Every country in the world has the right to deport a foreign citizen for violating certain legal requirements. In particular, Turkey has this right. Here's turkey deportation rules, how to prevent it, and whether it is possible to re-enter the country after deportation

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Deportation is the forced expulsion from a country of a foreigner who has violated local laws. Every state has the right to deport a foreign resident, including Turkey. 

According to the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, an offender may be deported directly to the country of origin, in transit through another country, or to a third country. 

Who is at risk of deportation in Turkey? Will a foreigner be able to re-enter the Republic of Turkey after deportation? Read more below. 

Read more about healthcare in Turkey for expats and foreigners, as well as health insurance and medical tourism here.

Read more about obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment here.

Why can a foreign tourist be deported in Turkey?

Deportation is usually carried out if a foreigner poses a threat to national security,

public order, or public health in Turkey. Another reason for deportation is a violation of Turkish migration law. 

The main grounds for deportation:

- after the expiration of a visa or visa-free stay, a foreigner stays in Turkey for more than 10 days;

- a foreigner stays in Turkey for more than 10 days after the expiration of a permanent residence permit without good reason;

- despite the entry ban, the foreigner came to Turkey;

- a foreigner continues to stay in Turkey for more than 10 days after receiving a refusal to obtain or extend a residence permit;

- the foreigner is working in Turkey without a permit;

- if the foreigner has illegal income;

- the foreigner poses a threat to public order, safety or health;

- the foreigner used forged documents when entering Turkey or obtaining a residence permit;

- the foreigner has links to criminal and terrorist groups or prohibited organizations;

- the foreigner has committed a crime and been sentenced under the Turkish Criminal Code. 

In order to prevent deportation in Turkey, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of stay. If you have any questions - order legal advice from a local team of experienced lawyers

How long can I be banned from entering Turkey?

Depending on the grounds, the deportation period can range from 1 month to 5 years.

Can I re-enter Turkey after being deported?

As a rule, after deportation, you can re-enter Turkey only on the basis of a visa and for good reasons. 

If the deportation was based on a violation of migration law, the terms of the entry ban are quite lenient, subject to payment of a fine.

Terms of entry ban in case of violation of Turkish migration legislation for foreigners who have paid fines:

- visa or permanent residence overstay for up to 3 months - no entry ban upon payment of a fine;

- 3 to 6 months - entry ban for 1 month;

- 6 months to 1 year - entry ban for 3 months;

- from 1 year to 2 years - entry ban for a period of 1 year;

- from 2 years to 3 years - entry ban for 2 years;

- over 3 years - entry ban for 5 years.

How to prevent deportation?

In order not to be deported from Turkey, you must follow certain rules:

1. Do not violate migration laws - extend your visa or permanent residence on time. Usually, the paperwork procedure takes several weeks, so we advise you to apply for permanent residence at least a month before the expiration date. Also, if your visa is about to expire, take care of leaving the country or look for reasons to extend it. 

2. Work officially and pay taxes. 

3. Check the organizations that issue invitations for you. You must have a complete package of documents to avoid deportation. 

4. Be careful when buying souvenirs. Buy only in large stores and be sure to ask the seller if your souvenir can cause problems at customs control. Exporting cultural and ethnographic artifacts, natural values protected by Turkish law without the appropriate permits may result in criminal liability. 

5. Follow the traffic rules. Be vigilant both as a driver and as a pedestrian. If you have unpaid fines or think you may have them, it is better to pay them before leaving the country.