Turkey Visa Problems: Visa Refusal, Entry Issues and Legal Options for Foreign Nationals

Obtaining a Turkey visa does not always guarantee that a foreign national will be able to enter Turkey. Visa applications can be refused, visas can become unusable because of other immigration restrictions, and travellers can encounter problems during passport control at Istanbul Airport.

For foreign nationals travelling to Turkey for tourism, business, family visits, education or other purposes, understanding the difference between a Turkey visa refusal, an entry ban and a border-control problem is important.

What Is a Turkish Visa?

A Turkish visa is an authorisation that may allow a foreign national to travel to Turkey and request entry for a permitted purpose and period.

Depending on nationality and circumstances, a foreign national may need:

• Turkish consular visa;
• E-Visa;
• Visa exemption; or
• Another type of travel authorisation.

The applicable requirements depend on the nationality and circumstances of the traveller.

Why Can a Turkey Visa Application Be Refused?

A visa application can be refused for different reasons.

The relevant issue may concern:

• Incomplete documentation;
• Insufficient supporting evidence;
• Purpose of travel;
• Previous immigration history;
• Passport or travel-document issues;
• Previous overstay;
• Previous deportation;
• Entry restrictions; or
• Other applicable legal requirements.

The precise reason should be determined from the available official information.

What Is the Difference Between Visa Refusal and Refusal of Entry?

These are different procedures.

A visa refusal generally concerns the visa application process.

Refusal of entry occurs at the border when a foreign national is not admitted to Turkey.

A person can therefore have a valid visa and still encounter a border-related immigration problem.

Can You Be Refused Entry to Turkey With a Valid Visa?

A valid visa does not necessarily eliminate every other immigration restriction.

For example, a foreign national may have a valid visa but also have:

• Entry ban;
• Tahdit code;
• Previous deportation;
• Other immigration restriction; or
• Another legally relevant border issue.

If this happens at Istanbul Airport, the traveller should determine the exact reason for the decision.

What Happens If You Are Stopped at Istanbul Airport?

If you experience a visa or immigration problem at Istanbul Airport, try to establish:

1. Whether entry has formally been refused;
2. Whether a visa issue exists;
3. Whether an entry ban is recorded;
4. Whether a Tahdit code exists;
5. Whether a previous deportation is recorded; and
6. Whether an official decision has been issued.

Preserve copies of all documents provided to you.

Can a Previous Deportation Affect a Turkish Visa Application?

Yes, a previous deportation can become relevant to a future visa or entry procedure.

Before applying for another visa, a foreign national with a previous deportation should investigate whether an entry restriction or other immigration record remains active.

A new visa application does not necessarily eliminate a previous immigration restriction.

Can an Overstay Affect a Turkey Visa Application?

A previous overstay may be relevant to future visa and entry procedures.

The assessment can depend on:

• Length of overstay;
• Circumstances;
• Date of departure;
• Administrative fine;
• Whether the fine was paid; and
• Whether an entry restriction was imposed.

Can a Tahdit Code Cause a Visa Problem?

Depending on the specific restriction, a Tahdit code can affect a foreign national's ability to obtain a visa or enter Turkey.

If a visa application is unsuccessful after a previous immigration problem, the foreign national should investigate whether a Tahdit code or entry restriction exists.

What If My Turkey E-Visa Was Approved but I Was Refused Entry?

An approved e-Visa does not necessarily mean that every other entry requirement has been satisfied.

If a traveller is refused entry despite holding an e-Visa, the relevant border decision should be identified.

Possible issues can include:

• Immigration restriction;
• Entry ban;
• Previous deportation;
• Passport issue;
• Inconsistency concerning the purpose of travel; or
• Another border-control issue.

Can You Appeal a Turkey Visa Refusal?

The available legal or administrative options depend on the type of visa and the reason for refusal.

A foreign national should first determine whether the problem concerns:

• Consular visa refusal;
• E-Visa eligibility;
• Border refusal;
• Entry ban; or
• Another immigration restriction.

Different procedures may apply to each situation.

Can a Lawyer Help With a Turkish Visa Problem?

A Turkey visa lawyer can review the available documents and immigration history.

Legal assistance may be relevant where the visa problem is connected with:

• Previous deportation;
• Entry ban;
• Tahdit code;
• Residence permit;
• Overstay;
• Work permit;
• Refusal of entry; or
• Another immigration decision.

A lawyer can identify the nature of the problem and determine whether a legal procedure is available.

What If Your Visa Is Refused Because of Missing Documents?

If a visa application is refused because supporting documentation is incomplete, the applicant should identify which documents were missing or insufficient.

Depending on the procedure, the applicant may need to submit a new application with additional documentation.

Important documents can include:

• Passport;
• Travel itinerary;
• Accommodation information;
• Financial documents;
• Employment documents;
• Invitation documents; and
• Evidence supporting the stated purpose of travel.

What If You Are Travelling for Tourism?

Tourism-related visa applications may require evidence concerning the purpose and circumstances of the proposed trip.

The foreign national should ensure that information provided in the application is accurate and consistent.

Inconsistencies between the application, travel documents and statements at the border can create additional questions.

What If You Are Travelling for Business?

Business travellers should be prepared to demonstrate the legitimate purpose of the trip where required.

