A foreigner whose visa, visa exemption or residence permit has expired but who has not left Türkiye is overstaying (commonly called "kaçak", i.e. staying illegally). The longer the overstay, the higher both the amount payable and the length of the entry ban. The good news: if you act early, most situations can be resolved with the least possible damage.
The three consequences of overstaying
- Overstay fine: When you leave, the residence fee for the overstay period is charged as a penalty fee (cezalı harç). The amount varies with nationality, age and the length of the overstay; the exact amount is calculated at the border gate.
- Risk of deportation: A deportation order may be issued against those who exceed their visa or residence period by more than 10 days.
- Entry ban: An entry ban to Türkiye is imposed depending on the length of the overstay and how you leave (voluntarily after paying, or without paying or by being deported).
Entry ban table
The periods applied by the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi) for breaches of the legal right to stay are as follows:
| Overstay period | Voluntary exit after payment | Exit without payment / deportation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 months | No ban | 3 months |
| 3 months – 6 months | 1 month | 6 months |
| 6 months – 1 year | 3 months | 1 year |
| 1 year – 2 years | 1 year | 2 years |
| 2 years – 3 years | 2 years | 5 years |
| More than 3 years | 5 years | 5 years |
To calculate with your own dates: Visa / Residence Overstay Fine Calculator, Deportation / Entry Ban Period Calculator and 90/180-Day Stay Calculator.
Ways to resolve it
- If 10 days have not yet passed: Online residence permit applications made within 10 days after the visa or visa exemption period has expired are accepted for assessment. If you meet the requirements, apply immediately.
- Leaving by applying to the governorship: Foreigners who apply to the governorship before their overstay is detected by the competent authorities, obtain an exit period, pay their fine and do not exceed the set overstay limit may not receive an entry ban.
- Leaving voluntarily after paying: Leaving after paying the fine means a much shorter ban than leaving without paying (no ban at all for an overstay of less than 3 months).
- Humanitarian residence permit: This may be considered in exceptional situations such as a serious illness or strong family ties. If the conditions are met, the fact that the fee calculated for a previous overstay has not been paid does not prevent a humanitarian residence permit from being granted.
Frequently asked questions
My visa expired a few days ago. What happens?
Even for short overstays, an overstay fine is charged when you leave. If you pay and leave voluntarily, no entry ban applies to overstays of less than 3 months. But remember that a deportation order may be issued for overstays of more than 10 days.
Can I leave without paying the fine?
You can; however, in that case a longer entry ban applies and the unpaid amount is entered on your record. Because of administrative fines and public receivables, your entry to Türkiye may also be made subject to prior permission.
How can I find out how much I will have to pay?
The exact amount is calculated at the border gate when you leave. You can see the approximate amount in advance, based on your nationality, age and overstay period, with our Visa / Residence Overstay Fine Calculator tool.
Legal basis: 6458 sayılı YUKK Art. 9, 54, 56; 492 sayılı Harçlar Kanunu; YUKK Uygulama Yönetmeliği; Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı announcement on entry bans of 09.06.2020 and frequently asked questions.
This guide is for general information only and does not replace legal advice. Legislation and practice may change; always consult an expert about your own situation.
