Anasayfa / Makalelerimiz / V-69 and V-154 Restriction Codes in Turkey- Entry Bans and How to Lift Them
Turkey has a set of restriction codes (known as “tahdit kodu” in Turkish) that are applied to foreign nationals who violate certain immigration rules or pose a security risk. Among the most common of these are the V-69 restriction code and the V-154 restriction code. These codes carry significant legal consequences, including entry bans and other limitations that can impact a foreign national’s ability to live or work in Turkey. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain what V-69 and V-154 codes mean, why they are applied, how long they last, and the steps you can take to challenge or remove them. We will also cover meşruhatlı visas, legal proceedings, and the importance of seeking professional assistance from a migration law attorney.
The V-69 restriction code is assigned to foreign nationals whose residence permits (or other legal statuses) in Turkey have been revoked due to violations of immigration laws and regulations, resulting in deportation (sınır dışı). In other words, if a foreigner has misused their residence permit or breached the terms under which it was granted, Turkish authorities may cancel the permit and issue an order for the person to leave the country.
Once deported under V-69, the individual faces a standard entry ban preventing them from re-entering Turkey. This ban typically extends for five years. By placing the V-69 restriction code on the individual’s record, border officials can see that the person was deported for a violation of residence rules, effectively blocking their return during the ban period.
V-69 is mainly enforced when a foreign national fails to comply with the terms of their residence permit. Common reasons include:
Using forged or misleading documents in residence permit applications.
Working illegally without a valid work permit (e.g., using a tourist or student residence permit to work).
Engaging in activities that contradict the stated purpose of the issued permit (e.g., obtaining a student residence permit but never attending classes or studying).
Providing an incorrect residential address or neglecting to register address changes with the competent authorities.
Upon discovering these breaches, the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi) may revoke the residence permit and order the deportation of the foreigner. Once the deportation order is executed, V-69 is entered into the system, effectively denying re-entry for the duration of the ban.
For V-69 restriction code cases, the entry ban period is typically five years. Within this timeframe, the deported foreigner cannot legally enter Turkey. Even if they attempt to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa), tourist visa, or any other type of permit, the system will flag the V-69 code, leading to a likely rejection or denial at the border.
Practical consequences include:
Disruption of family life, work, or educational pursuits in Turkey.
Inability to handle personal matters that require a presence in Turkey (e.g., property transfers, litigation, or in-person administrative processes).
Risk of facing an additional code (like Ç-138, which denotes “insistent passenger”) if they attempt to enter the country despite the ban.
Hence, the V-69 code can create significant hardships for foreign nationals who have important ties or commitments in Turkey.
How to remove a restriction code is often the main concern for deported individuals. There are two primary ways to challenge and potentially lift a V-69 code:
The first step can be to file a written application or petition with the Migration Authority (Göç İdaresi) or other relevant bodies of the Ministry of Interior. In this petition, the foreign national or their attorney should explain why the code is unjust or no longer applicable. They can present evidence to show:
The violation has been remedied or was due to a misunderstanding.
There are compelling humanitarian or family reasons to allow re-entry (e.g., serious illness, spouses or children living in Turkey).
While Turkish law (Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection) grants authorities the power to lift an entry ban in justified cases, obtaining a favorable response can be challenging. In practice, authorities tend to uphold V-69 unless there are very strong arguments.
If the administrative route fails or seems unlikely to succeed, the foreigner can take the matter to the administrative court by filing an appeal against the deportation order. According to Turkish law, an individual typically has 7 days from the date of receiving the deportation notice to lodge a lawsuit with the administrative court. During the lawsuit period, the deportation is put on hold, and a different code (V-154) can be assigned to reflect the ongoing legal process.
Should the court rule that the deportation and V-69 code were unlawful or disproportionate, it will annul the deportation order, and the restriction code will be canceled. Conversely, if the court upholds the deportation, the five-year entry ban persists, and the foreigner must wait until the ban period expires—or explore other legal avenues (e.g., a constitutional complaint or a rare case scenario for further appeals).
Individuals with an active entry ban—including the V-69 restriction code—often ask about the so-called meşruhatlı visa. Literally meaning a “visa with remarks,” it provides a special exception for foreigners who must enter Turkey for a legitimate reason, despite having a ban.
