Published 13 years ago, updated 6 years ago

Latest reports on this new visa rule (visitors will only be allowed to stay for up to 90 days only, within a 180 day period), are that the new regulations will apply to ALL countries from 01 February 2012.

This is really bad news for cruisers who wish to spend more than 90 consecutive days sailing around Turkey over the summer months. The new law is still vague, however, it would be possible to say stay for 30 days, depart for 30 days and on return get 60 further days. Last-minute representations are being made but without much optimism.

If you wish to base yourself longer in Turkey, the only option is a residents visa which comes with conditions including a Turkish bank account holding US$500 per person per month at the time of application. There are also fines if you don’t advise a change of address within 48 hours – tricky if you don’t have a marina contract whilst cruising!

Add to all the above the proliferation of the oppressive Blue Card “environmental protection system” and one can understand the current despondent mood among the long-term cruising community in Turkey.

What with Italy’s new berthing [BROKENLINK] tax and Tukey’s new visa rule, options are more limited if wanting to base yourself somewhere for the summer this year.

Our thanks to John Ping for keeping noonsite updated on this matter.

To read previous reports on this new ruling plus further information about residents visas see here