Ç-150 Restriction Code: What Is It and How Is It Removed?

In the context of foreigners’ entry into and exit from Türkiye, various administrative measures are applied for border security, public order, and migration controls. A restriction code is an administrative code used to indicate cases where a foreigner is banned from entering Türkiye, deported, or subjected to an entry ban for a certain period.

• A restriction code is a “data code” recorded in the foreigners’ registry and indicates whether the person is subject to an entry ban to Türkiye.
• The code does not directly reference a law; instead, it points to a situation detected during an application or procedure and the administration’s assessment.
• It is possible to have the code removed, object to it, or bring an administrative lawsuit.

Each restriction code has different conditions, consequences, and methods of removal. The focus of this article is the Ç-150 restriction code.

Ç-150 Restriction Code: What Does It Mean?

Definition and Scope

The Ç-150 code is a restriction code applied when a foreigner attempts to enter Türkiye using a forged or irregularly issued document.

This code is typically imposed in the following situations:

1. If the foreigner presents a forged passport, forged ID, or an irregular document at a border gate or in transit.
2. If the foreigner presents a document belonging to someone else as their own, tampers with a document, or commits forgery in the content of a document (e.g., changing identity information).
3. The Ç-150 code may also be imposed when false/forged information is declared in electronic visa or e-visa systems.

Typical effects of the code include:

• A five-year entry ban to Türkiye for the foreigner.
• The existence of the code is recorded as data in passport and identity control systems and can be accessed by the relevant authorities.
• In some cases, there may be exceptions (e.g., if the forgery occurred without the person’s knowledge), and a request can be made to have the code removed or mitigated.

Conditions & Elements Required for Imposing the Ç-150 Code

For the code to be validly imposed, certain legal elements must exist. The following should be considered:

Element	Explanation
Document Irregularity / Forgery	The document must be completely forged, tampered with, or irregularly issued.
Intent / Link to the Act	The foreigner must have the intent and act of using this document. A mere document error or form deficiency does not always result in a Ç-150 code.
Detection at the Border Gate	The code is usually imposed at the border gate or passport control when the document is examined.
Right to Information / Defense	Before imposing the code, the administration may have an obligation to explain the situation to the foreigner and offer a chance to defend themselves.
Time-Limited Ban	The code commonly involves a five-year entry ban. However, these periods may be extended.

The absence of the above elements can be an important ground for annulment or removal of the code.

Effects of the Ç-150 Code

The Ç-150 code creates several adverse consequences for the person’s relationship with Türkiye:

1. Entry Ban: A five-year ban on entering Türkiye.
2. Visa / Residence Procedures: Visa applications may be rejected while the code is active and it may constitute an obstacle in residence permit procedures.
3. Data Record / Registry Impact: The code is recorded in the border operations registry of the foreigner and may negatively affect future entry applications.
4. Barrier Until Removed: Unless the code is removed, the person cannot re-enter Türkiye (except in exceptional cases).

Removal of the Ç-150 Code: Is It Possible?

Yes, under certain conditions, it is possible to remove the Ç-150 code. The methods of removal include administrative application, objection, and litigation.

Methods of Removal

1. Administrative Application / Correction Request
   • A direct application can be made to the administrative unit that imposed the code (such as the Presidency of Migration Management/Provincial Directorate or the Border Gate Authority).
   • The person may try to prove that the forgery was not committed by them or that the document error occurred without their knowledge.
   • The relevant authority may evaluate the application and remove the code or determine that the code is unjust. However, in practice, removing a restriction code via this route is very unlikely.
2. Action for Annulment
   • If the administrative application results negatively or no response is given within 30 days, an action for annulment can be filed before the competent court.
   • During the court process, issues such as whether the code is lawful, whether it was imposed in accordance with procedural rules, and the sufficiency of the evidence are examined.
   • If the case is accepted, annulment of the code is possible.
3. Expiration of Time
   • If the code is imposed for a certain period (e.g., five years), the effect of the code ends upon completion of this period. However, this does not guarantee that the records of the code are completely deleted from the system; still, the entry ban is lifted.
4. Annotated (Justified) Visa Practice
   • In some cases, even if the code exists, it may be possible to obtain an annotated (justified) visa. In this case, the foreigner can apply for a visa by asserting special circumstances (e.g., family reunification, a job offer).
   • However, granting an annotated visa is at the discretion of the administration and is not an absolute right.
   • In practice, the issuance rate of visas to persons with a Ç-150 restriction code is very low.

Success Factors / Challenges

• Procedural compliance and sufficiency of evidence in the process of imposing the code are important.
• Procedural deficiencies such as whether the person was given the opportunity to defend themselves or to object may be advantageous in litigation.
• It may not always be possible to remove the code; if serious document forgery is established, the administration or the court may uphold the code.
• The legal process is often time-consuming and may require the assistance of a legal expert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Ç-150 Restriction Code

1. What is the Ç-150 restriction code?

The Ç-150 code is an administrative restriction imposed on foreigners who attempt to enter Türkiye with forged or irregular documents. This code is determined by the Presidency of Migration Management under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP/YUKK) and generally results in a five-year entry ban to Türkiye.

