One of the restrictions encountered in passport procedures, the G-64 restriction code, is a serious limitation that can be applied for security and public order reasons. Encountering this code at the airport or during your passport application can directly affect your travel plans and daily life. This guide explains the meaning of the G-64 code, the circumstances under which it is applied, how to inquire about it, and the ways to have it removed, all in clear and actionable steps.
What Does Restriction Code G-64 Mean?
G-64 is an administrative restriction code used in Turkey’s passport and security systems. It is generally associated with areas of high importance such as national security, counter-terrorism, and organized crime. The following features summarize G-64:
- Security-focused: Can be applied to intelligence and security assessments.
- It may be administrative/judicial in nature: It may be requested by governor’s offices, police departments, courts, or prosecutors’ offices.
- The sharing of reasons may be limited: For security reasons, not all details may be disclosed to the applicant.
Differences Between G-64 and G-58
| Feature | G-58 Code | G-64 Code |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Reason | Financial, criminal, administrative reasons | Primarily security reasons |
| Removal Process | More clear and predictable | More complex and may take longer |
| Institution | Court, prosecutor’s office, enforcement agency | Security units, governor’s offices (or judicial authorities) |
| Transparency | The reason is usually clear | The justification may not be fully explained in some cases |
Reasons for Assigning the G-64 Restriction Code
- Scope of counterterrorism: Suspicion of organizational ties, allegations of financing, risk of traveling to conflict zones.
- Organized crime and smuggling: Suspicion of drug, human, or arms smuggling.
- National security and espionage suspicion: Activities threatening state security, allegations of foreign intelligence connections.
- International requests/INTERPOL notices: Situations related to records such as blue, green, or red notices.
- Judicial and administrative decisions: Court/prosecutor’s office decisions, governor’s office assessments, convicts suspected of absconding.
How Do You Learn the G-64 Code?
- E-Government: You can check the status from the Passport Inquiry or Overseas Exit Permit Inquiry screens. (In some cases, the code details may not be visible.)
- Passport Office Application: You can request written information by applying in person to the authorized unit in your province. Official information may be requested regarding the code type, date of issuance, and the requesting institution.
- ALO 199: General information can be obtained after identity verification; for details, it is recommended to contact the relevant department.
Recommendation: Be sure to check your status in advance before important international trips; this prevents last-minute inconveniences.
How to Remove G-64 Restriction Code?
G-64 removal is a more technical and multi-actor process compared to many other codes. The following steps provide a practical roadmap:
- Identify the source: Try to find out in writing which institution requested the code (governor’s office, police, prosecutor’s office, court, etc.).
- Understand the rationale: If the rationale is not shared, Right to Information requests may be evaluated; base the shared portion on legal strategy.
- Administrative judicial remedy: A lawsuit may be filed in the administrative court to annul the decision. The general time limit is 60 days from the date the decision is learned.
- Criminal justice appeals: If the case stems from an investigation/prosecution, an appeal/application may be made to the prosecutor’s office or the relevant court.
- Application to administrative authorities: A request for the removal of the restriction may be submitted to the Governor’s Office/District Governor’s Office, accompanied by reasons and supporting documents.
- Professional legal support: Due to the complexity of the process, working with an experienced lawyer increases the likelihood of success.
Alternative and Complementary Application Channels
- Request for Information (4982): Written application to the relevant institution; obligation to respond within 15 business days.
- Public Ombudsman Institution: Recommendation decisions may be requested (online application available).
- CİMER: Official information/complaint application and process tracking with a tracking number.
International Dimension: INTERPOL and the European Court of Human Rights
In G-64 files linked to INTERPOL, blue/green/red notice procedures may come into play. It is important to work with a lawyer who has experience in international law for these files. Where necessary, an application may be made to the INTERPOL CCF (Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files).
An application to the ECtHR may be considered on the grounds of an alleged violation of freedom of movement (Protocol 4, Article 2) after domestic legal remedies have been exhausted. As a general rule, the application must be submitted within six months of the final decision.
Duration: How Long Does G-64 Removal Take?
- Short term (1–3 months): Simple administrative errors, incorrect entries, missing updates.
- Medium term (3–12 months): Administrative court proceedings, additional security assessments, evidence submission and review stages.
- Long term (1–3 years+): Complex security/international cases, appeals, ECHR proceedings.
Note: Each file is unique; it is not possible to predict an exact timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
“No details are provided about G-64. What can I do?” The undisclosed parts may be restricted for security reasons. Official applications through a lawyer, information requests, and judicial proceedings increase the likelihood of accessing the file contents.
Does G-64 imply criminal liability? It is not a conviction or criminal charge in itself; it falls under the category of preventive/administrative measures. However, there may be a judicial process in the background.
“I live abroad; I have a G-64. What should I do?” You can have a trusted lawyer in Turkey handle the process remotely. Consulate channels can assist with information/logistics.
“Can I renew my passport?” The renewal process can be carried out; however, unless the restriction is lifted, the ban on traveling abroad will remain in effect.
“Will it affect my visa applications?” In most cases, it has a negative impact; restrictions are seen in security checks and the risk of rejection is high.
Risk Prevention and Precautionary Recommendations
- Clean record and transparency: Acting in accordance with the law, avoiding risky relationships, following official notifications.
- Regular check: Periodic inquiry via e-Government; habit of checking before traveling.
- Legal awareness: Seek expert assistance without delay in a suspicious situation.
- Expertise in INTERPOL matters: Working with an attorney with international experience, assessing the possibility of a CCF application.
