V-70 Restriction CodeMany people who wish to leave the country or enter Turkey experience great confusion when they encounter the V-70 restriction code because they do not know what it means. This code is one of the important restriction codes used in the Republic of Turkey’s immigration and visa system. The V-70 code is generally applied to foreign nationals who have violated their visa or overstayed their residence period. In this article, we explain step by step what the V-70 restriction code means, in which situations it is applied, and how it can be removed.
What is the V-70 Restriction Code?
The V-70 restriction code is an administrative entry ban code applied to foreigners entering Turkey with or without a visa who exceed their legal period of stay. This code is applied under the Foreigners and International Protection Law No. 6458 and is administered by the Directorate General of Migration Management.
Simply put, the V-70 code means “foreign national who has overstayed their visa.” Individuals with this code cannot re-enter Turkey for a certain period of time.
Meaning and Effects of the V-70 Code
- A ban on entry into Turkey is imposed for a certain period of time.
- The foreign national’s visa or residence permit applications are rejected.
- Not admitted into the country at airports or land border crossings.
- The V-70 code is generally applied for a period of 1 to 5 years.
- It creates an obstacle for people who want to obtain a residence permit in Turkey.
This code is automatically processed into the passport system and is detected by the system when the person attempts to apply for a new visa.
Reasons for Assigning the V-70 Restriction Code
The most common reason for the V-70 code is that foreign nationals have violated their legal period of stay in Turkey. However, there may be other reasons as well.
1. Overstaying the Visa Period
A foreign national entering Turkey on a short-term visa who does not leave the country after the visa expires will automatically be assigned a V-70 code by the system. This applies even to violations ranging from 1 day to 90 days.
2. Exceeding the Visa-Free Stay Period
Individuals arriving from countries with visa-free entry may also encounter this code if they stay for more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
3. Expiration of the Residence Permit Period
If the residence permit expires and is not renewed, the person loses their legal status and the V-70 code may be applied.
4. Departure from the Country Without Paying the Administrative Fine
Administrative fines are imposed on individuals who exceed their visa or residence period upon departure. Foreign nationals who leave the country without paying this fine are automatically assigned a V-70 restriction code by the system.
5. Voluntary Departure Period Overrun
This code also applies to individuals who do not leave the country within the “voluntary departure period” determined by the Migration Administration.
V-70 Restriction Code Duration
The duration of the code varies depending on the severity of the violation. The general durations determined by the Directorate General of Migration Management are as follows:
- 1 month – 3 months overstay: 3-month entry ban
- 3 months – 6 months overstay: 6-month entry ban
- 6 months – 1 year overstay: 1 year entry ban
- Over 1 year overdue: Entry ban for up to 5 years
These periods may vary depending on the administrative decision and may be shorter or longer in some cases.
How Can You Find Out Your V-70 Restriction Code?
1. Directorate General of Migration Management
The V-70 code is usually assigned by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Individuals can obtain detailed information by applying to this institution while they are in Turkey or after leaving the country. Directorate General of Migration Management
2. Application via CİMER
Through applications made via CİMER, information can be requested about the restriction codes applied to an individual. However, the response is usually “the relevant institution will be informed.”
3. Consulates or Embassies
If the V-70 code was assigned while outside of Turkey, it is possible to obtain information by contacting Turkish consulates or embassies.
How to Remove the V-70 Restriction Code?
Removing the V-70 code is possible, but the process depends on resolving the issue causing the code. Here are the step-by-step removal methods:
1. Payment of Administrative Fines
Individuals who exceed their visa period or violate their residence period must pay an administrative fine when they wish to re-enter Turkey. The code will not be lifted until the fine is paid.
2. Application to the Migration Administration by Petition
A foreign national or their representative may submit a written petition to the Directorate General of Migration Management requesting the lifting of the entry ban. The petition must include:
- First name, last name, and passport number
- Visa violation period,
- The receipt for the penalty payment,
- Reason for re-entry (e.g., family reunification, work, education, health, etc.)
should be included.
3. Objection During the Visa Application Process
When the person wishes to return to Turkey, they can apply for a visa through the consulate. The reason code V-70 is specified during the application, and in exceptional cases, the entry ban may be lifted by decision of the Immigration Administration.
4. Filing an Administrative Lawsuit with Legal Counsel
If the V-70 code has been applied unfairly or incorrectly, a lawsuit may be filed with the administrative court through a lawyer. In the lawsuit petition, it is argued that the person did not intend to violate the law and that the code is unlawful.
V-70 Restriction Code Removal Period
- 1-2 weeks: Approval from the Immigration Office after the fine is paid.
- 1-3 months: Evaluation of applications submitted with a petition.
- 3-6 months: For court proceedings or applications abroad.
As each case is different, it is not possible to give a definite timeframe. However, paying administrative fines is usually the quickest solution.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the V-70 Restriction Code
Who is subject to the V-70 code?
Applies to foreign nationals who have overstayed their legal period of stay in Turkey or who have left without paying their fines.
Does the code expire automatically?
Yes, it will be automatically deleted from the system when the entry ban period expires. However, manual intervention may be required in some cases.
Can I enter without paying the fine?
Can entry be made without paying the fine? No. The V-70 code will not be removed until the administrative fine is paid, and the person will not be able to enter Turkey.
Could the code have been placed incorrectly?
Yes. In the immigration system, a code may be applied to the wrong person due to a name similarity or technical error. In this case, there is a right to appeal.
Can a visa be obtained after the V-70 code is removed?
Yes. After the code is removed, the person can reapply for a visa or residence permit.
Ways to Protect Against the V-70 Code.
- Carefully monitor your visa and residence permit periods.
- Leave Turkey before your visa expires or apply for an extension.
- Do not leave the country without paying the fine.
- Stay in contact with the Immigration Office through your legal representative.
- Keep track of your length of stay to avoid visa violations.
In conclusion, the V-70 restriction code is an administrative restriction imposed due to visa overstay. However, it can be lifted by paying the administrative fine, submitting a written application, or filing a legal appeal. Taking the right steps with the correct documents speeds up the process and protects your right to re-enter Turkey.
