U.S. visa stop in Turkey

The U.S. agencies in Turkey have suspended their consular activities and are as of now no longer issuing U.S. visas. It is explained below who will be affected by the provisional visa stop. 

The U.S. Department of State announced on October 9, 2017 that the issuance of nonimmigrant visas will be suspended in Turkey until further notice. Due to the fact that the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. consulates have temporarily suspended the processing of visa applications in Turkey, Turkish nationals, who wish to travel to the U.S. for touristic or business purposes for example, are no longer able to enter the United States. In principle, however, all persons wishing to apply for their U.S. visa in Turkey, meaning all other nationalities, are affected by the visa waiver as well

Consequences for Turkish nationals

The U.S. Ambassador in Ankara, John Bass, gave an official statement yesterday that this is not a general "visa ban" against Turkish nationals – until further notice, the consular departments in Turkey simply do not process nonimmigrant visa applications. Turkish nationals may continue to apply for nonimmigrant visas at U.S. consulates in other countries (e.g. U.S. consulates in Germany). Turkish nationals may also enter the United States with their current U.S. visas previously issued.

What about the U.S. representations in Turkey?

The U.S. embassy or consulates in Ankara, Istanbul, Adana and Izmir remain open and offer certain services for U.S. Americans or immigration visa applications. The suspension of the processing of nonimmigrant visas was justified by doubts that the security of the staff in the American missions in Turkey is still sufficient.

In return, the Turkish government also announced that it no longer will issue visas for U.S. citizens.

Background of the dispute is the arrest of a Turkish employee of the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul.

Our recommendation

Turkish nationals in Turkey wishing to apply for a nonimmigrant visa can move to other consulates around the world, but must be prepared for extensive background checks and difficulties.

Persons with other nationalities who reside in Turkey would as well have to move to other consular departments worldwide, if necessary. Please note that in this case the proof of their intention to return (to Turkey as their current country of residence) is crucial, and the respective "replacement" consulate must also appoint itself responsible for handling the visa application.

In addition, travelers with Turkish nationality should adjust to the possibility of undergoing further questioning at the border.

As always, we will keep you informed on new facts and details on this topic.