The Ministry of the Interior has ‘temporarily’ halted new regulations designed to close loopholes, which provide foreign nationals with the opportunity to live for extended periods in Turkey on Tourist Visas. New Visa regulations, introduced on 14^th July, but rumoured to be coming for many months, only give permission for foreigners from 63 countries, including Holland and the UK, to stay for 90 out of every 180 days: effectively meaning they can only spend a maximum of 6 out of every twelve months, in two three month blocks, in the country. This caused confusion, especially for people with holiday homes and boats but who do not live in Turkey permanently.

The new visas have “180 gun icinde 90 gun gecerli muteaddit giris visesidir. Turkiye sinirlarindan ilk giriste sure baslar. calisma hakki vermez,” written on them, which translates as:

“This multiple entry visa is valid for an intended stay of no more than 90 days per period 180 days. Duration begins on the date of entry to Turkey. The holder has no right to work.”

It is a well known that thousands of foreign nationals spend their summers in Turkey and sometimes longer, particularly in the southwest of the country in resorts like Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Antalya. Also, hundreds if not thousands of foreign boat owners like to keep their boats here because of the excellent sailing.

The official and preferred way for Foreigners to make a permanent or part time base in Turkey is for them to take out a residency permit, which means that the authorities have a record of their address. However many visitors to Turkey complain that this is expensive and that for, say half a year it is easier to hop over to Greece for the day to renew their visas. It is well documented that the “visa run” to Kos, Rhodes, and Meis are popular ways to do this and many companies have businesses arranging these trips.

It is clearly stated on the website of the Consular General of Turkey in London that, “tourist visas do not give you the right to take up paid or unpaid employment or to reside, or to study (including student exchange program) or to establish yourself in business in Turkey.” The reality for many foreigners is of course quite different, especially in tourist resorts.

But nevertheless it came as a complete shock to many individuals, businesses and officials when it became clear last week that the law had indeed been changed, the loophole closed and, as from July 14^th new visa regulations had been introduced with no apparent warning, allowing for ‘tourists’ to spend only 90 days in every 180 days in Turkey.

This means that those who own boats, houses and apartments in Turkey but enter the country on a Tourist Visa could face only being able to visit their property for half a year… in alternate three months blocks.

The shock of these unannounced changes by the Turkish Ministry of the Interior prompted the Embassies of some 63 countries including Holland and Britain to contact the Ministry. A press release from the British Embassy in Ankara reported that, “The Minister said that no change in rules would be taking place.”

It was subsequently stated that, “The Ministry of Interior has now confirmed that the proposed change has been delayed.  All ports of entry have been informed and visa procedures will revert to those in place before 14 July.  British nationals will once again be able to enter Turkey on 90 day visas.” 

There has yet to be any clarification for those who already have the new visa stamps in their passport. Once again the British Embassy made the following comment, “We are following up with the Ministry of Interior to establish if a new implementation date is proposed and what action, if any, those with 180 day visas need to take. New information will be posted here when we have it.”

Until that time there is a period of uncertainty for those who wish to learn if they are able to immediately renew their 190/80 day visas before or on the expiration of 80 days, or wait until the 181 day. The first of these visas will expire in the middle of September 2010. Foreign nationals, the consular staff of the countries affected and the media at large will be looking with interest at Turkey’s ports of entry, to see how the delay in regulations will be implemented.

The Turkish Defence Minister HE Vecdi Gönül, Undersecretary  of Defence Industries Murad Bayar and Air Force  Major General Mehmet Şanver attended the show as guests of  UKTI Defence & Security Organisation (DSO).

This year’s event saw good engagement from decision-makers with 11 UK Government ministers, as well as ministers from overseas plus 70 delegations from 44 countries, in attendance.

Orders for the show  totalled  £31 billion and the Airshow has welcomed 285,461 people.

