Can I extend my tourist visa in Turkey? A complete guide
by Pilar Dujan | March 21, 2023
If you have a valid visa for Turkey and it’s about to expire, this article will tell you all you need to know about how to extend a tourist visa in Turkey. Keep reading to learn about who is eligible to renew their visa for Turkey, the application process and other important information.
Who can extend a tourist visa in Turkey?
Can I extend my tourist visa in Turkey? If you wish to extend your visa in Turkey as a tourist, you might be able to, depending on factors such as your nationality and the length of your stay.
Usually, if you’re a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or a Turkey visa, you should be able to renew your visa at a local immigration office. However, if you're from one of the other countries, you may need to leave Turkey and apply for a new visa from a Turkish consulate or embassy in your home country. You can check your eligibility here.
How to extend my tourist visa in Turkey
First of all, you will need to go to a local immigration office to submit your application, which may involve providing personal information, details about your trip and proof of funds to support yourself during your new stay.
Always remember to verify the specific requirements for your visa renewal, as they may change depending on the immigration office where you apply and your personal circumstances. You should prepare the necessary documentation in advance to avoid any delays or issues.
It is crucial to keep in mind that, even though you applied to renew your tourist visa, this does not guarantee that it will be approved. You may also be required to pay an extra fee for your visa renewal, and it may take a few weeks for the whole process to be finished.
If your renewal application is denied, the first thing you need to do is leave Turkey before your current visa expires. This way you avoid potential issues or fines.
What happens if your Turkey tourist visa expires?
If you didn't extend your tourist visa in Turkey and it expires while you're still in the country, you could:
- Receive a fine
- Be deported
- Be forbidden from entering Turkey for some time
The length of time that you overstayed will affect your fee amount. This must be paid to be able to leave Turkey. If the government finds that you have been living in Turkey without the proper visa, the fines may be higher and you could even face deportation.
If you are found to be violating Turkish immigration laws, you will be banned from entering the country.
What can you do to avoid this? Always be on top of your visa requirements and make sure you have every documentation in order. You should apply for a visa renewal long before the current one expires, so you can avoid legal issues with the government.
Pilar Dujan
I’m originally from Argentina, now based in Spain. I’m a writer and Visagov’s Press Officer, which allows me to put my expertise in visa and travel-related matters to the test.
My two roles help me bring forth content that is comprehensive and helpful, always keeping in mind my goal of assisting tourists in putting together the holiday they dream of.
If you’d like to meet, you can find me on LinkedIn.
