Visa Violation Penalty 2026: Overstaying and Fines in Turkey

Exceeding the legal period of stay in Turkey within the scope of a visa, visa exemption, residence permit, work permit, or work permit exemption may entail significant administrative consequences for the foreigner. Referred to in practice as a "visa violation," "overstaying," or "violation of the right to legal stay," this situation may lead to different outcomes depending on the duration of the violation, the legal status of the foreigner, when the competent authorities detect the violation, and whether the relevant amounts are paid upon departure from the country.

These consequences may include fees and related amounts accrued due to the violation, an entry ban to Turkey, and in certain cases, a deportation decision and administrative detention. In particular, a foreigner's voluntary departure before being apprehended by law enforcement or migration administration is not legally equivalent to being apprehended within Turkey.

Therefore, if the visa or residence permit period has been exceeded, it is necessary to examine not only the question of "how much fine will be paid," but also the duration of the violation, nationality, existing restriction or entry ban records, whether there is a deportation decision, and the applicable legal remedies collectively.

This article explains the primary consequences of visa violations and violations of the right to legal stay in Turkey as of 2026, the fee and payment system, entry ban durations, deportation and administrative detention processes, and judicial remedies.

What is a Visa Violation (Overstaying) and How Does It Occur?

The entry of foreigners into Turkey, their stay, and their exit from Turkey are fundamentally governed under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK).

The continuation of a foreigner's stay in Turkey after the expiration of the right to legal stay may constitute a violation regarding a visa, visa exemption, residence permit, or work permit, depending on the nature of the specific case.

The 90/180-Day Rule and Overstaying Visa Exemption

Pursuant to Article 11 of YUKK, the duration of stay provided by a visa or visa exemption in Turkey cannot, as a rule, exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. However, the visa regime applicable to the foreigner, bilateral agreements, and special regulations must also be taken into consideration.

Therefore, a general and unexceptional assessment such as 'every foreigner may stay in Turkey for 90 days' is not accurate. First, the citizenship of the relevant foreigner, the conditions of the visa or visa exemption, and their previous entries and exits must be examined.

In the event that a foreigner continues to reside in Turkey after the expiration of the legal stay granted by a visa or visa exemption without acquiring a new legal status, a violation of the right to legal stay arises.

Exceeding the Residence Permit Duration and Rejection of Extension Applications

Residence permit extension applications must be made starting 60 days prior to the expiration of the residence permit and, in any event, before the expiration of the current permit, pursuant to Article 24 of Law No. 6458.

In terms of an extension application filed in a timely manner, the foreigner may continue to reside in Turkey with the document issued to them until a decision is rendered regarding their status. Conversely, if an extension application has not been filed before the expiration date, the legal consequences of staying in Turkey after the permit term expires shall be evaluated separately.

Furthermore, the rejection of an extension application does not mean by itself that 'the right to file a lawsuit terminates after 10 days.' Pursuant to Article 54/1-j of YUKK, failure of a foreigner whose extension application has been rejected to depart from Turkey within 10 days is stipulated as grounds for deportation. The statutory period for filing a lawsuit in the administrative judiciary against a residence permit rejection or non-extension action must be evaluated separately.

For detailed information on this subject, Legal remedies available to a foreign national whose residence permit application has been rejected and Cancellation of residence permit and litigation process studies concerning the matter may be examined.

Termination or Invalidity of Work Permit

A valid work permit serves as a residence permit pursuant to Article 27 of YUKK. According to the current statement of the Presidency of Migration Management, the date on which the work permit expires is also the date on which the dependent right of residence terminates.

However, a distinction must be made between the termination of the employment relationship and the date on which the work permit legally terminates or is terminated. Procedures such as the employer's notification of resignation, termination, or cancellation of the work permit must be evaluated based on the specific case file. The outcome may further differ if the work permit holder possesses another valid right of residence.

Regarding the relationship between work permit and right of residence to the 2026 foreign work permit guide may also be reviewed.

How is the Visa Violation Fine Calculated as of 2026?

The amount payable for visa or residence permit violations is not the same for all foreign nationals. The calculation takes into account the nationality of the foreigner, the duration of the violation, the applicable fee schedule, reciprocity provisions, and other fees accrued in the specific case.