Farnborough facts:

• The World’s Largest Temporary Exhibition.
• The “build up” period takes four months prior to the start of the show.
• 3,600 tonnes of temporary structures are transported to the show site.
• 90,000 sq m’s of structures are erected on site, providing tailor-made floor space that would accommodate London’s Royal Albert Hall no fewer than 30 times.

Goldtrail was part of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licensing) scheme which is making arrangements for customers abroad to travel home at the end of their holidays. 

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website (information correct as of 0830 Monday 19 July), all inbound flghts from Turkey and Greece will operate as scheduled over the weekend, and up to and including Monday 19 July 2010. Passengers who are due to return to the UK are advised to go to the airport as originally scheduled

Detailed information relating to inbound flights from Tuesday 20 July 2010 will be posted to the CAA website as soon as they become available.

Goldtrail customers abroad seeking general information can call the CAA on 0044 203 4410846.

Please visit the CAA website for the latest information.

Travel advice for Greece
Travel advice for Turkey

Further information

Civil Aviation Authority website

ATOL information  

ABTA information on Goldtrail

UK in Greece

UK in Turkey

We recently received reports that Turkish immigration procedures for British visitors (and the nationals of 62 other countries) had changed from 14 July.  The change meant that British visitors were being issued with visas which were valid for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.  Visitors with this type of visa had to wait until the 181^st day before applying for a new visa. 

Following these reports, the British Ambassador called on the Turkish Minister of the Interior on 22 July to seek clarification.  The Ambassador raised the difficulties that the implementation, without warning, would cause many British people in Turkey, and to the citizens of other countries affected. The Minister said that no change in rules would be taking place. 

The Ministry of Interior has now confirmed that the proposed change has been delayed.  All ports of entry have been informed and visa procedures will revert to those in place before 14 July.  British nationals will once again be able to enter Turkey on 90 day visas. 

We are following up with the Ministry of Interior to establish if a new implementation date is proposed and what action, if any, those with 180 day visas need to take.   New information will be posted here when we have it. 

Staying in Turkey beyond the date of your visa is taken seriously by the Turkish Authorities.  If you overstay you will be fined upon departure.  Fines vary according to the length of time you overstay.   If you overstay and are fined, you must apply for your next visa at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate overseas before you travel. You may also be banned from re-entering Turkey for a period of time as follows:-  

• Overstay 1-15 days  - no ban.
• Overstay from 16-90 days - banned for up to three months.    
• Overstay for more than 90 days i.e. from the 91st day, banned for up to six months.

Disclaimer:  Please note that this information was provided by the Ministry of the Interior and the Turkish Security Police Directorate (Foreigners Department).  Although we do our best to ensure that the content is correct, we cannot take responsibility for Turkey’s immigration policy or the application of it.  If you have further queries, please contact the relevant Turkish Foreigners Police Department in the area where you reside. 

British Consular Services Turkey

26 July 2010

The situation is not clear yet and the British Embassy in Ankara is asking for their citizens to be patient while they establish the facts, but it appears that passport holders from as many as 63 countries, as of 14^th July 2010 will no longer be able to take advantage of the loophole informally allowing foreigners to live in Turkey with only a tourist visa..

Tourists entering some Turkish ports (including Dalaman and Kaş for example but not Fethiye) are now being issued with a new style of visa with the following words printed on them: 180 gun icinde 90 gun gecerli muteaddit giris visesidir. Turkiye sinirlarindan ilk giriste sure baslar. calisma hakki vermez

This  multiple entry visa is valid for an intended stay of no more than 90 days per period 180 days. Duration begins on the date of entry to Turkey. The holder has no right to work.

Foreign nationals of 63 countries who live here on tourist visas are being told that the loophole allowing them to hop over to Rhodes or Meis to renew their visas every 3 months is being closed and from 14th July 2010 a multiple entry visa for 180 days willbe issued. From now on British (and some 63 other countries) passport holders will only be allowed to remain in Turkey for 90 of the 180 days and that once the 90 days has been reached they will have not be allowed to re-enter Turkey for another 90 days. 

