satsuma
Member
As far as I understand it, this "re-arrangement" applies to British citizens, resident in Turkey. All other nations should seek guidance from their own Consulates!
Turkish Visa doubts
- Thread starter jimbaerselman
- Start date
jimbaerselman
New member
Your citizenship is what matters when discussing visa conditions. Speak to the Oz consulate.
satsuma
Member
From the UK FCO today re NHS
Update for British nationals
This is an update to our notices of 25 January.
As we confirmed on 25 January, the Turkish SGK healthcare scheme is not compulsory for British nationals. We are aware that some local SGK offices claim to be unaware of this change. We have passed these offices a copy of the confirmation letter from SGK and we have asked the SGK authorities in Ankara to reissue their circular notice about this change.
For those wanting to register for healthcare, we are aware that some SGK offices are still asking for individual letters from the NHS confirming that you are no longer eligible for NHS cover in the UK. This is unnecessary as we have already provided the SGK authorities in Ankara with a statement from the NHS that covers all British nationals. Again, we have asked the SGK authorities to recirculate this letter to all of their offices around Turkey.
For those who want to join, please contact your local SGK office by 31 January 2012.
For those of you who are still considering your options, we have been told that you can join at a later date. But as things currently stand, you would have to pay a fine and pay the back months from 1 February 2012.
For those who prefer to pay for treatment as they need it or to use their own private health insurance, you do not have to join. You can continue doing as you do currently. However, if you change your mind and choose to join later, see the paragraph above re: fines and back payment.
We know that there are still a lot of unanswered questions. This is not UK legislation and we are not the authority leading on it. This is not only affecting British nationals, almost all foreign nationals are expected to join. We are keeping in touch with the relevant Turkish authorities, and have urged the SGK in Ankara, both directly and through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to provide more information on your most commonly asked questions, in English, so that you can make informed decisions.
We have also asked the Turkish authorities about a number of issues in all this that affect British nationals, both those joining before 31/1 and afterwards. You will understand that we cannot go into the details of these discussions at the moment. Nor can we predict the outcome. As soon as we have more information, we will provide an update here.
Update for British nationals
This is an update to our notices of 25 January.
As we confirmed on 25 January, the Turkish SGK healthcare scheme is not compulsory for British nationals. We are aware that some local SGK offices claim to be unaware of this change. We have passed these offices a copy of the confirmation letter from SGK and we have asked the SGK authorities in Ankara to reissue their circular notice about this change.
For those wanting to register for healthcare, we are aware that some SGK offices are still asking for individual letters from the NHS confirming that you are no longer eligible for NHS cover in the UK. This is unnecessary as we have already provided the SGK authorities in Ankara with a statement from the NHS that covers all British nationals. Again, we have asked the SGK authorities to recirculate this letter to all of their offices around Turkey.
For those who want to join, please contact your local SGK office by 31 January 2012.
For those of you who are still considering your options, we have been told that you can join at a later date. But as things currently stand, you would have to pay a fine and pay the back months from 1 February 2012.
For those who prefer to pay for treatment as they need it or to use their own private health insurance, you do not have to join. You can continue doing as you do currently. However, if you change your mind and choose to join later, see the paragraph above re: fines and back payment.
We know that there are still a lot of unanswered questions. This is not UK legislation and we are not the authority leading on it. This is not only affecting British nationals, almost all foreign nationals are expected to join. We are keeping in touch with the relevant Turkish authorities, and have urged the SGK in Ankara, both directly and through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to provide more information on your most commonly asked questions, in English, so that you can make informed decisions.
We have also asked the Turkish authorities about a number of issues in all this that affect British nationals, both those joining before 31/1 and afterwards. You will understand that we cannot go into the details of these discussions at the moment. Nor can we predict the outcome. As soon as we have more information, we will provide an update here.
jimbaerselman
New member
So, the marinas were just dreaming. 90 days out of 180 is the new visa regime for British visitors. The British consulate note was updated on 31 January. My Turkey Page has been updated.
akyaka
New member
http://aegeanindependent.com/?p=1324#more-1324
Mind this Fethiye newspaper throws a little doubt on its implementation for a number of countries, but wouldn't surprise me if the person they spoke to in the immigration office wasn't a cousin of the person the marina people spoke to.
