Visa Lost or Expired in Turkey? Here's What You Should Do
Learn what to do with an expired visa in Turkey. Explore the types of visas you can apply for to reach Turkey and know the replacement process if lost.
It can happen for you to renew or extend the Turkish visa to stay in the country for a longer period of time due to unavoidable circumstances. If your Turkey visa expires while you are still present in the country, then you will have to visit an immigration office to pay the necessary fine, after which you will be cleared for departure.
However, if you wish to stay in the country for a duration longer than what is specified in your visa, you will need to extend it. Depending on the type of visa that you’ve obtained or applied for, and your country of origin, you can stay for up to 6 months. You can check your eligibility for the Turkish visa here and the Turkey visa document requirements.
Penalties and Consequences of Visa Violations
If a foreign national stays in Turkey beyond the authorized period mentioned on their visa or residence permit, then it is called overstaying. This can lead to a fine, a ban being imposed on your re-entry into the country, or being deported.
The visa-related fine or residence permit card-related fee you pay will depend on the type of visa or the duration specified on your residence permit card. You can pay the same by physically visiting the Turkish embassy or online.
What Should You Do If Your Visa Has Expired in Turkey
If this happens while you are in Turkey, you must take action fast. Visit the local police station and report your case if you want to stay more than the allowed number of days. The penalty you will pay will depend on the duration of the overstay and the visa or permit you’ve applied for.
Now, if you need to increase your stay in Turkey, then you will have to apply for a visa extension by visiting the police station, immigration office, etc. Do not hesitate to contact our visa helpdesk in case of any doubts. Take note of all the Turkey visa document requirements.
The officials will evaluate your reasons for the extension by asking you detailed questions. They will then provide you with a new visa based on the reasons you mention and your nationality.
You can not apply for the extension with an online tourist visa. So you have to visit a physical location, like the immigration office, police station, etc. for it.
If you wish to renew your visa, then you should do the same from your home country after you leave Turkey by paying the required fine. That’s because applying for a renewal while staying in Turkey can lead to unwanted consequences.
You must bring a valid passport or show a travel document with an exit stamp to legally leave Turkey. You can face difficulty re-entering Turkey in the future if you do not get the stamp.
Steps to Take If You’ve Lost Your Visa
If or when you lose your visa, then you can consider doing any of the following things:
File a Police Report
Bring your passport and a photo of your lost residence permit card and visit your nearest police station. Obtain a police report for immigration. You have to pay the card fee and half of the application fee for losing the visa.
When you visit the police station, you should carry the original copies of all your documents and mention all the necessary details clearly in the report. Ensure to have an extra copy of the report so that you can refer to it if needed in the future.
The officers may ask if you saw the person responsible or if there were CCTV cameras in the area if you claim that your visa was stolen. However, in case you aren’t sure whether your visa was lost or stolen, then say that you’ve lost it.
Pay the Visa Fee/Residence Permit Card Fine
You have to pay the visa-related fee and half of the residence permit card application fee if you lose your student or short-term residence permit. Do it if you are a short-term permit holder.
To pay your fee, you should visit a tax office and use details like your foreigner ID number, reference code, and the police report. Make sure that you receive a stamped receipt.
Take an Appointment
You will have to book the appointment online by paying a certain portion of the fee. After that, you’ll have to visit the visa application centre in Turkey with the required documents. Pay the remaining visa fee in cash at the centre.
Remember that you will be allowed to reschedule your appointment only twice.
You should visit the embassy of the country that issued the visa. Necessary Turkey visa document requirements that will be needed for visa replacements are a valid passport, visa application form, and proof of accommodation.
You will be needed to carry travel proof also along with financial documents.
Visit the Migration Office
After completing the above-mentioned steps, visit the migration office with documents including a police report and registration certificate. Carry a photocopy of your passport ID page while visiting.
Carry the residence card permit fee, patent receipt and biometric photos.
Tips for Avoiding Visa Problems in Turkey
Here are some tips to avoid in Turkey visa process:
Match Information With Official Documents
Include all the required information in the directed format while filling out the application form. Avoid making common errors like filling in incorrect details like your country of origin, name or passport number, etc.
Some people tend to write information that is not linked to their official documents. This is why you should follow the order given on your passport, etc. as you will be issued an incorrect, and potentially invalid visa.
Check for the Relevant Documents
As different companies have varying requirements, make sure that you carefully go through the list of documents that each country specifically requires. That’s because a single missing document can lead to an incomplete application.
Get Your Bank Statements Attested
While most travellers are aware of this step, some of them still do not get their bank statements attested. So you should submit the same to show that you can take care of your finances during the trip.
You should keep an eye on your visa expiry dates and be careful about it also. You can use reminders or travel apps for it. Keep your documents ready before your travel. Double check them before starting off.
Save emergency contact numbers and be prepared with it. Consult with Turkish immigration offices for any further queries to avoid challenges in future. This is how you can prevent any problems during the processing of your Turkey visa.
Keep Your Visa Safe in Turkey
We hope that you have understood everything you need to do if your Turkey visa gets lost or stolen. Furthermore, do remember to check our above-mentioned list of Turkey visa document requirements before you apply for the same to ensure a trouble-free experience.
So, reread your application, verify all details, and ensure to prevent unusual delays. In case of any doubts, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our visa helpdesk. We wish you a happy journey to this beautiful place!
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Bahamas citizens, Vietnamese citizens, Fijian citizens and Mexican citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.