It seems that anyone wanting to spend more than 90 days in 180 in the country will have to apply for a residency permit. In fact this has always been the case but the ease of hopping over to one of the Greek Islands or flying back to the UK to stock up on favourite food and pick up another 3 month (90 day) visa on the way back will soon be a thing of the past.

 However, although telephone enquiries by the British Embassy to the Ministry of Interior have confirmed the details of the change, Embassies and Consulates have not yet received formal written notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara.   Immigration Officers at some of the ports also appear to be unaware of the change and are giving mixed messages to visitors.   The British Embassy plans to raise this with both their EU colleagues and with the Turkish Government.  

We will report further as soon as we have more information.

Yesterday dive centres in Fethiye and Ölüdeniz showed their support for Captive Dolphins including Misha and Tom in Hisarönü by dedicating their dives to “Free Divers & Free Dolphins.”

This also happened all around Turkey in cooperation with HAYTAP (Animal Rights Organisation) and Sualtı Gazetesi (Underwater News)

Diving schools supported this cause by issuing a press release; in which they stated that keeping dolphins in captivity and exploiting them for profit is an inhuman act and that they are dedicating all their dives on Sunday to captive dolphins.

Diving schools supported this cause by notifying the press to join them during the protest. In some cases they used posters and were joined by a celebrity. All photographs and videos taken during the protest were sent to “SUALTI GAZETESI “ (UNDERWATER NEWS) for later viewing.

All participants received posters and tee shirts.

All diving schools, swimming clubs, water sports clubs, and any other club or group who were willing to support the cause will be given a recognition notice on HAYTAP & SUALTI GAZETESI (UNDERWATER NEWS) web sites underlining the fact that “ THIS DIVING CENTER SUPPORTS DOLPHIN FREEDOM.”

The picture shows Lycia World Dive centre with customers supporting the campaign.

Actor Helen Worth, better known to millions as Gail McIntyre on UK TVs long running soap opera Coronation Street, made a surprise, fleeting and at times emotional appearance in Fethiye on Friday as patron of famous UK animal charity Born Free.

The Born Free envoy’s first impressions of Turkey, on the drive from Dalaman Airport to Fethiye and of the town itself were one of delight. “Turkey is such a amazing country,” Helen said. “I just can’t understand why anyone would think it needs a dolphin attraction. The beauty of the mountains, sea and coastline is breathtakingly beautiful.”

Having been following the public outcry over the last few months and reading the news in last week’s Sun Newspaper, passionate animal lover Helen came to see the two male bottle nosed dolphins, Misha and Tom for herself. 

They were recently brought from Kaş in a refrigerated vegetable truck, to swim with tourists in a pool in the mountain holiday resort of Hisarönü, above Ölüdeniz. The Russian owner Aleksandr Kuznetsov plans to attract tourists who are willing to pay £50 a time to swim with the dolphins for approximately 5 minutes a time. This is the basis of what Mr. Kuznetsov has described as a 10 year project of which he is only part. There are other partners involved too.

Accompanied by Public Relations director Shirley Galligan and Alison Hood, programmes Director, Helen made her first visit to the pool late on Friday afternoon. A padlocked gate greeted them but with a little negotiation they got in to see the two boys in their pool, tented with blue fabric to keep out the hot summer sun and the prying eyes of locals.

Seeing the dolphins in the tourist facility was once again a stark reminder that not everybody thinks the same way. The rectangular concrete lined pool, filled with chlorinated seawater was deeply upsetting to Helen, as she lingered by the side of the water, communicating silently with Misha and Tom.

They checked out their guests indifferently and pushed their only toy (a buoy) between each other a couple of times before returning to the bottom of the pool: surfacing only to take a breath now and again.

Nelson, their Mexican trainer stood and watched from a distance, later admitting to being grumpy in the late afternoon heat. It seems the group’s arrival had woken him up from his siesta. The rather sad, austere surroundings took their toll on emotions and soon everyone was ready to say goodbye to Tom and Misha, for a while at least.