To obtain a meşruhatlı visa, the person must submit a detailed application at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate abroad, explaining the critical reasons they need entry to Turkey (e.g., attending a court hearing, visiting a critically ill family member, undergoing essential medical treatment). The Ministry of Interior ultimately approves or rejects the request based on the circumstances.
However, there is no guarantee of success. Individuals who were deported for severe security threats or criminal activity are often denied. For others with less serious infractions, meşruhatlı visas can provide a temporary pathway into Turkey. It is important to understand that this does not fully lift the entry ban; it merely grants special permission for a set period.
In contrast to V-69, V-154 is not an inherently punitive code. Instead, it is a “notification” code that indicates the foreign national has filed a lawsuit (or legal challenge) against their deportation order. When a foreigner initiates a legal challenge within the 7-day window, the system updates their status to V-154, meaning the deportation is currently suspended pending the outcome of the administrative court case.
The V-154 code signifies that a deport decision is under judicial review and has not yet been finalized. Turkish law guarantees that once a deportation lawsuit is filed on time, the deportation action is automatically stayed—there is no need to apply separately for a stay of execution. This code, therefore, protects the foreigner from immediate removal until the court reaches a verdict.
Depending on the circumstances, the foreigner may remain in Turkey throughout the trial, either under administrative supervision in a removal center or with certain reporting obligations (if not placed in a center). In some cases, the individual might have already been deported before they could file the lawsuit, and thus they pursue the legal process from abroad. In that situation, V-154 remains on record, but it does not always guarantee the right to re-enter Turkey unless the court cancels the deportation.
Does V-154 itself ban entry? By definition, it does not. The V-154 code only documents that a court case is ongoing. Nevertheless, many foreigners with V-154 also have a primary code like V-69 or another restricting code that enforces the actual entry ban. While V-154 indicates the ban is under judicial review, border officials often still refuse entry if the foreigner tries to come back without a special visa or court ruling in their favor.
For foreigners who remain in Turkey with a V-154 status:
They should not be forcibly removed until the court decides.
They may face practical issues, such as difficulty in renewing residency or employment authorization, unless the court grants a favorable interim measure.
They might be subject to administrative detention if the authorities deem it necessary.
For those outside Turkey, having V-154 means there is a pending court case, but no guaranteed right to cross the border. This can lead to uncertainty—some foreigners opt for a meşruhatlı visa request if they must be physically present for court hearings or personal matters.
A foreign national must file a lawsuit against the deport decision within 7 days of notification. Once filed, the administrative court in Turkey generally reaches a ruling within 4–6 months, though this can vary based on caseload and complexity. Under Turkish Law No. 6458, the administrative court’s decision on deportation cases is often final—no additional appeals (such as regional administrative courts or the Council of State) are typically allowed, except in limited circumstances or by extraordinary legal remedies.
If the court rules in favor of the foreigner: The deport order is annulled, and the associated codes—like V-69—are lifted. The person can remain or return to Turkey, and possibly apply for a new residence permit if needed.
If the court upholds the deportation: The restriction code continues, and the foreign national is expected to comply with the entry ban. They may consider filing an individual application to the Constitutional Court (AYM) or, in exceptional cases, to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if human rights violations are claimed.
Navigating the V-69 or V-154 restriction codes and related deportation procedures in Turkey can be complex and stressful, especially for foreign nationals unfamiliar with the local administrative and judicial system. Missing deadlines—such as the 7-day window to file a lawsuit—or submitting incomplete documentation can lead to irreversible setbacks.
A seasoned migration law attorney can guide you through each step, from filing administrative petitions to drafting detailed lawsuit petitions, gathering evidence, and advocating for your case in court. Every situation is unique; some cases involve humanitarian grounds, family ties, or business interests in Turkey. Properly presenting these factors can make all the difference.
At Enes Nergiz Law Firm, we specialize in representing clients facing entry bans, deport orders, and residence permit issues. If you or a loved one are dealing with a V-69 restriction code, uncertain about V-154 status, or require guidance on meşruhatlı visas, we are here to help you protect your rights and interests. For personalized assistance, contact Attorney Enes Nergiz today, and let us navigate the legal process on your behalf.
