How to Renew or Extend a Turkish Visa

Sometimes due to unavoidable circumstances, one may need to renew or extend the Turkish visa to stay in the country for longer. The Turkish government grants people various visa types. The validity of this official document is 180 days. A foreigner can only stay in the country for up to 90 days, depending on your country of origin. Some nationalities can only stay for up to 30 days.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Turkey?

The consequences of overstaying in Turkey vary depending on the extra amount of time you illegally stay in the country. It also depends on your country of origin. It is crucial to abide by the 90 in 180 days rule to avoid massive penalties and administrative fines. An entry ban may also be issued based on the amount of time you overstay in Turkey and may last for up to a maximum of five years. Lifting the ban may require one to follow up with the relevant authorities, such as the Turkish missions abroad.

When does my Turkish visa expire?

A Turkish visa is expired when:

• Your passport has become invalid. It should be valid for up to 60 days after departure from Turkey. This condition also varies depending on nationality.
• A period of 180 days has passed since you arrived in Turkey.
• You have overstayed your 90-day limit.
• You have decided to change your travel plans, such as deciding to live and study in Turkey.
• The Turkish government nullifies the validity of Turkey visa.
• You no longer fulfil the Turkish visa requirements.

What do I do when my Turkish visa expires?

If your Turkish visa expires while you are not in the country, you can apply for another visa online through the government e-visa website. The application procedure is straight forward. You do not have to wait until the 180 day period is over to apply for new Turkey visa . One can also apply for limitless visas in a year.

How can I extend my Turkish visa?

In case you would like to extend your stay in Turkey, it is advisable to apply for a visa extension at the immigration office, police station or embassy in the country. The officials will evaluate your reasons for the extension and provide you with a new visa based on these reasons and your nationality.

The extension also depends on Turkey visa type and the initial reason for your visit. For example, a journalist may apply for a temporary press card for a stay of up to three or more months and an extension if needed. A person with a tourist visa cannot request for visa extension online. One must visit the physical locations stated above. You may also apply for permission to change your travel plans.

If you overstay your 90-day period and your visa expires while in Turkey, it is advisable to leave the country and apply for the renewal of your visa from your home country. Undertaking this process while still in Turkey is tedious.

As a traveller, you should organise your stay in Turkey accordingly to avoid the need to renew or extend your Turkey visa. Proper planning will also prevent any form of collision with the local or national authorities. A traveller with a track record of overstaying in foreign countries may face difficulties with immigration officers in future visits to various countries.

Who Are Exempt from a Turkish Residence Permit?

If any of these things are true for you, you don't need to get this permit:

• If you've got a "registration certificate" for asking for international protection.
• If you're a diplomat or consulate officer working in Turkey.
• If you're working for international organizations in Turkey.

If your ID card says any of these:

• "international protection applicant"
• "international protection status"
• "statelessness"
• If you already have a work permit.

Also, there's a special ID card called the Touristic Residence Permit ID card. It's made by the Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management, and you can get it at 250 places in Turkey. This card lets you live in Turkey as someone from another country. With this card, you can travel in and out of Turkey without a visa at 66 airports, 180 harbors, and 26 borders. Each person gets a residence permit, and it's good for 60 days, depending on why you're staying in Turkey.