NEW VISITORS VISA TAKES EFFECT

[angryumpire]

Just confirmation that the new 90/180 day Visitors Visa issued at the point of entry into Turkey becomes Law on 1st Feb 2012.

It means you can only stay in Turkey for 90 days in 180 days, simply, you can stay in Turkey in a 180 day period for any multiple of 90 days, after 180 days you must leave Turkey and you then have to apply for another 90/180 day Visa next time you visit Turkey.

The effect is that it stops the Visa runs to Greece for ex-pats who live in Turkey on a semi/permanent basis and forces them to apply for a Residence Permit which at around £50.00 each a year is good value. ;D ;D ;D

[angryumpire]

CHANGES TO VISITORS VISA LAW TODAY

Foreigners visiting Turkey will be able to prolong their 90-day tourist visas to nine months, allowing them to have more time to enjoy Turkey without the hassle of acquiring a residence permit.
Under the current visa regulations, tourists are currently only allowed to stay 90 days in 180 days. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has made a change to the visa policy for foreigners, enabling them to extend tourist visas for an additional six months.

Those whose visas have already expired will also be able to extend their stay in Turkey to nine months upon paying a fine.

Don't know how you apply at this moment in time, but will let you know.

I wish they would mke up their bloody minds.

[angryumpire]

Visa Changes update on British Consulate Website
Visa regulations for British tourists in Turkey – update 9/3/12

The Turkish Authorities revised their visa procedures on 1 February 2012. (Please find below)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have now provided us with a written update which states that:-

An amendment to the relevant legislation of the Interior Ministry has made it possible for provincial governor’s offices to issue ex officio residence permits for touristic purposes which are valid for up to six months (including six months) in line with general provisions on granting residence permits to foreigners who have arrived in our country on a visa issued by our foreign missions, an on-arrival visa or visa exemption agreements.
Foreigners who exceed the duration of their visa, visa exemption or previously issued residence permits can benefit from the above-mentioned practice on the condition that they pay the penalty for overstaying.
In this respect, while Cabinet Decree No:2011/2306, which took effect on February 1, 2012 set the duration of stay in Turkey for foreigners as 90 days in an 180-day period, foreigners who are visiting our country as tourists can legally stay in our country for a total of nine months through a six-month residence permit which they can receive from governor’s offices upon application.
To summarise, British nationals who have arrived in Turkey on a tourist visa and who wish to stay on for a longer period can apply for a tourist residence permit for a stay of up to 9 months.
This provision already appeared in the original regulation (full text from Turkish Police website (in Turkish)) but it seems that the application procedures have now been simplified.

For further information or to make an application, you should contact your nearest Foreigners Police/Aliens Department (Yabancilar Subesi).

As far as I can see, it is not an extension to your Visitors Visa but an application for a 6 mths Residence Permit. This has always been the situation whereby you can apply for a short term R/P.

Looks like you would have to leave Turkey after 9 mths and obtain another 90/180 day Visa.