Relevant documents may include:

• Invitation letter;
• Company information;
• Meeting details;
• Business correspondence;
• Accommodation information; and
• Return-travel information.

The exact requirements depend on nationality and visa procedure.

What If You Are Visiting Family in Turkey?

Foreign nationals travelling to Turkey to visit family may need to provide information concerning their purpose of travel.

Depending on the circumstances, useful documents can include:

• Invitation;
• Family relationship documents;
• Accommodation information;
• Turkish relative's identity information; and
• Return-travel information.

Can a Turkish Spouse Help With a Visa Problem?

A Turkish spouse may be relevant to the factual circumstances of a visa or immigration case.

Marriage, however, does not automatically guarantee a visa or entry.

The foreign national should provide the relevant family documents and obtain advice based on the actual immigration restriction.

What If Your Children Live in Turkey?

Children living in Turkey can be relevant to an immigration assessment.

Depending on the circumstances, documents may include:

• Birth certificates;
• Custody documents;
• School records;
• Nationality documents; and
• Evidence of family residence.

The existence of children does not automatically cancel a visa refusal or entry restriction.

What If Your Passport Has Changed?

Foreign nationals who previously travelled to Turkey should preserve their old passports where possible.

A previous immigration problem may be associated with an earlier passport or travel history.

If a foreign national has changed their passport and subsequently encounters a visa or entry problem, the previous immigration history may still be relevant.

Can a New Passport Remove a Turkey Entry Ban?

Obtaining a new passport does not necessarily remove an existing immigration restriction.

Entry bans and other immigration records may be associated with the individual rather than simply the physical passport document.

Foreign nationals should therefore not assume that a new passport resolves a previous immigration problem.

What If Your Visa Has Expired?

A visa has a specific validity period and conditions.

A foreign national should check:

• Visa validity;
• Permitted duration of stay;
• Number of entries;
• Passport validity; and
• Other applicable requirements.

Remaining in Turkey after the authorised period can create an overstay problem.

What If You Overstay Your Turkish Visa?

An overstay can have immigration consequences.

The foreign national may face:

• Administrative fine;
• Departure-related procedures;
• Entry restriction;
• Deportation-related consequences in certain circumstances; or
• Other immigration measures.

The exact consequences depend on the circumstances.

Can a Visa Problem Be Discovered at Istanbul Airport?

Yes.

A foreign national may discover an immigration problem during:

• Passport control;
• Entry procedures;
• Exit procedures; or
• Additional immigration checks.

This is why travellers with previous deportation, overstay or Tahdit issues should investigate their status before travelling.

What Should You Do If You Are Refused Entry at Istanbul Airport?

If entry is refused:

• Ask for information concerning the reason;
• Preserve any written decision;
• Keep your passport and travel documents available;
• Determine whether an entry ban exists;
• Check whether a Tahdit code is involved; and
• Seek legal assistance where appropriate.

Do not assume that purchasing another ticket or applying for another visa will automatically resolve the issue.

What Documents Should You Give to a Lawyer?

Useful documents may include:

• Current passport;
• Previous passports;
• Visa;
• E-Visa;
• Previous residence permits;
• Deportation decisions;
• Entry-ban documents;
• Tahdit code information;
• Previous visa applications; and
• Correspondence with Turkish authorities.

The complete immigration history can be important when assessing the problem.

Can a Visa Problem Be Resolved From Outside Turkey?

Depending on the circumstances, certain administrative procedures or new applications can be handled while the foreign national is outside Turkey.

If the problem is connected with an entry ban, Tahdit code or previous deportation, however, the underlying immigration restriction may need to be addressed first.

How Cosmos Legal Law Firm Can Assist With Turkey Visa Problems

Cosmos Legal law firm assists foreign nationals dealing with Turkish visa and immigration problems.

Our services may include:

• Turkey visa problem assessment;
• Visa refusal-related assistance;
• Refusal-of-entry cases;
• Entry-ban investigations;
• Tahdit code matters;
• Deportation-related procedures;
• Residence permit issues;
• Work permit-related immigration matters; and
• Istanbul Airport immigration procedures.

Our lawyers can review the foreign national's documents and immigration history to determine the nature of the problem and the legal procedures that may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was my Turkey visa refused?

Visa applications can be refused for different reasons, including documentation issues, eligibility requirements or previous immigration problems.

Can I enter Turkey with a valid visa if I have a Tahdit code?

A valid visa does not necessarily override an active immigration restriction.

Can I be refused entry at Istanbul Airport despite having an e-Visa?

Yes. An e-Visa does not necessarily eliminate other immigration or border restrictions.

Can a previous deportation affect my Turkish visa?

Yes. A previous deportation or related entry restriction can become relevant to a future visa or entry procedure.

Can a new passport solve my Turkey visa problem?

A new passport does not necessarily remove an existing immigration restriction.

Can a Turkey visa lawyer help with refusal of entry?

Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer can review the refusal, immigration records and available legal procedures.

What if I discover an entry ban at Istanbul Airport?

Determine the exact restriction, preserve the documents provided by the authorities and seek legal advice concerning the available procedure.

Can Cosmos Legal law firm help with Turkish visa and immigration problems?

Yes. Cosmos Legal law firm assists foreign nationals with visa problems, refusal of entry, entry bans, Tahdit codes, deportation and other Turkish immigration matters.