January 9, 2012 - Due to a regulation announced in the Official Gazette, effective next month, the amount of time allowed foreign nationals visiting Turkey for business or tourism will be limited to a total of 90 days within a 180-day period.  Essentially this means that whether visiting as a business traveler or tourist, foreign nationals who have stayed in-country for a total of 90 days in a 180-day period must leave Turkey for 90 days before being eligible for another visa.  The new regulation also eliminates the ability to immediately renew a visa after staying in-country for 90 days.  Expected to be in force by February, the new regulation will allow foreign nationals with a visa exemption of less than 90 days to apply domestically for an extension (of up to 90 days total).

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Turkey.  For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@balglobal.com.