Is Türkiye tightening conditional entry regulations for foreign nationals?
According to sources, new regulations for conditional entry into Türkiye for foreign national went into affect by Feb. 1, 2025. (Collage: Türkiye Today team)
According to sources, the Istanbul Airport Directorate of Migration Management purportedly enacted a new directive on Feb. 1, 2025, stipulating that foreign nationals who have violated their visa conditions will no longer be permitted entry into Türkiye without signing a conditional entry declaration.
While sporadic reports indicate that this policy is being enforced, it remains unclear whether this constitutes a targeted tightening of border controls or a systematic operational shift that will permanently apply to all foreign entrants.
Foreigners who exceed Türkiye’s stay limits—30 days within 60 days or 90 days within 180 days—have traditionally been subject to a process known as “conditional entry” if they attempt to reenter before the 60- or 180-day period ends. This measure primarily affects travelers entering under visa exemptions or short-term tourist visas.
However, recent reports suggest that this policy has been subject to exploitation, potentially contributing to its stricter enforcement or removal.
What is conditional entry?
Conditional entry is a procedural mechanism that allows foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa duration or visa-free period to reenter Türkiye, provided they comply with stipulated conditions. As part of this process, the individual is required to sign a Conditional Entry Declaration, effectively acknowledging the terms of their re-entry.
Conditions and process of conditional entry
Foreigners traveling to Türkiye under a visa exemption or short-term tourist visa are permitted to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. If they overstay and subsequently leave the country, their reentry may be flagged at border control due to this violation.
Upon arrival at a Turkish border checkpoint, immigration officers may detect the overstay and present the individual with a “Conditional Entry Declaration” for signature. This document grants provisional entry under the explicit condition that the foreigner applies for a residence permit within 10 days at the local Directorate of Migration Management. Failure to adhere to this requirement results in an automatic illegal status, necessitating immediate departure.
To regularize their stay, the individual must submit a valid residence permit application to the Migration Directorate. If approved, they may legally remain in Türkiye. Conversely, failure to apply or rejection of the permit request could trigger deportation proceedings and an entry ban.
How conditional entry was exploited
Reports suggest that some foreigners strategically misused the conditional entry mechanism to extend their stay in Türkiye for up to 90 extra days without facing immediate deportation. This was done by deliberately applying for a residence permit not with the expectation of obtaining it, but merely to exploit the bureaucratic delays associated with the application process.
Since a pending residence permit application prevents deportation until a final decision is made, applicants who knew they were ineligible for residency would still submit applications. They would purposefully delay their own application process through administrative loopholes—such as failing to provide necessary documents on time, filing appeals, or requesting additional processing time.
This strategy allowed some individuals to continue residing in Türkiye without a valid visa or residence permit, effectively bypassing legal entry and stay requirements. As rumors circulate regarding the stricter enforcement or possible discontinuation of conditional entry, it is speculated that the government is taking action to curb this systematic abuse and prevent foreigners from repeatedly overstaying under the guise of pending applications.
Consequences and risks of conditional entry
Failure to apply for a residence permit within the designated 10-day period results in a breach of immigration regulations, exposing the individual to administrative fines, deportation, and potential entry restrictions.
Should a foreign national attempt to reenter Türkiye after previously benefiting from conditional entry, they will not be granted this privilege a second time. Repeated violations may result in long-term entry bans spanning five years or more.
Moreover, individuals who have accumulated substantial overstay durations and departed Türkiye without settling any imposed penalties often receive immediate entry bans, rendering them ineligible for conditional entry upon subsequent attempts.
Who is ineligible for conditional entry?
Certain foreign nationals are categorically barred from receiving conditional entry, including:
- Individuals subject to an existing entry ban
- Persons previously deported from Türkiye
- Foreigners deemed a threat to public order or national security
- Those who provide fraudulent documentation or misleading statements
Final thoughts
Conditional entry has historically provided an avenue for foreign nationals to rectify visa infractions without facing immediate expulsion. However, as reports emerge suggesting a potential shift in enforcement policy, travelers must exercise increased vigilance regarding their legal status in Türkiye.
The exploitation of conditional entry as a loophole to extend unauthorized stays may have played a significant role in prompting Turkish authorities to tighten regulations or even phase out this provision entirely. Given the ambiguity surrounding the latest developments, those seeking extended stays in Türkiye would be well-advised to proactively monitor regulatory changes, ensuring compliance with residency requirements to avoid punitive measures.
About the author: Kagan Orhan is a human resources and immigration consultancy expert at “Expat Solutions Turkey”, dedicated to facilitating the adaptation processes of foreigners in Türkiye with the expertise and knowledge in managing legal procedures such as residence permit applications, work permits, business establishment, real estate and citizenship processes for foreigners settling in Türkiye with their team of lawyers and consultants.