The following day Helen and the Born Free team returned to the ‘dolphin park’ to see the owner, Aleksandr Kuznetsov. With the conversation changing between three languages, Turkish, Russian and English, It was nonetheless a diplomatic, polite, calm and surprisingly friendly meeting, despite the sentiments of those present. 

After all, Born Free patron Helen had come in peace as an ambassador, offering Mr. Kuznetsov an opportunity to resolve the increasingly awkward situation in which he now finds himself.

He cannot understand why there has been “such a fuss about the new attraction or what is wrong with the environment, bearing in mind that there are 10 others in Turkey working without any fuss. A new one opened in Istanbul just last week and nobody said anything.” He is shocked by the outcry, “Apart from the dolphinarium in Marmaris they are all in concrete pools like this one!”

Helen gently explains that a concrete pool is not the correct environment for dolphins and that diplomatic protests have already been made at state level. “But the Alanya Dolphinarium is by a busy main road and the dolphins are OK.” Mr. Kuznetsov insisted. “There is one is the basement of a shopping mall in the City of Bursa. If the Hisarönü dolphin park isn’t allowed then they should all be closed down. Anyway, dolphins live longer in captivity.” This allegation is strongly denied by Born Free.

“Whatever you do it will and cannot be suitable,” continues Helen. People are protesting about dolphinariums all over the world. The media and the international community will not go away.”

Offered the chance to sit down to more serious negotiation, he agrees that it is possible but the Turkish authorities should also be involved. Mr. Kuznetsov explains the dolphins are formally the property of the Turkish government and he has them on licence, so he alone is not allowed to choose what happens to them.

After negotiating for more than an hour Helen Worth was pleased to conclude the meeting and determined as ever to see the dolphins out of there. On behalf of Born Free she made a statement.

“We have presented Mr. Kuznetsov with a proposal to reconsider his position. Currently he has no licence to operate and although he appears confident he will receive one, this is a matter yet to be resolved. At the forefront of our discussion was our concern for the welfare of Tom and Misha.

Born Free is prepared to continue negotiations on the feasibility of a rehabilitation programme for these two dolphins and an adapted use of the current facility, so that it no longer remains an aquarium but an alternative use is sought. In addition Born Free will take this issue up with the Turkish Authorities.

Born Free will deploy a team of experts and continue dialogue if Mr. Kuznetsov will work towards a resolution, the first stage of which would be a full health assessment of the dolphins.”

Meanwhile protestors are still vocal in their objections to the dolphins continuing captivity in Hisarönü, Ölüdeniz. Their spokesperson issued the following statement. “We are delighted that Born Free and in particular Helen Worth have come to see the dolphins. They have seen the concrete prison and have witnessed the totally inappropriate conditions in which the dolphins are being kept.”

“We hope that the positive discussions held today will be the start of a journey towards the dolphins’ rehabilitation and eventual return to the sea. We understand that Born Free will continue to negotiate with Mr. Kuznetsov, offering expertise and support whenever possible, if this is acceptable to all concerned.”

“Born Free have expressed a wish to work alongside those involved in the hope of finding a satisfactory solution to this situation. This will include Born Free continuing to advise and negotiate with Mr. Kuznetsov and they have offered their support and expertise to achieve an outcome that is in the best interests of Misha and Tom.”

Meantime, the Hisarönü Dolphin Park, together with the other 10 dolphinariums in Turkey is not good for Turkey’s image abroad, the Turkish people and the tourism industry. Hopefully Born Free will return to continue discussions with Mr. Kuznetsov and both parties will persevere with their negotiations as a step to put an end to the exploitation of dolphins.

Mr. Kuznetsov smiles softly at the thought of becoming one of the good guys: possibly even the dolphins’ hero. If he decides to accept Born Free’s support it could eventually mean some good news for Misha and Tom. This is a starting point.