Mind this Fethiye newspaper throws a little doubt on its implementation for a number of countries, but wouldn't surprise me if the person they spoke to in the immigration office wasn't a cousin of the person the marina people spoke to.
akyaka
New member
http://www.akbukturkey.com/tourist_visas.html
This link explains how the new 90/180 day visa rules work and includes a calculator for working out the effect of multi visits.
This link explains how the new 90/180 day visa rules work and includes a calculator for working out the effect of multi visits.
akyaka
New member
What is the provenance of this Marsupial. There is and has been too much ill informed anecdotal third party information to date.I have been hearing " a man said it will be scrapped " and " documents are on the way from Ankara" and similar stories for sometime. You may be right but please do not fuel the nervousness that some people have without factual information.
National Insurance has nothing to do with the NHS. The NHS is based on compliance with UK residence criteria and is free to all who qualify. If you are out of the UK for more than 3/6 months depending on circumstance you are no longer technically entitled to free NHS . As this will apply to virtually all Brits who voluntarily take up SGK insurance the assertion should change nothing.
You will need a Kimlik(YTC) number which you get after obtaining a Resident Permit in order to join the health system and you appear to be describing the system prior to the introduction of the new system. The YTC number is issued by the NUFUS ( Population) and which you use on all official documents as a unique identity number; I have even been asked for it when a shop has been filling in a guarentee form for goods I have bought.
Last edited:
satsuma
Member
To be honest, it is still a little uncertain! I realise that rules and laws have been made and declared etc, but that is nothing unusual in Turkey.
The 90 in 180 day stamp has been issued now for some time (over a year) in some places, still doesn't mean much. They might stick to it this time, they might not, but I can't see it affecting very many people adversely!
The 90 in 180 day stamp has been issued now for some time (over a year) in some places, still doesn't mean much. They might stick to it this time, they might not, but I can't see it affecting very many people adversely!
akyaka
New member
Its the people who sail spring and autumn who have to be careful not to transgress.
Marsupial
New member
this is the last post from Marsupial I have left the building. I am sure you will all be OK without my input.
akyaka
New member
Marsupial I said
If you have lived for any length of time inTurkey you will know that verbal assertions from Officials cannot always be relied upon. In this instance for once we appear to have a pro-active Embassy and I would suggest its information is a little more to be relied that word of mouth.
This link explains that if you are out of the UK for more than 3 months you may not be eligible for free NHS Treatment.It has nothing to do with whether or not a person voluntarily takes up SGK insurance.
http://www.whippsx.nhs.uk/uploaded_files/entitlement_to_nhs_hospital_treatment_for_non-resisdent_uk_citizens.pdf
Interpretation of the application of the laws varies from town to town,and always has done. I am describing the system merely as I have experienced it being in possession of both a Residents Permit and Kimlik Number and owning both property and a boat .
Personally I think that the SGK Insurance is good value for money, but only if you are a married couple, have no pre-existing medical conditions and live in Turkey full time.
If you have lived for any length of time inTurkey you will know that verbal assertions from Officials cannot always be relied upon. In this instance for once we appear to have a pro-active Embassy and I would suggest its information is a little more to be relied that word of mouth.
This link explains that if you are out of the UK for more than 3 months you may not be eligible for free NHS Treatment.It has nothing to do with whether or not a person voluntarily takes up SGK insurance.
http://www.whippsx.nhs.uk/uploaded_files/entitlement_to_nhs_hospital_treatment_for_non-resisdent_uk_citizens.pdf
Interpretation of the application of the laws varies from town to town,and always has done. I am describing the system merely as I have experienced it being in possession of both a Residents Permit and Kimlik Number and owning both property and a boat .
Personally I think that the SGK Insurance is good value for money, but only if you are a married couple, have no pre-existing medical conditions and live in Turkey full time.
Last edited:
bjvarley
New member
I thought this was a liveaboard forum.
A very real problem is that you cannot now overwinter aboard in Turkey.. let alone overwinter and then cruise the coast in spring and summer and autumn.
Brian
A very real problem is that you cannot now overwinter aboard in Turkey.. let alone overwinter and then cruise the coast in spring and summer and autumn.
