Turkey Toughens Visa Policy Toward Syrians to Cut Illegal Migration

(Sputnik) — Turkey is changing its visa-free entry policy for Syrian citizens and will demand visas from Syrians arriving in the country from third countries by air and sea starting from January 8, 2016, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic said Wednesday.

According to Bilgic, the measure has been taken in order to curb illegal migration that has significantly increased recently.

Turkey and Syria signed Visa Exemption Agreement in October 2009, allowing visa-free entry to citizens of both countries.

Earlier in December, Turkish Hurriyet Daily News reported, citing a senior Turkish official, that no changes were planned in visa regime with Syria.

Turkey is currently facing huge inflow of Syrian refugees fleeing the war-torn country. Over 2.2 million Syrian refugees are temporarily living in Turkey, many of whom seek to travel further to Europe. Turkish authorities have repeatedly stated they were detecting numerous Syrians arriving in the country illegally with fake passports from third countries.

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Visa Information For Turkey , 28.12.2015

VISA INFORMATION FOR TURKEY

Syrian ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey starting from 8 January 2016.

Visitors who are not exempt from entry visa must obtain their visas before travel over www.evisa.gov.tr. Visitors who are not eligible for e-visa should follow the below instructions:

All types of visa applications shall be made through the online application portal (www.visa.gov.tr) starting from 5 January 2015. The applicants have to take an appoinment and come to the Embassy personally with the originals of the documents prepared for the application after submitting the application online.

Please take an appointment on the following web page:

https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/eKonsolosluk/Sayfalar/YabanciRandevu/YabanciRandevu1TCKNDurumu