Update on Restrictions for U.S. Citizens

Executive Summary

The following are updates to the travel and work permit restrictions for U.S. citizens:

• U.S. citizens still cannot obtain an e-visa or enter Turkey under a sticker or border visa if they are arriving on a direct flight from the United States. However, U.S. citizens entering Turkey from a port of exit outside the United States may be allowed to enter under a sticker visa.

• Turkish consular posts outside the United States are issuing visas to U.S. citizens. Note that some consular posts require applicants to be a lawful resident or dual citizen of the country in which the consular post is located.

• The Residence Permit appointment system has been shut down for several days. Although it is unclear if any work permits have been approved since the temporary suspension, some cases are indicated to be in process.

The following are updates to the travel and work permit restrictions for U.S. citizens:

• How U.S. citizens can enter.  U.S. citizens still cannot obtain an e-visa or obtain a sticker/border visa if they are arriving on a direct flight the United States. However, officers at Sabiha Gokcen Airport confirmed that U.S. citizens entering Turkey from a port of exit outside the United States may be allowed to purchase a sticker visa at entry. As before, U.S. citizens holding valid sticker visas, e-visas or border visas issued prior to October 9, 2017 can enter Turkey.

• Consular posts abroad are issuing visas. Turkish consular posts outside the United States are issuing visas to U.S. citizens. Note that some consular posts require applicants to be a lawful resident or dual citizen of the country in which the consular post is located.

• Effect on work and residence permit holders. The Migration Directorate Residence Permit appointment system has been shut down for several days. Although it is unclear if work permits have been approved since the temporary suspension, some cases are indicated to be in process. It remains unclear whether U.S. citizens’ work permit renewal applications are suspended or whether consular posts outside the United States can dispense issued visas.

The information reported in the most recent alert regarding inactivated visas remains unchanged.

We worked closely with the Bener Law Office in Istanbul to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.