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TURKEY / UNITED STATES: Update on Entry to Turkey for US Nationals
November 22, 2017
On 21st November 2017, the United States Department of State issued an update on the situation for US nationals entering Turkey. The main points are as follows:
- US citizens (with no other nationality) will be issued sticker visas upon entry into Turkey only if they can show legal residency (residence permits) in another country other than the US. (Note: this is in clear contrast with airport policy the past month where US nationals were consistently being issued sticker visas at Turkish airports as long as their flight originated outside the US).
- Turkish consulates outside the US are consistently issuing visas to US nationals physically present at that consular post, with no problems. Note that whether a particular consulate retains a local residence requirement is case-by-case.
- Turkish consular posts in the US are still offering visa appointments to US nationals in some cases, based on certain criteria such as medical needs, urgent family issues, international conferences or sport events, etc.
- Current valid Turkish visas (including sticker visas) continue to be acceptable for entry into Turkey.
Background
On 8th October 2017, the United States announced the immediate suspension of all non-immigrant visa services at all US diplomatic facilities in Turkey.
Turkey retaliated by suspending all visa services for US citizens at its diplomatic and consular missions in the United States, and at Turkey’s borders, and blocked US nationals from using its e-Visa service.
On 6th November 2017, the US mission to Turkey announced that it was resuming limited visa services in Turkey, based on assurances from the Government of Turkey about the security of local US diplomatic staff. Turkey reciprocated by announcing a limited resumption of processing of visa applications for US nationals in the United States.
Our Advice
Any employer sending US nationals to Turkey should consult their Newland Chase immigration specialist for advice and the latest updates.
For advice and information on immigration to Turkey in general, please email us at [email protected].
This information was provided by our sister company Peregrine Immigration Management.