The speech made by lawyer Şule Beder before the locked gates of the Hisarönü Dolphin Park, last Friday afternoon in Hisarönü, Ölüdeniz was the first time local businesses, residents, NGOs and people from all over Turkey and further afield, had a chance to make truly public their solidarity and concern over the dolphin park built in a public area of the resort. They showed that far from being “a few bored old English women” as described by one local bar owner, they are a large group of dedicated and motivated men and women of all nationalities and backgrounds.

It is generally believed that because of the growing numbers of businesses and individuals concerned about the dolphins’ welfare, the owners are still waiting for an operating license and have not been able to legally open for business. Tour Operator Thomas Cook has already confirmed that they are against the facility opening and others are expected to follow. Early on many tour groups gave their word that they would not be advertising or selling tickets.

In front of more than 600 protestors, many of which wore ‘Free the dolphins’ tee shirts and hundreds more bystanders, she reflected the views of those present and the more than 15,000 people who have joined the ‘Free the Ölüdeniz Dolphins’ on Facebook. Security was also tight, with Jandarma and Zabita covering the area, taking photos and videos but despite some concern by organisers the protest passed peacefully, with no incidents reported.

Reflecting on the day’s events, a member of a group who came from Kayakoy for the protest said, “It has always been really well organised protest for the beginning when we found out about the dolphinarium. We are pleased that we have had this opportunity to come here today to show how we feel. The dolphinarium is a tragedy for this area.”

The procession started at the ‘Robin Hood’ roundabout, walked up the High Street before turning left towards the dolphin park. On reaching the site of the protest, everyone joined hands, sometimes two or three deep around the park and after 5 minutes silence, Beder stood in front of the locked entrance gates and made her speech (in Turkish,) pointing out that humans must take responsibility for the dolphins’ welfare. “As human beings we are guilty for the existence of dolphin parks, which are prisons for dolphins.” It was then read in English by one of the organisers.

Press coverage has escalated since the British tabloid newspaper the Sun caught the attention of Turkey and the world with its first article some three weeks ago. Since then the Sun has printed a follow-up and both European and Turkish newspapers, together with animal lovers the world over have speculated on the future of the two male bottle-nosed dolphins.

In addition to the public protest the world-renowned organisation, Born Free has visited the pool. Famous Coronation Street soap star and Born Free patron, Helen Worth came to Turkey with two other representatives to meet with the owners. She told the press, “We want to persuade them to cancel the project and instead work under the guidance of Born free, to put the dolphins into a rehabilitation programme in the hope that, the dolphins’ health permitting, they can later be released.”

The parks owner, Aleksandr Kuznetsov subsequently expressed a wish to work with Born Free to this end but pointed out that if his two dolphins are to be re-habilitated then this should apply to all other dolphins in Turkey as well. “I would like to see Misha and Tom in the sea but this has to apply to all the dolphins in Turkey.”

The Sun’s representative said, “We are delighted by the response and hope that we, together with the protest groups and Born Free there will be a happy outcome for these two dolphins.” A spokesperson for the protestors said, “I think today’s peaceful protest was a great success. It was silent but even so I think we got our message across to the authorities loud and clear: Misha and Tom do not belong in a concrete pool up in Hisarönü… they need to be free in the sea. The response we had today is a reflection of how people feel – Turkish and British. This should not be forgotten.”

Since the facility was originally exposed in the English language Hürriyet Daily News, a group of Turkish and British residents have worked tirelessly to prevent the business from opening, and with thousands of emails to the Turkish authorities in Muğla and Ankara, together with online petitions and a Facebook group, many more thousands of signatures have now been collected.

Despite the large number of people obviously against the dolphin pool not everyone was convinced. The numbers that turned out to protest surprised one bystander, who did not wish to be named. “I can’t really understand all the fuss,” he said. “After all it’s just a couple of dolphins. I have more important things to worry about.” Others did not join the procession, having shops and bars to run but stood along the pavements and clapped to show their support. All the bars and restaurants turned the volume of the music and TV (football commentary) as a gesture of support and respect for the protestors.