Fixed fees applied within the scope of the Law on Fees No. 492 in 2026 have been updated by the General Communiqué on the Law on Fees (Serial No: 98) published in the 5th duplicate issue of the Official Gazette dated December 31, 2025, and numbered 33124. In the general tariff, for residence permits, 348.10 TL per day for up to 1 month; a minimum of 653.70 TL and a maximum of 3,359.90 TL for the first month; and 2,232.30 TL for each month after the first month are taken as a basis. However, the reciprocity regulations to which the foreigner is subject must also be taken into consideration.

Law on Fees No. 492 must be evaluated together with the current fee tariff for the year 2026.

Key Elements of the Violation Amount in 2026

• Residence fee corresponding to the duration of the violation: Depending on the duration of the violation, Tariff No. 6 of the Law on Fees No. 492 and the applicable specific country tariff shall be taken into consideration.
• Rule of collection with a onefold increase: In the event that the residence permit is not obtained or its duration is not extended, there is a provision regarding the collection of the fee calculated according to the relevant tariff with a onefold increase, without the application of penalties and default interest.
• Residence permit document fee: For the residence permit document within the scope of the Law on Valuable Papers No. 210, the document fee for the year 2026 is 964 TL.
• Single-entry visa fee: It may additionally come into question depending on the visa regime applicable to the specific case. In the 2026 general tariff, the single-entry visa fee is determined as 9,376.40 TL; however, which visa fee will be collected from which foreigner may be separately determined based on reciprocity and the relevant visa regime.

Therefore, calculating the exact payment amount based on fixed "overstay penalty" tables found on the internet is not accurate. The final accrual is determined based on the foreigner's nationality, duration of the violation, and administrative records at the border gate.

Principle of Reciprocity by Country and Fee Differences

The principle of reciprocity is significant regarding residence permit fees. Law No. 492 on Fees allows for different practices and exemptions based on the principle of reciprocity for citizens of certain countries.

Therefore, the amount payable by citizens of two different countries who have violated their right to legal stay for the same duration may not be identical.

For instance, while a general tariff is applied to one foreign national, a different fee or exemption may apply to another due to reciprocity. Consequently, it is not possible to calculate a definitive visa violation penalty without knowing the citizenship information.

Where and How is the Visa Violation Penalty Paid?

Accruals arising from visa or legal stay violations are determined and collected by the relevant units at authorized border gates during departure procedures from Turkey.

In practice, it is important for a foreign national to allow sufficient time for departure procedures if there is a violation, rather than going to the airport very close to the flight time. However, a strict generalization should not be made to the effect that "every border gate necessarily has the same unit, the same payment method, or the same processing time."

Before departure, the foreign national should ascertain their legal stay period, the duration of the violation, and any accrued amounts from the authorized units.

Visa Violations and Entry Bans with Concrete Examples

Scenario 1: Foreign National Exceeding the Visa Exemption Period by 45 Days

Let us assume that Foreign National A, a citizen of Azerbaijan, stayed in Turkey for 45 days after the expiration of the legal stay period granted under visa exemption, and wishes to exit Turkey by voluntarily proceeding to the border gate before their situation is detected by the competent authorities.

In this case, the amount to be paid is determined based on the foreign national's citizenship and the applicable fee/visa regime. Since the violation of the right to legal stay does not exceed three months and the foreign national exits voluntarily while paying the relevant fees and penalties, it is possible that an entry ban will not be imposed solely due to this violation, in accordance with the general entry ban statement published by the Presidency of Migration Management.

Scenario 2: Staying in Turkey for 5 Months After the Expiration of the Residence Permit

Let us assume that Foreign National B, a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, stayed in Turkey for 5 months after their residence permit expired without acquiring a new legal status, and subsequently exited voluntarily.

In cases where the violation of the right to legal stay lasts for more than three months but less than six months, a 1-month entry ban is stipulated for those who voluntarily exit and pay the relevant fees and penalties, according to the statement by the Presidency of Migration Management.

Scenario 3: Non-Payment of Accrued Amounts Following a One-Year Violation

Let us assume that C, a citizen of Uzbekistan, violated their legal right of residence for one year and departed from Turkey without paying the accrued amounts, despite proceeding to the border gate voluntarily.

In the statement issued by the Presidency of Migration Management regarding violations of the legal right of residence, it is stated that in the event of non-payment of the relevant amounts, an entry ban ranging from three months to five years may be imposed, and different durations are stipulated depending on the duration of the violation. Furthermore, unpaid public receivables may carry additional significance regarding re-entry into Turkey.

