The period over which a tourist visa issued to those who visit Turkey on a temporary basis is valid will change from 1st February 2012.

The much anticipated change to Turkish tourist visas was brought into law on 24th October when the Turkish Council of Ministers changed the regulations.

Tourist visas issued from 1st February 2012 will be valid for 90 days as now.

However, initial reading of the law suggests that a 90 day visa can then only be extended after a 180 day period. This will end the common practice used by many people who wished to extend their stay indefinitely in Turkey by doing the 90 day visa runs. It will also mean regular visitors will need to keep an eye on their days in and out of Turkey within a 180 day period.

Guidance on how the revised law will be interpreted and enforced in practice are awaited so don't take too much of this as a given just yet.

Watch this space for more information as it appears.

Those people who wish to stay in Turkey for longer periods should obtain a Residence Permit.

The changes will be enacted under Decision number 28094 dated 24 October 2011 as published in the Turkish Official Journal. The decision updates law number 5676 dated 24 June 1950.