Brian
satsuma
Member
There should be nothing to stop you overwintering aboard in Turkey?, and nothing to stop you overwintering and then cruising spring, summer & autumn?
All you do is apply for a residence permit! But typically, as all things Turkish there has been no understanding, tie-up or coordination with other internal procedures.
With the transit log being issued for 12 months, against a visa valid for only 90 days in a 180 day period! It will be interesting to see how this is interpretted by all involved?
One arguement would be that if the transit log is issued (which stipulates 12 months), then this surely satisfies any requirement for the issue of a 12 month residence permit!
As has been said many times before, we really will have to wait and see how things settle, and what kind of practical application is put in place against the numerous and varied interpretations that are sure to surface!
rivonia
Active member
Not so! TRANSIT is what it says it is. Residency is totally different, it means the opposite of transit (well not opposite). but totaly different.
Peter
satsuma
Member
No **** Sherlock!!
I was referring to the fact that, with this new legislation, they have not taken into account sooooo many other things influenced by these changes!
For instance, they will now issue a transit log for a 12 month duration, which you can't possibly use with the issued/accompanying 90 in 180 day visa! To make use of the 12 months on the transit log, you must get a residence permit, which is not issued at the port of entry!
You won't actually need a residence permit until 89 days after entry, so they might now have to issue residence permits for 1 year minus 90 days! or after 90 days you may then have to pay for a permanant marina/address for the residence application! Or specifically my point previously being, would they now accept the transit log on its own, valid for one year (demonstrating a legel right to be in the country) as supporting documentation for the residence application?
When people apply for a residence permit, they need to demonstrate a number of things like ability to support ones self, place to stay etc
Lots and lots more questions raised than answers given by this legislation?
Last edited:
duncan99210
Well-known member
No questions asked by the legislation. Simply that you cannot now do the back to back visitor visa thing that you used to be able to do. Abuse of system stopped. Now, if you want to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days in 180, you have to get a residency permit. Transit logs for boat have nothing whatsoever to do with the visa system. 2 separate departments of government, 2 completly separate sets of questions to answer.
bjvarley
New member
I think it would be good to hear from someone who has at least attempted to get a residents permit as a liveaboard cruiser in Turkey. There is a lot of 'this might happen'.. 'this could work' on this thread .. reflecting the fact that nobody knows how the new visa rules will (could) be applied.
Its turkey.. the immigration guy in front of you decides the rules (his rules) at the time..
I think we'll go back to Tunisia and see how the revolution's going.
Its turkey.. the immigration guy in front of you decides the rules (his rules) at the time..
I think we'll go back to Tunisia and see how the revolution's going.
duncan99210
Well-known member
Following is the text of an email passed to me by another liveaboard boat here in Messi, which may be of interest:
----- Vidarebefordrat meddelande ----
Från: Medelhavsseglarna <noreply@medelhav.se>
Till: tomkolsrud@yahoo.se
Skickat: fredag, 10 februari 2012 22:04
Ämne: Ny kommentar på medelhav.se till artikeln: "Ny Regler"
Sven-Olov Dömstedt skrev
"
Ny information från Hazan
Dear Alanya Marina Sailors,
There are meetings will be held in Ankara for the visa issue next week. According to the latest news, Tourism Minister has informed Foreign Affair and Internal Affair ministers for the problem and they are working on a short sentence saying that the visiting boat owners and crew will be excluded from the new visa law.
The board of the ministers have decided to find a solution for the problem but it is an urgent case for us all.
I believe your e-mails to the below addresses will help to make them work harder, to spend more time and effort on the problem. Please e-mail them your comments as one sailor did it below, and ask them to find a solution but soon. Every day more cruisers either change their plan not to come to Turkish coast or make the plan to leave Turkey.
Please also inform your cruising friends whom are keeping their yachts in Turkey, to e-mail the below addresses.
Kind regards,
Hasan Kaçmaz
1) Mr. Ertu?rul GÜNAY; Minister of Culture and Tourism.