Entry Ban to Turkey in Case of Visa Violation

An entry ban to Turkey and a deportation decision are not the same legal proceeding. An entry ban is an administrative consequence aimed at preventing a foreigner from entering Turkey under certain conditions. Deportation, on the other hand, is a separate administrative action aimed at removing a foreigner present in Turkey from the country.

Pursuant to Article 9 of the YUKK, the maximum general entry ban period is 5 years. In the event of a serious threat to public order or public security, this period may be extended by up to an additional 10 years, reaching a total of up to 15 years.

In addition to Article 9 of the YUKK, the official statement of the Presidency of Migration Management regarding entry bans to be applied for violations of the legal right of residence, provides for specific thresholds based on the duration of the violation and payment status.

Difference Between Those Who Depart Voluntarily and Those Who Are Apprehended

According to the statement of the Presidency of Migration Management, for foreigners who violate the legal right of residence for up to three months and voluntarily come to the border gate to pay the relevant administrative fines before their situation is detected by the competent authorities, an entry ban decision may not be issued solely due to this violation.

As for violations exceeding three months, an entry ban may be imposed based on the duration of the violation, even if payment has been made.

In the event that the foreigner fails to pay the relevant amounts or is deported, more severe entry ban periods may apply.

Entry Ban Durations Based on Violation Periods

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Important: The table illustrates the general thresholds set forth in the official statement of the Presidency of Migration Management regarding violations of legal right to stay. In a specific case, the existence of a deportation decision, another entry ban ground, public order/security considerations, or unpaid public receivables may alter the outcome.

Restriction Codes and Visa Violation

Restriction codes appear in practice as records used to indicate specific administrative statuses or restrictions in foreigners' immigration records. However, not all restriction codes are individually set out as a list of codes in Law No. 6458.

Therefore, making assessments based on code lists found on the internet such as "this code definitively results in this outcome" is not accurate. Alongside the code, the transaction on which the code is based, the transaction date, the duration of the entry ban, the grounds for the decision, and the deportation decision, if any, must be examined together.

In particular, while administrative practice shows that codes such as Ç-135 may be applied in connection with unpaid public receivables due to visa or residence violations, the specific transaction underlying the official record must be additionally verified through the official system.

For more detailed information on the legal nature and removal of restriction codes What is a Restriction Code and How Is It Removed? and precedent decisions regarding restriction codes studies may be reviewed.

Deportation and Administrative Detention Process That a Foreigner Committing a Visa Violation May Face

Deportation Decision – LFIP Art. 54

Pursuant to Article 54/1-e of the LFIP, a deportation decision shall be issued against those who exceed the visa or visa exemption period by more than ten days or whose visas are revoked.

Regarding Article 54/1-g of the LFIP (YUKK), it is stipulated as a ground for deportation if a foreigner holding a residence permit violates the residence permit duration for more than ten days following the expiration of the permit without an acceptable justification.

Furthermore, the failure of a foreigner whose residence permit extension application has been rejected to depart from Turkey within 10 days may also constitute a ground for deportation pursuant to Article 54/1-j of the LFIP (YUKK).

Therefore, drawing a broad conclusion such as "no sanctions can be applied before the 10 days expire" is incorrect. The 10-day threshold is particularly significant regarding specific deportation grounds under Article 54 of the LFIP (YUKK).

For detailed information regarding deportation procedures, annulment of deportation order the current guide on the subject can be reviewed.

Removal Centers and Administrative Detention

Pursuant to Article 57 of the LFIP (YUKK), administrative detention decisions may be issued for foreigners who are subject to a deportation decision and who pose a risk of absconding or disappearing, violate entry or exit rules to Turkey, use forged or unfounded documents, fail to depart within the granted period, or constitute a threat to public order, public security, or public health.

Foreigners under administrative detention are taken to removal centers. The statutory upper limit is, as a rule, 6 months. If deportation procedures cannot be completed due to the foreigner's failure to cooperate or to provide accurate information or documents regarding their country of origin, this period may be extended by a maximum of 6 additional months.

The continuation of administrative detention is regularly evaluated by the governorship, and administrative detention may be terminated if the conditions cease to exist.

Appeal Against the Administrative Detention Decision

The foreigner, their legal representative, or lawyer may apply to the competent Criminal Judgeship of Peace against the administrative detention decision, the extension, or the continuation thereof.

Pursuant to Article 57/6 of the LFIP (YUKK), the Criminal Judgeship of Peace concludes the application within five days. The application for appeal does not automatically stay the administrative detention. Following the judgeship's decision, it is also possible to re-apply if the conditions change or cease to exist.

