Foreign workers will be barred entry if passports expire soon

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? As of Jan. 1, Turkey will require that foreign nationals entering the country hold a passport that is valid for more than two months.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals, including those holding a valid work or residence permit, will be barred entry if their passports expire within two months. 

• Implementation timeframe: Jan. 1, 2015. 
• Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits.
• Who is affected: All foreign nationals entering Turkey.
• Business impact: Business schedules will be disrupted if travelers are barred entry and have to wait for a new passport.
• Next steps: All foreign travelers and employees should check their passport expiration dates before travel to Turkey.

Background: The new rule is part of Turkey’s immigration overhaul. While some of the provisions have been delayed, the government has indicated that the passport-expiration rule will be implemented Jan. 1 without delay.

BAL Analysis: To avoid being turned away at the border, all foreign nationals should make sure they have more than two months left on their passports for each entry into Turkey.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Turkey. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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