Job Discussion Forums

scb222 · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 175 Location: Brisvegas, Oz

My tourist visa runs out about 4 days before I fly out for summer holidays. I really don't want to have to do a visa run for 4 days, but I believe the fine for overstaying is huge. What should I do? Too, is it possible to do a visa run to Edirne, just cross on the Turkey side and come straight back in with a taxi waiting??? Any suggestions?

lovelace · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 190

You can walk across to the Greek side and back yes, but you have to overstay at least one day first, otherwise they'll tell you to go out for a night. And be careful - a friend of mine got fined a lot more than he should have, the border guards calculated the daily rate for overstaying, and then added another hefty amount which they named 'Emniyet'. Don't know if that was legit or not, but I did a run at this border place and was only fined the daily rate.
Also, not sure if you know the bus station is outside Edirne. Don't believe the taxi drivers that there's no bus to the centre - it waits behind the bus station and only costs 75kurus! You'll have no trouble finding a driver to take you to the border and wait with the meter turned off, they don't seem to get much business in Edirne and will jump at the chance of a 30ytl fare.
But with your bus fare and fine, it can add up. Plus hassle. Maybe it's better to pay at the airport, I don't know. Others here might be able to advise.

Vixter · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

I overstayed by 4 days 3 years ago and I was charged 370 YTL at the airport. Maybe it's changed now, but I was completely gutted at the time, such a huge amount for 4 measley days.

sandyhoney2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Posts: 189

scb222 · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 175 Location: Brisvegas, Oz

so i gather from what youre all saying that there is no absolute official daily fee for overstaying? that you are charged whatever the immigration guy feels like charging you? is there any such thing as an extension?

yaramaz · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:23 am Post subject:

A friend of mine overstayed by a week a few years ago and they demanded about 400 million from him (in old lira, thankfully), which he didn't have and certainly didn't want to pay. I think he ended up paying about 100 million, but was banned from Turkey for 18 months. Another overstayed by a few weeks and was banned for 5 years. Be careful- it's not just about money.

scb222 · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 175 Location: Brisvegas, Oz

hell!!!! that's pretty drastic. does anyone have any more recent experiences?

Vixter · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

As i remember, they had recently changed the rate into a flat fee of 370lira at that time. it was at istanbul Ataturk so i doubt i could have got away with paying less or a backhander. There was also no way i could have let myself be banned from Turkey.

Perhaps talk to your local police - they may be able to help get you an extension, but I'm not sure. I thin a friend of mine did that successfully around 3 yrs ago.

If that fails i would do a visa run, if it works out cheaper than 370 YTL.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

There is an initial large fine plus a daily amount added on. I had a friend who was 2 years over and he was charged the same as another friend who was only 3 months over. I think it was around 700 ytl.

smurfwin · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Istanbul, Turkey.

I overstayed by 17 days a few months ago and was fined 240 YLT. I crossed at the Bulgarian border on the way to Burgas. It was pretty painless aside from the money thing. I hope it goes well for you!