Filing Period Against the Deportation Decision

Regarding applications against deportation decisions, drafts or outdated internet content often reference a 7-day period. However, under the current text of YUKK art. 53/3, against a deportation decision, an application to the administrative court may be filed within 15 days from the date of service.

Therefore, outdated information indicating a 7-day period for deportation decisions should not be relied upon under current legislation.

YUKK art. 53/3 further provides that applications filed with the administrative court shall be concluded within 15 days and that the court's decision in this regard is final. Nevertheless, due to certain exceptions stipulated in the law, the stay of execution effect of filing a lawsuit against the deportation procedure must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Removal of the Entry Ban and Restriction Code

For foreigners subject to an entry ban or restriction record, it must first be determined which specific measure has been applied. Merely observing a restriction code is insufficient without knowing the underlying administrative action upon which the code is based.

Administrative Application

If it is considered that the entry ban or restriction record is unlawful, an application may be submitted to the relevant administrative authority based on the nature of the specific action to request the removal of the record.

An administrative application does not automatically and indefinitely restart the statutory period for filing a lawsuit in every instance. Therefore, the date of the action, the date of service, and the date of awareness must be evaluated together.

Annulment Action in the Administrative Court

It is possible to file an action in the administrative judiciary seeking the annulment of the administrative action underlying the entry ban or restriction record. Regarding the general statute of limitations for filing an administrative lawsuit, Article 7 of the Administrative Adjudication Procedure Law No. 2577 is taken into consideration; however, the commencement of the period and the applicable special procedure must be evaluated separately based on the nature of the action.

Therefore, rather than making a generalization such as "there is strictly a 60-day period for every restriction code," the specific administrative action and the manner in which it was learned must be determined.

In this regard, lifting of the entry ban to Turkey and precedent decisions regarding restriction codes the contents regarding him/her can be evaluated together.

Special Annotated Visa and Legal Entry Opportunity

Pursuant to Article 9/6 of YUKK, the Directorate General may lift the entry ban or, without prejudice to the entry ban, allow the foreigner to enter Turkey for a certain period.

Depending on the nature of the specific case, special-status visa or entry permit options based on work, education, family, medical treatment, or other justifiable grounds may come into question. However, no guarantee can be given that obtaining a specially annotated visa will be definitively possible in every case or that the application will be accepted.

Precedent Judicial Decision: Entry Ban Due to Visa Violation

It has also been established in the jurisprudence of the Council of State that the entry ban imposed due to a visa violation is an administrative act distinct from a deportation decision.

Council of State 10th Chamber, E. 2016/1185, K. 2021/4942, D. 20.10.2021

In the case subject to the decision, a Visa Violation Processing Form was issued against the plaintiff, a Turkmen national, due to the non-payment of the visa violation fee, and an entry ban to Turkey was imposed.

The 10th Chamber of the Council of State accepted that the dispute pertains not to a deportation decision, but to the entry ban action based on the non-payment of the visa violation fee. Therefore, it concluded that the finality provision set forth in Article 53/3 of YUKK regarding deportation decisions cannot be applied to this entry ban dispute.

The significant implication of the decision is that the entry ban imposed due to the non-payment of the visa violation fee does not share the same legal nature as a deportation act, and the administrative court decisions concerning this matter can be reviewed within the framework of the relevant legal remedy regime.

Citation details: Council of State 10th Chamber, E. 2016/1185, K. 2021/4942, D. 20.10.2021.

In the accessible copy of the decision text, it is explicitly stated that the dispute is not a deportation act, but rather an entry ban act tied to the non-payment of the visa violation fee.

Comparison Table: Departure Procedures and Legal Consequences in Case of Violation

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I do not pay the visa violation fine?

Failure to pay the amounts accrued regarding visa or legal right of stay violations upon departure from Turkey may result in a ban on entry to Turkey based on the duration of the violation and the consideration of unpaid public receivables in subsequent visa or entry procedures. According to the statement by the Presidency of Migration Management, entry ban periods ranging from 3 months to 5 years are stipulated depending on the duration of the violation if payment is not made.

If I pay my fine at the airport, can I return to Turkey the very next day?

This consequence is not automatic. If the violation is up to three months, the foreigner has departed voluntarily before the situation is detected by the competent authorities, and the relevant amounts have been paid, it is possible that an entry ban will not be imposed solely due to this violation. However, with respect to re-entry, the visa regime, the 90/180-day rule, passport, visa, and other entry requirements must additionally be met.