Two dive centres, Lycia World’s Dive Centre and Elite diving took the unprecedented step of closing their offices in order to attend. Local TEMA representative, Okyay Tirli also came along and spent time explaining the cause to anyone and everyone who wanted to listen. Later he said, “I didn’t meet anyone who wanted the dolphins kept in Hisarönü. Their place is in the sea. Keeping them in this prison is not good for the dolphins or for tourism in Hisarönü.”

Here is the full transcript of Beder’s speech:

“As human beings we are all guilty for the existence of dolphin parks, which are prisons for dolphins.

We are the reason for the development of this industry by seeing the dolphin parks as entertainment centres. But In fact these parks are prisons where dolphins lead an unhappy existence and are trained by food deprivation. Every penny spent at one of these parks encourages other dolphins to be removed from the sea and imprisoned in a small pool. By giving money to these businesses it enables them to open more dolphin parks and take and increasing number of dolphins from the wild.

By visiting these parks we are the reason why these companies earn money.   If you think that swimming 10 minutes with a dolphin costs only 70 Pounds, you are mistaken. We are the real reason for the deaths of hundreds, thousands of dolphins who are taken from the sea and die in these pools.

Everything is in our hands: We must stop the torment of the dolphins. If we all stop visiting the dolphin parks and do not pay any money to these companies, they cannot continue to run the dolphin park at a loss and they will have to close.

We must realize that the dolphins are trained by abusing the hunger of the dolphins. It maybe entertainment for humans but it is torture for the dolphins. Dolphins swim at sea with a speed of 25-30 miles per hour. They follow ships and play games with them. In which pool can they swim at this speed? Dolphins can jump meters into the air, dive 250meters deep. Which pool can provide them these opportunities?

Dolphins spend 80% of their lives under water hunting fish or discovering the beauties of the underwater world. Which pool can provide them the beauty of the underwater world, animation and variety?

Taking the dolphins from the sea is the same with putting a bird in a small cage by breaking its’ wings. We all know that captured dolphins miss the sea so badly, that’s why they fall into depression, they harm themselves and the environment, they become ill because of the chemicals in the pools, they go blind, the strong solar exposure all day long makes wounds on their bodies and they commit suicide because they cannot stand the life in captivity. We know these facts but do the people around us?

Do we love dolphins? I think nobody says “No” to this question.  Even the owners of the dolphin parks, trainers or care workers also say that they love dolphins very much.  They keep the dolphins hungry to use them in the shows and they say they love them. Although they know the dolphins are dying in captivity every day slowly, they have the cheek to say, “Dolphins are very happy here”

Okay, do we really love dolphins?

To turn a blind eye to them dying and suffering, to pay money in order to swim with them is helping there business to thrive.

Please don’t believe people who say dolphins are happy in those small pools. A human would not be happy in a prison cell so why would a dolphin be happy in a small pool. If you think that dolphins are living in happiness in those concrete tanks please experience this. Lock yourself in a room of your house, don’t go out, don’t go to other rooms, wait in hunger for food and let people look at you in distress.  I bet you will change your mind.

Everything in your hands:

Choosing to swim with a dolphin in a small pool, while knowing that hundreds, thousands of dolphins are swimming in limitless seas, is because of you!

If you swim with a dolphin perhaps you will have some photos to show your friends, that’s all. But, later in what extend do you suffer when you learn that the dolphin you swam together died because of your contribution?  It’s a matter for your conscience.

We are against to dolphin parks, which tear dolphins from their natural environments and keep them in captivity in small pools. We demand not to give operating licence to those parks. If you really love dolphins then please let them free.

We know that there are thousands of true friends who support us from the bottom of their hearts but they are not here with us at the moment. We thank you everyone participants and non-participants.”    July 2, 2010