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Turkey hosts a large number of foreign nationals each year. However, in certain circumstances, administrative measures may be imposed to restrict or completely prohibit foreigners from entering the country. One of the most well-known of these measures is the restriction code (tahdit kodu).
A restriction code is an administrative mark entered into the passport records of foreigners by the General Directorate of Security and the Directorate General of Migration Management. These codes, consisting of specific letters and numbers, may result in different consequences, ranging from short-term entry bans to indefinite prohibitions, depending on the nature of the violation.
The main reasons for the imposition of a restriction code include:
Overstaying a visa or residence permit, or violating residence obligations
Sham (fraudulent) marriages or the use of forged documents
Posing a threat to public order or national security
Illegal employment or failure to pay administrative fines
Illegal entry/exit or involvement in criminal activity
Each reason corresponds to a specific restriction code, which determines the scope and duration of the entry ban.
Generally related to visa and residence permit violations:
Ç-101 – Ç-105: For overstays of visa or residence permits; entry bans range from 3 months to 5 years.
Ç-113: For foreigners who entered or exited illegally; usually 2 years, extended if fines remain unpaid.
Ç-114 – Ç-115: For foreigners subject to judicial proceedings or released from prison.
Ç-116: For foreigners posing a threat to public health or morality.
Ç-117: For foreigners working illegally; typically a 1-year ban.
Ç-118 – Ç-120: Related to residence permit cancellations or unpaid fines.
Linked to residence and visa procedures:
V-69: Foreigners whose residence permits have been cancelled.
V-70: Foreigners in sham marriages; up to a 5-year ban.
V-71: Foreigners not found at their registered address.
V-157 – V-159: Related to special residence or diplomatic processes.
Related to public and national security:
G-87: Foreigners considered a security threat.
G-78: Foreigners carrying contagious diseases; in some cases, indefinite bans.
G-26, G-34, G-42, G-82: Applied in cases involving terrorism, narcotics, forgery, or other serious crimes.
| Code | Scope / Reason | Entry Ban Duration / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ç-101 | Visa/residence/work permit violation (10 days–3 months) | Approx. 3 months |
| Ç-102 | Violation lasting 3–6 months | Approx. 6 months |
| Ç-103 | Violation longer than 6 months | Approx. 1 year |
| Ç-104 | Violation lasting 1–2 years | Approx. 2 years |
| Ç-105 | Long-term violations (2 years or more) | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-113 | Illegal entry or exit | Approx. 2 years; longer if fines unpaid |
| Ç-114 | Subject to judicial proceedings | Approx. 2 years |
| Ç-115 | Released from prison | Approx. 2 years |
| Ç-116 | Unlawful means of livelihood (e.g., prostitution-related) | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-118 | Residence permit cancellation | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-119 | Unpaid fines for illegal employment | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-120 | Unpaid fines for visa/residence violations | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-135 | Violation of the Law on Foreigners & International Protection | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-136 | Failure to cover deportation costs | Entry ban or conditional entry |
| Ç-137 | Failure to comply with departure order | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-138 | INAD passenger (inadmissible person) | Up to 5 years |
| Ç-141 | Entry subject to ministerial approval (national security) | Entry only with approval; may be indefinite |
| Ç-149 | Security risk/linked to conflict zones | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-167 | 3–6 month visa/residence violations | Approx. 1 month |
| Ç-150 | Use of forged documents | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-151 | Linked to migrant smuggling/human trafficking | Approx. 5 years |
| Ç-152 | Preventive code (suspended entry) | Approx. 1 year |
| G-26 | Linked to illegal organizations | Long-term ban (discretionary) |
| G-34 | Forgery crimes | Long-term ban |
| G-42 | Drug-related crimes | Long-term ban |
| G-43 | Smuggling crimes | Determined at the discretion of authorities |
| G-48 | Linked to prostitution facilitation | Long-term bans may be imposed |
| G-58 | Linked to homicide | Long-term or indefinite |
| G-64 | Linked to threats | Duration varies |
| G-65 | Linked to theft | Entry ban applied |
| G-66 | Linked to robbery/extortion | Entry ban applied |
| G-67 | Linked to fraud | Entry ban applied |
| G-78 | Contagious diseases | Indefinite ban possible |
| G-82 | National security threats | Entry subject to ministerial approval |
| G-87 | General security threat | Long-term or indefinite |
| V-68 | Residence permit subject to ministry approval | Entry conditional |
| V-69 | Cancelled residence permit | Entry ban possible |
| V-70 | Sham marriages | Up to 5 years |
| V-71 | Failure to register address | Residence/visa refusal possible |
| V-157 | Residence application rejected | Indicates rejection |
| V-158 | Cancellation of ID cards for diplomatic staff/families | Code applied per decision |
| V-159 | Transit travelers through Turkey | Informational code; not always an entry ban |
| N-82 | Entry subject to prior approval | Rarely granted |
| N-95, N-96, N-97, N-119, N-120 | Special cases/unpaid fines | Entry ban or conditional entry |
| N-99 | Persons listed by Interpol | Entry ban at state discretion |
| K | Wanted for smuggling crimes | Entry ban possible |
| O-100, O-176 | Linked to asylum/protection records | Possible entry ban or deportation |
A restriction code may directly prevent a foreigner from entering Turkey. The duration depends on the code: some last 5 months, others 5 years, and certain codes may be indefinite. Restriction codes are often linked to deportation orders.
Foreigners ordered deported are typically given 15–30 days to leave voluntarily. If they depart within this timeframe, a restriction code may not always be applied. However, overstaying or failing to pay fines can trigger longer bans.
Restriction codes are not necessarily permanent. They may be removed through:
Identifying the reason: Determine which code was applied and why.
Appeals or litigation: Filing an administrative appeal or an annulment lawsuit within 60 days.
Suspension of execution: Courts may suspend enforcement until the case concludes.
Legal assistance: Professional legal support is strongly recommended, especially for long-term or indefinite bans.
In some cases, foreigners may apply for an annotated visa (meşruhatlı vize), which allows temporary entry despite the restriction code. However, this does not remove the code itself.
Restriction codes are key administrative tools regulating the entry of foreigners into Turkey. The type and reason of the code determine the duration of the ban and the available legal remedies. With proper legal action and timely applications, many restriction codes can be annulled.
Foreigners facing such codes should seek professional legal support immediately to minimize risks and protect their rights.
What is a restriction code?
An administrative mark limiting or prohibiting a foreigner’s entry into Turkey, recorded by the authorities in passport systems.
Why are restriction codes imposed?
For visa or residence violations, sham marriages, use of forged documents, security threats, illegal employment, unpaid fines, or illegal entry/exit.
How long do restriction codes last?
Between 3 months and 5 years, depending on the violation. Some may be indefinite.
How can a restriction code be removed?
By learning the reason, filing an administrative appeal, or an annulment lawsuit within 60 days. Legal assistance is highly advised.
Can someone with a restriction code enter Turkey?
In certain cases, yes—with an annotated visa. However, the code itself remains in effect.
Are restriction codes always imposed on deported foreigners?
No. If a foreigner leaves voluntarily within the 15–30 day period, a restriction code may not be applied.