I married a Turkish citizen in Turkey while overstaying my visa, will my fine be expunged?

No. Marrying a Turkish citizen does not automatically eliminate past visa or residence permit violations and the accrued amounts associated therewith.

Nevertheless, marriage and family unity may be significant legal elements that must be taken into account in the specific case regarding deportation, entry bans, and residence procedures. Rights concerning family life and immigration law rules must be evaluated together.

My visa has expired, but it has not been 10 days yet, will I be deported?

Article 54/1-e of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK) stipulates that a deportation decision shall be issued concerning those who exceed the visa or visa exemption period by more than ten days. However, this provision does not mean that exceeding the visa period has no other administrative consequences. The fees and other amounts to be applied for the violated days, along with other specific circumstances of the case, must be evaluated separately.

How can a foreigner taken to a Removal Center (GGM) be released?

An application may be made to the relevant Criminal Judgeship of Peace against the administrative detention decision. Pursuant to Article 57/6 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK), the judgeship shall conclude the application within five days. In the application, matters such as the foreigner's fixed address, the absence of a risk of absconding or disappearing, family ties, and whether administrative detention is necessary in terms of the specific case may be asserted.

Can the visa violation fine be paid in installments?

How the accruals arising from visa or legal stay violations will be collected at the border gate is determined according to concrete administrative practice. Therefore, it is not accurate to establish a general rule for all foreigners to the effect that they are "definitely permitted to pay in installments" or "installment payments are under no circumstances possible." Prior to departure, the current payment procedure must be learned from the competent border gate unit.

If I have a Ç-135 restriction code imposed on me, can I re-enter Turkey?

A definitive answer cannot be given solely by looking at the name of the code. The transaction upon which the Ç-135 record is based, the duration of the entry ban, whether there is an unpaid public receivable, and whether there is any other entry ban or deportation decision must be examined.

Regarding the removal of a restriction code, the relevant administrative action and the date on which this action was learned or served are also important.

Conclusion and Legal Assessment

Exceeding the legal period of stay granted in Turkey by a visa, visa exemption, residence permit, or work permit should not be evaluated merely as a simple transaction giving rise to a payment obligation.

The duration of the violation, the foreigner's nationality, the relevant fee and payment regime, when the competent authorities detected the violation, whether the foreigner departed voluntarily, whether there is an entry ban or restriction record, and whether a deportation decision exists must be evaluated together.

Especially if the foreign national has not yet been identified by law enforcement or the migration administration, it is important to determine the current legal status without delay and to evaluate legal departure options. Conversely, if a deportation or administrative detention order has been issued against the foreign national, the applicable legal remedies and time limits may differ.

It must be borne in mind that, pursuant to Article 53/3 of YUKK (Law on Foreigners and International Protection), the current application deadline for deportation orders is 15 days As for administrative detention, there is a remedy of application to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace. Entry bans and restriction procedures must be evaluated separately from the deportation procedure.

In order to make a correct legal assessment in a specific case, the foreign national's passport and entry-exit records, visa or visa exemption, residence or work permit, rejection or revocation decisions, deportation order, restriction code, duration of entry ban, and payment records must be examined together.

Author Information

Atty. Batın YILMAZ
Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008

This content has been prepared for general legal informational purposes regarding the right to legal stay of foreigners in Turkey, visa violations, residence permits, work permits, entry bans, restriction records, deportation, and administrative detention in Turkey. Since legislation and administrative practices are subject to change, current records and documents must be separately examined for each specific case.

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This content is solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute advertising, solicitation, client acquisition, referral, professional superiority, or a guarantee of results directed at any person or institution. In the preparation of this content, the Attorneyship Law No. 1136, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations Professional Rules, and Union of Turkish Bar Associations Regulation on Prohibition of Advertising provisions have been observed.

Contact

Atty. Batın YILMAZ
Istanbul Bar Association Bar Registry No: 77008
Telephone: +90 532 669 34 90
E-mail: info@batinyilmaz.av.tr
Address: Yakuplu Mahallesi, Hürriyet Bulvarı, Skyport Residence No: 1/133, Beylikdüzü / İstanbul

Legal Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a legal opinion regarding a specific person or file. The applicable legal remedy may vary depending on the foreign national's citizenship, legal residency status, entry-exit records, notified administrative actions, restriction records, and current legislation.