An announcement on the official website of the British Embassy has just been released confirming that tourist visa rules will change.

The information confirms that included in our article published earlier today but does warn that the information has only been given verbally and they ware awaiting official confirmation.

The announcement is as follows:

Change to Turkish Visa Procedures

A visitor's visa valid for 90 days is issued to British Citizens at the port of entry on payment of £10 (English notes only) . British diplomatic/official passport holders must apply for a visa before travelling to Turkey.

Under new Turkish Immigration Procedures, effective from 14 July 2010, British nationals (and the nationals of 62 other countries) will still be issued with a 90 day visitor's visa on arrival. However, this visa can no longer be renewed after 90 days. The visa can only be used for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. You will now need to wait until the 181st day before you can apply for another 90 day visitor's visa.

• If you wish to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within a 180 day period, you will need to make a visa application to a Turkish Embassy or Consulate abroad or you will need to apply for a resident's permit to remain in Turkey. Please note that as yet this information has only been given to the British Embassy orally. We urgently are seeking clarification from the Turkish Government. New information will be posted here when we have it.

• Staying in Turkey beyond the date of your visa is taken seriously by the Turkish Authorities. If you overstay you will be fined upon departure. Fines vary according to the length of time you overstay. If you overstay and are fined, you must apply for your next visa at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate overseas before you travel. You may also be banned from re-entering Turkey for a period of time as follows:-

Overstay 1-15 days - no ban.

Overstay from 16-90 days - banned for up to three months.

Overstay for more than 90 days i.e. from the 91st day, banned for up to six months.

This, if applied rigorously, may cause difficulties for resident British citizens who have not obtained an appropriate visa and or residence permit to reside in Turkey or simply for unwitting innocents who overstay their welcome.

Disclaimer: Please note that this information was provided by the Turkish Security Police Directorate (Foreigners Department). Although we do our best to ensure that the content is correct, we cannot take responsibility for Turkey's immigration policy or the application of it. If you have further queries, please contact the relevant Turkish Foreigners Police Department in the area where you reside.

20 July 2010

Source ukinturkey.fco.gov.uk