Entry Ban to Turkey and Restriction Records

An entry ban is a decision by the authorities preventing a foreign national from entering Turkey for a set period; it appears in the system as a "restriction record." Under Article 9 of Law No. 6458, it can last up to five years, and can be extended by up to another ten years if there is a serious threat to public order or security. This page explains when a ban is imposed, what a restriction record means, and how to have it lifted — especially for people currently outside Turkey.

Deciding Authority: Provincial Governorate / Directorate General of Migration Management
Appeal Route: Administrative application, then the administrative court if needed
Time Limit Status: Up to 5 years; can be extended by up to 10 more years in cases of serious threat.

Initial Assessment

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Who It’s For

Someone who believes or has learned there is an entry ban against them

Here you can find out what the record means and how to check it.

Someone wanting to handle this from abroad

Information about proceeding through a power of attorney even without being in Turkey is here.

A family member of someone with an entry ban

Here you will find how to learn about their situation and how to help with the process.

Process Steps

01

Imposing the ban

The provincial governorate or the Directorate General of Migration Management issues an entry ban decision on grounds set out in law, and it is entered into the system as a restriction record.
02

Learning about the record

A person may encounter this record when leaving another country, applying for a visa, or attempting to enter Turkey.
03

Checking the record

Whether a restriction record exists, and its scope, can be checked through official channels or through a lawyer.
04

Application to lift the ban

An application can be made to the relevant authority to lift the ban; if it is rejected, the matter can be taken to the administrative court.
05

Outcome

The authority or the court evaluates the application and may lift the ban, change its duration, or leave it in place.

Not sure whether your situation fits this process?

Initial Assessment

Legal Basis

Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection Art. 9

Governs the grounds and duration for imposing an entry ban.

Common Mistakes

Assuming the ban is permanent

An entry ban is a time-limited measure; it applies until it expires or until an application to lift it succeeds, not for life.

Checking through unofficial sources

Restriction code lists circulating online are not official; current, accurate information should come through official channels.

Ignoring earlier notifications or warnings

Preparing an application without knowing about the earlier decision or action that led to the ban makes the process harder.

Assuming the process cannot be handled from abroad

Being outside Turkey does not prevent filing an application to lift the ban; a lawyer can handle it through a power of attorney.

Attempting re-entry based on incorrect information

Attempting to cross the border while a ban is still in effect can make the situation more complicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they are two names for the same decision; an entry ban issued by the authorities appears in the system as a restriction record, also commonly called a "restriction code."

Under the law, up to five years; if there is a serious threat to public order or security, it can be extended by up to ten more years.

Code lists circulating online are not from official sources and should not be relied on; the scope and grounds of a record can be learned through official channels or through a lawyer.

This can be checked through official channels or through a lawyer; this can be done remotely even if you are outside Turkey.

No, an application to lift it can be filed by a lawyer through a power of attorney while you are abroad.

No, the authority reviews the application; if it is rejected, the matter can be taken to the administrative court.

A person invited to leave who does so within the given period may not have an entry ban imposed; this is explained in more detail on the Invitation to Leave and Voluntary Return page.

Not while the ban is in effect; the ban needs to be lifted or expire first.

Related Services

Deportation Decision and the Appeal Process A deportation decision is an administrative order issued by a provincial governorate directing a foreign national to leave Turkey; it is commonly known as a "deport order." It can only be issued in specific circumstances set out in Articles 52 to 60 of Law No. Administrative Detention Decision and How to Appeal It Administrative detention is a separate measure concerning where a person is held while a deportation process is under way; it is not the deportation decision itself. Removal Centers: Process and Rights Removal centers are official facilities run by the Presidency of Migration Management where foreign nationals subject to an administrative detention decision are housed until the deportation process is complete; they are also commonly referred to as "camps." A person held at a center has rights that include meeting with a lawyer, staying in contact with family, access to an interpreter, health care, and contact with their consulate. Invitation to Leave Turkey and Voluntary Return An invitation to leave is an option that can be applied instead of a deportation decision in certain cases, giving a person a set period to leave Turkey on their own.

Last updated: 15.08.2026

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.