2 years and it seems documentation requirements are increasing and becoming more stringent in relation to Apostile stamps. Until these requirements become clearer and we obtain feedback the July text on Residence Permits remains unchanged.
Note (July 2016): The only change since the November 2015 issue is an addition at the end of the section on Formalities regarding Proof of Identity. The regulations do not cause significant inconvenience, with the exception of Residence Permits, although the system for processing of these is improving.
Bill Anstead