A concerned male traveler holds his passport and looks at a visa overstay fine notice at a Turkish immigration checkpoint, while a Turkish police officer in a blue uniform watches from behind the counter.

Overstaying a visa or using it for unauthorized purposes in Türkiye can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Foreign nationals living in or visiting Türkiye must be aware of the rules regarding visa validity, as well as how penalties are calculated for violations.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we assist clients who have overstayed their visa or committed other immigration violations, helping them minimize penalties and resolve their legal status.


What Is Considered a Visa Violation in Türkiye?

A visa violation occurs when a foreign national:

  • Remains in Türkiye beyond the permitted visa or residence period

  • Enters Türkiye without a valid visa or permit

  • Engages in activities not covered by the visa (e.g., working on a student visa)

  • Fails to renew a residence or work permit on time

  • Enters the country illegally

In all these cases, the individual may be subject to administrative fines, visa fees, residence card fees, and even entry bans depending on the severity and duration of the violation.


Types of Financial Penalties for Visa Violations

If you have committed a visa violation in Türkiye, you may be required to pay the following:

  • Visa Violation Fine

  • Administrative Fine(depending on the discretion of the immigration officer)

  • Visa Fee(if you entered Türkiye without a visa)

  • Residence Card Fee(if you overstayed without holding a residence permit)

These must typically be paid at the airport or border checkpoint before exiting the country.


Country-Based Fine Brackets for Visa Violations

Visa violation fines are calculated differently based on your nationality. Countries are divided into five groups, with each group having a distinct penalty structure:

Group 1

(USA, Germany, France, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Romania, Kyrgyzstan, and 150+ others)

  • First day of violation:$50

  • Each additional day:$0.33

Group 2

(Albania, Philippines, Israel, Japan, Cambodia, North Macedonia, Mali, Tajikistan, Oman)

  • First day of violation:$28

  • Each additional day:$0.23

Group 3

(Belgium, Belarus, Algeria, Spain, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malta, Singapore, Taiwan, Jordan)

  • First day of violation:$18

  • Each additional day:$0.17

Group 4

(Ethiopia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Micronesia, Russia)

  • First day of violation:$14

  • Each additional day:$0.10

Group 5

(Morocco, Ivory Coast, Iraq, Montenegro, Egypt, Tunisia)

  • First day of violation:$10

  • Each additional day:$0.03

Note: If your country is not listed in Groups 2 through 5, you are likely included in Group 1.


How to Calculate Your Visa Violation Fine

Visa violation penalties are determined by several factors:

  • Your country of citizenship

  • The date you entered and exited Türkiye

  • Whether you had a valid visa or residence permit

  • The expiration dateof your permit or visa

If you entered illegally or overstayed your permitted duration, the penalty will be calculated based on the rates above. Additionally, if you did not obtain a visa before entry or failed to apply for a residence permit, additional visa and card fees will be added to your fine.


What Happens If You Don't Pay the Fine?

If you do not pay the visa violation fine:

  • You will not be allowed to exit Türkiyeuntil it is paid

  • You may be issued an entry ban(ranging from 3 months to 5 years)

  • You could face detentionin an immigration center if found without valid status

However, if you can demonstrate valid reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or force majeure, a fine reduction or exemption may be possible with legal representation.


How Bayraktar Attorneys Can Help

We offer tailored legal assistance for foreign nationals facing visa issues in Türkiye, including:

  • Fine calculation support

  • Negotiating fine reductionswith immigration authorities

  • Entry ban defense

  • Emergency representation at airports

  • Filing appeals against deportation or penalties

  • Applying for new residence permits to resolve status

Whether you overstayed by a few days or several months, early legal action can prevent long-term immigration problems and financial losses.


Contact Us for Immediate Help

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.bayraktarattys.com
📍 Kolektif House Levent, Talatpaşa Cd. No:5/1, Şişli, İstanbul
📞 +90 539 935 28 75 (WhatsApp / Telegram / WeChat)