E-mail: ertugrul.gunay@kultur.gov.tr
2)Mr. Cumhur Güven TA?BA?I; General Director of Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
E-mail: cumhurguven@kultur.gov.tr
3)Mr. Cemil Ferhat KARAMAN,; Deputy Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs
E-mail: cemil.karaman@mfa.gov.tr
4)Mr. Mesut ÖZBEK,; Head of Department of External Relations and E.U Coordination, Ministry of Culture and Tourism
E-mail: mesut.ozbek@kultur.gov.tr
5)Mr. Kemal;TÜZÜN, Head of Department,Ministry of Foreign Affairs
E-mail: kemal.tuzun@mfa.gov.tr
6)Mr. Zafer E?IT,; Head of Division External Relations and E.U Coordination,Ministry of Culture and Tourism
E-mail: zaferesit@hotmail.com
7)Ms. Serra AYTUN; Head of Division External Relations and E.U Coordination,Ministry of Culture and Tourism
E-mail: aytun.serra@gmail.com
8)Mr. Orhan ÇETINEL,; Chief of Section,Ministry of Foreign Affairs
E-mail: ocetinel@mfa.gov.tr
9)Mr. Ali TUNAY,;First Secretary,Office of the President of Republic
E-mail: almin1at@yahoocom
Dear Sirs
We are dismayed that you are implementing these new visa regulations which require foreigners to spend a maximum of 90 days in Turkey within the tourist visa period of 180 days. This policy seems intended to bring much of the Turkish yachting industry to an end. This is particularly surprising as we understand the Turkish Government have invested large sums of money to create the initial infrastructure for many new marinas. The yachting fraternity must represent a substantial income to Turkey in terms of marina fees, yacht maintenance services, retail shops and chandleries, restaurants, transport and other social facilities. Why has the Turkish Government decided to implement these new regulations?
Our yacht has spent nearly 5 years in Turkey. It is our normal practice to come to Turkey in mid April and (leaving the yacht in Turkey in a marina) leave Turkey to return to the UK at the end of June. This is because we find Turkey too hot for us in the summer. We then return to Turkey early September and return to the UK in late October, leaving our yacht ashore in a marina. This will not be possible with the new visa regulations. This pattern of visits to Turkey is very common for a large part of the yachting community.
We have very much enjoyed cruising around your beautiful coastline and would wish to continue doing so. We hope that the Turkish Government will reconsider these onerous regulations otherwise it will be necessary for us, and many many others, to leave Turkey
Yours faithfully
Anthony M Hall
----- Vidarebefordrat meddelande ----
Från: Medelhavsseglarna <noreply@medelhav.se>
Till: tomkolsrud@yahoo.se
Skickat: fredag, 10 februari 2012 22:04
Ämne: Ny kommentar på medelhav.se till artikeln: "Ny Regler"
Sven-Olov Dömstedt skrev
"
Ny information från Hazan
Dear Alanya Marina Sailors,
There are meetings will be held in Ankara for the visa issue next week. According to the latest news, Tourism Minister has informed Foreign Affair and Internal Affair ministers for the problem and they are working on a short sentence saying that the visiting boat owners and crew will be excluded from the new visa law.
The board of the ministers have decided to find a solution for the problem but it is an urgent case for us all.
I believe your e-mails to the below addresses will help to make them work harder, to spend more time and effort on the problem. Please e-mail them your comments as one sailor did it below, and ask them to find a solution but soon. Every day more cruisers either change their plan not to come to Turkish coast or make the plan to leave Turkey.
Please also inform your cruising friends whom are keeping their yachts in Turkey, to e-mail the below addresses.
Kind regards,
Hasan Kaçmaz
1) Mr. Ertu?rul GÜNAY; Minister of Culture and Tourism.
