The end of an era as Turkey harmonises their tourist visa regulations with those of other nations from the 1st February.

The British Embassy has published details of the significant changes to the Turkish visa rules that come into effect from tomorrow, 1st February.

In their press release they say:

"Since 2010, Turkish visit visas issued at arrival ports state that they are valid for multiple stays up to a maximum of 90 days in a 180 day period.

Up to 31 January 2012, this rule has not been enforced by the Turkish immigration authorities, who were operating a flexible interpretation of the requirement.

However, from 1 February 2012, the new visa rules will be fully enforced, and you will only be able to stay in Turkey for a total of 90 days in every 180.

The British Embassy had approached the Turkish Authorities to see if the implementation date could be delayed but unfortunately, it could not.

So, if you plan to remain in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days after 1February, you should either enquire about longer stay visas from your nearest Turkish Embassy before departure, or if in Turkey, you should enquire at your local Foreigners Police Department (Yabancilar Sube) before 90 days expires.

If you stay in Turkey for long periods of time, it may be worth considering obtaining a residence permit.

Be careful not to overstay the 90 day period.

Overstaying is taken very seriously by the Turkish Authorities.

As is current practice, those who overstay the 90 day limit could be fined, detained, deported and banned from re-entering Turkey."

The End of an Era - The Visa Run

The new rules bring Turkey into line with the Schengen Visa rules that are in operation in many countries around the world.

Under those rules the holders of a C-type visas, like the Turkish Tourist visa, are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.

Holders must then leave before the 90 days and cannot return for another 91 days. The visa cannot be renewed by exiting and entering the area in less than 91 days.

So after months of doubt, confusion and, in some cases hope, we reach the end of the visa run and the end of an era of free and easy movement in and out of Turkey.