Please note, this article is superceded by a news update on Tuesday 20th July 2010.  Click here for the update.

Yesterday, Kalkan Turkish Local News reported on changes to the visa laws applying to some foreigners coming to Turkey.

We have seen quite a reaction to this news, and many people have been in touch asking for clarification.

In today's update, we try to answer some of the points raised.  KTLN also has some positive news for those seeking advice and support - we provide details below.

However, we would stress that until such time as an official announcement has been made, any views expressed on KTLN should be regarded as unconfirmed.

Summary of changes
With immediate effect, (14th July 2010), nationals from 44 countries, including the UK, can apply for a visa to visit Turkey for up to 90 days in a 180 day period.  Multiple visits are permitted.  Hitherto, it had been possible to apply for a 90 day visa, and then immediately renew your visa for another 90 days, without a break.

The primary source for our news story is Oktay Üçüncü of Latebreaks Travel Agency in Kaş.  He tells us he has received an official communication on this change, and has spoken to the Chief of Police in Kaş to confirm his understanding. 

Oktay is seeking to petition the government to overturn this new law, and he is asking for members of the public - Turkish and foreigners - to join his campaign.  More about this in a forthcoming KTLN news report.

We have also spoken to the British Honorary Consulate in Fethiye and the British Consulate-General in Istanbul, both of whom were aware of the breaking news, but neither of whom had received any formal notification. 

They expect to be in a position to advise British nationals on this matter shortly.  However, as we publish this article, the British Embassy website for Turkey has not been updated to show any changes to the visa policy; neither has the official Turkish Embassy website.

So what does this change mean for tourists and foreign nationals who are in Turkey on a long term basis?

Visas for tourists
For most visitors the impact should be minimal.  Our understanding is that the cost remains the same, so in fact in may work out cheaper for those who make more than one trip per season. 

Here are some example scenarios, based upon our understanding at KTLN.

Scenario 1
If you come to Kalkan once a year on holiday, for less than 90 days, there is no difference at all.   

Scenario 2
However, if you come once a year, for more than 90 days, you can no longer do this.  Your maximum time for that single trip is 90 days, and you then have to leave Turkey for 90 days before you can return.

Scenario 3
If you come to Kalkan more than once a year, but for less than 90 days in total, depending on the timing of your holidays, you may need to buy one or two visas in any given year.   

Say you get a new 90/180 day visa on 4th August 2010.  This means you can spend up to 90 days in Turkey between 4th August 2010 and 31st January 2011 - a period of 180 days.  Your 90 days can be contiguous or in multiple visits.

Let's say you have a 21 day holiday as soon as you get your new visa (04/08/10 to 24/08/10), and another 14 days in October (18/10/10 to 31/10/10).  You have only had 35 days in total.  You can still come for another 55 days before 31st January 2011.

But what would happen if you turn up on 24th January 2011 for a two week holiday?  Your  existing visa will permit you to stay until 31st January, as you have only used 35 of your 90 days.  But you will need to apply for another visa to start from 1st February, for another 180 day period.  We don't claim to have the official answer to this, however common sense would suggest that you will not be turned back at Dalaman airport, but you should be able to get another visa,  even though your existing 90/180 day visa is still in operation.  We assume that the important thing is that you are not going to exceed your 90 day limit.  We will seek confirmation on this point.

Scenario 4
Coming to Kalkan more than once a year and for more than 90 days.

Let's assume that on your original visa, issued on 4th August 2010, you have clocked up 85 days, by the time you arrive at Dalaman on 24th January, for your two week break.  In this situation, if you were allowed entry, you would exceed your 90 day maximum.  If the new rules are to be enforced (and why wouldn't they be?), you would not be permitted to enter Turkey. 

So the point here is to plan the dates of your visits carefully, so as not to exceed the maximum number of days allowed by any single visa.

For information, according to the KTLN Kalkan Survey* undertaken in February 2010, only 14% of you spend more than 92 days a year in Kalkan. 

Long term residents
In the KTLN Kalkan Survey* sample, around one third of long term foreign residents did not have formal residency, but chose to do 3 month visa runs.

If you are amongst that number, our understanding is that you will no longer be able to do this.  Your options appear to be clear: either you spend  3 months here and 3 months abroad (possibly back in your original country), or you apply for your residency (ikamet).

If you currently have a 3 month visa issued before 14th July 2010, you will be able to get one of the new visas, which will allow you a further 90 days stay, in a period of 180 days, from the date of issue.  So most people reading this, (in mid-July), will have at least 3 months to get things sorted out.

You will see below that KTLN members can access advice on obtaining residency in the KTLN Knowledge Bank.  The cost of residency equates to around £1 per day, but of course you have to pay this up front. 

You also have to be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially, whilst living in Turkey.  The official government website says that you must have at least US$500 per month, per person.  That is about £325 per month, or just under £4,000 per annum.  A lump sum in the bank or a regular pension payment are examples of what the authorities like to see.  If you are married, the assets and income from one, can cover both parties.

Help from KTLN
We appreciate that this development is causing concern and uncertainty for some of you - particularly those who are  long term residents who have been used to doing the 3 monthly visa runs.

Here at KTLN, we recognise that, of course, it is right that we all abide by the laws of the country where we live.  Foreign residents should have residency permission.  However, we also recognise that some people, are now looking for some help and advice about what they need to do.

So we have spoken to Kalkan lawyer, Kader Güneş, and she has kindly agreed to help, by providing free advice on any key areas of concern.  KTLN has agreed with Kader that we will collate your comments, and consolidate them into key questions, for her attention.  So please let us know if you have any specific questions.  Questions and answers may be published on KTLN.