E-mail: ertugrul.gunay@kultur.gov.tr
2)Mr. Cumhur Güven TA?BA?I; General Director of Promotion, Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
E-mail: cumhurguven@kultur.gov.tr
3)Mr. Cemil Ferhat KARAMAN,; Deputy Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs
E-mail: cemil.karaman@mfa.gov.tr
4)Mr. Mesut ÖZBEK,; Head of Department of External Relations and E.U Coordination, Ministry of Culture and Tourism
E-mail: mesut.ozbek@kultur.gov.tr
5)Mr. Kemal;TÜZÜN, Head of Department,Ministry of Foreign Affairs
E-mail: kemal.tuzun@mfa.gov.tr
6)Mr. Zafer E?IT,; Head of Division External Relations and E.U Coordination,Ministry of Culture and Tourism
E-mail: zaferesit@hotmail.com
7)Ms. Serra AYTUN; Head of Division External Relations and E.U Coordination,Ministry of Culture and Tourism
E-mail: aytun.serra@gmail.com
8)Mr. Orhan ÇETINEL,; Chief of Section,Ministry of Foreign Affairs
E-mail: ocetinel@mfa.gov.tr
9)Mr. Ali TUNAY,;First Secretary,Office of the President of Republic
E-mail: almin1at@yahoocom
Dear Sirs
We are dismayed that you are implementing these new visa regulations which require foreigners to spend a maximum of 90 days in Turkey within the tourist visa period of 180 days. This policy seems intended to bring much of the Turkish yachting industry to an end. This is particularly surprising as we understand the Turkish Government have invested large sums of money to create the initial infrastructure for many new marinas. The yachting fraternity must represent a substantial income to Turkey in terms of marina fees, yacht maintenance services, retail shops and chandleries, restaurants, transport and other social facilities. Why has the Turkish Government decided to implement these new regulations?
Our yacht has spent nearly 5 years in Turkey. It is our normal practice to come to Turkey in mid April and (leaving the yacht in Turkey in a marina) leave Turkey to return to the UK at the end of June. This is because we find Turkey too hot for us in the summer. We then return to Turkey early September and return to the UK in late October, leaving our yacht ashore in a marina. This will not be possible with the new visa regulations. This pattern of visits to Turkey is very common for a large part of the yachting community.
We have very much enjoyed cruising around your beautiful coastline and would wish to continue doing so. We hope that the Turkish Government will reconsider these onerous regulations otherwise it will be necessary for us, and many many others, to leave Turkey
Yours faithfully
Anthony M Hall
tonybannister
New member
We did get a residents permit in October. Boat is in Cesme and we had to go to Izmir to apply for our permit. Needed to show copy of Turkish Bank statement and to open a Turkish account we needed to get a Tax number to pay tax on the interest. 2000 euros per person per year required to be on deposit - 1 to 5 years permits offered. Annual contract with marina was accepted as proof of residence.
Last week Police turned up at the marina to check that we were actually resident on board and needed to see the boat. We were not there so had to go to the Police station and spent a morning there. They needed to know if the boat was our only residence in Turkey - were we working in Turkey - what was our income (individual not joint as we each had to prove we had enough to live on).
We have only just returned from UK so I do not know what would have happened had we not been here.
Not really very difficult but would we do it again - No. We only really want to be resident in our own country and cruise to others.
akyaka
New member
Tony
The visit by the Jandarma seems to be standard practice in many areas as are the questions and is not specific to yachtsmen, but it is normally done prior to issue of the Residents Permit.
The RP is not expensive these days for UK citizens, about the same price for 1 year as the cost of a a ferry run to Rhodes used to be, and for Irish Citizens is free.
All that Turkey has done is to align themselves with the visa requirements of the Countries who are signatories and implement the Schwengen Agreement including Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Denmark. Because the UK is a member of the EU UK citizens have a right of freedom of movement, technically I believe for up to 3 months, so have not been aware of or affected by the 90/180 day visa.
It would be interesting to hear of the experiences of people from Non EU Countries who have obtained Schwengen Visa to visit these countries particularly when they have wanted to stay more than 90 days.
The visit by the Jandarma seems to be standard practice in many areas as are the questions and is not specific to yachtsmen, but it is normally done prior to issue of the Residents Permit.
The RP is not expensive these days for UK citizens, about the same price for 1 year as the cost of a a ferry run to Rhodes used to be, and for Irish Citizens is free.
All that Turkey has done is to align themselves with the visa requirements of the Countries who are signatories and implement the Schwengen Agreement including Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Denmark. Because the UK is a member of the EU UK citizens have a right of freedom of movement, technically I believe for up to 3 months, so have not been aware of or affected by the 90/180 day visa.
It would be interesting to hear of the experiences of people from Non EU Countries who have obtained Schwengen Visa to visit these countries particularly when they have wanted to stay more than 90 days.