2. In what situations is the Ç-150 code applied?

This code is applied in cases such as forged passports, forged IDs, altered visa stickers, tampered documents, using someone else’s document, or declaring forged information in online systems.
For example, if a foreigner attempts to depart Türkiye using a forged Schengen visa, the Ç-150 code can be imposed at passport control.

3. Can a person enter Türkiye after the Ç-150 code is imposed?

No. While the code is active, the person cannot enter Türkiye. If detected at the border, they are not admitted to the country; if they are inside Türkiye, deportation procedures may be initiated.
However, in special circumstances (e.g., annotated visa, court decision, or administrative annulment) the effect of the code can be lifted.

4. How long does the Ç-150 code last?

It is generally imposed for five years. In rare cases, it may be longer at the administration’s discretion.
When the period expires, the entry ban is automatically lifted; however, the record may remain in the system.

5. Is the Ç-150 code permanent?

No, it is not permanent. However, its effect continues until the period expires, and entry to Türkiye is not possible during this period. A separate application may be required for the code to be completely deleted from the system.

6. How can I prove that the code was imposed by mistake?

If you can prove you did not commit forgery—for example:

• Your passport was misused by someone else,
• You did not issue the document,
• A false determination was made,
  you can submit documents (reports, records, correspondence, court decisions) and apply to the administration.

7. How can someone with a Ç-150 code object?

The person can submit a written objection petition to the relevant authority that imposed the code.
If a rejection is issued or no response is given within 30 days, a lawsuit can be filed.

8. Can the Ç-150 code be removed?

Yes. The code can be removed through:

• Administrative application,
• Correction request,
• Action for annulment,
• or annotated visa.
  Strong evidence and proving that the measure was unlawfully imposed facilitate removal.

9. How long does it take to remove the code?

Administrative applications are typically concluded within 30–60 days.
Court proceedings usually take 3 to 12 months, varying by the court’s workload and the nature of the case.

10. Is entry into Türkiye possible without removing the code?

As a rule, no. The entry ban continues unless the code is removed.
Entry may only be possible through exceptional routes such as an annotated visa or permission by the Presidency.

11. What is an annotated (justified) visa?

It is a visa granted based on special reasons to persons who are otherwise subject to an entry ban. For example:

• A foreigner with a Turkish citizen spouse,
• A parent whose minor child is in Türkiye,
• A person seeking entry for treatment, education, or humanitarian reasons
  may apply for an annotated visa.
  However, in practice the visa issuance rate for Ç-150 holders is very low.

12. Can someone with a Ç-150 code apply for family reunification?

Direct application is not possible while the code is active. However, an annotated family reunification visa can be requested as an exception. In this case, marriage documents, civil registry records, and humanitarian grounds should be submitted convincingly.

13. Can someone with a Ç-150 code travel to another country?

Yes, the Ç-150 applies only to Türkiye.
However, some countries may see Türkiye’s entry-ban records through INTERPOL or EUROPOL and may, at their discretion, refuse a visa.

14. Is the code automatically deleted from the system when the period ends?

No. Even if the period ends, the information may remain in the system. Therefore, it is advisable to apply to the administration to obtain a “code removal letter.”

15. Is early removal possible before the period expires?

Yes, if the allegation of forgery is unfounded or unlawful, early removal is possible through an action for annulment. If the court decides that the measure is unlawful, the code is removed immediately.

16. How can it be understood that the code was imposed erroneously?

Generally, the following indicate that the code may be erroneous:

• Incorrect personal information in the forged-document report,
• The document is actually valid but appears forged due to a system error,
• The loss or theft of a passport being mistakenly associated with you.

17. Is the person informed before the code is imposed?

In practice, most of the time no prior information is given. The code is usually imposed immediately upon detection at the border.
However, as a matter of procedure, notification is required. Lack of notification can be used as a procedural defect when filing a lawsuit.

18. Who can file the code-removal lawsuit?

The individual can file personally or through a migration-law attorney authorized by a power of attorney.
If the foreigner is abroad, the attorney’s power of attorney must be notarized or approved by the consulate.

19. Where is the code-removal lawsuit filed?

The competent court is the one where the authority that imposed the measure is located.

20. What happens if the case is won?

If the court annuls the code:

• The entry ban to Türkiye is lifted,
• The record is deleted from the Migration Management system,
• New residence or visa applications can be made.

21. Does removal of the code automatically grant the right to enter Türkiye?

Yes, but in some cases additional security checks may be conducted. Even if the case is won, identity verification at the border may still be requested.

22. Does the Ç-150 code affect work-permit applications?

Yes. Since entry to Türkiye is not possible while the code is active, a work-permit application will not be accepted.
A work permit can be obtained after the code is removed.

23. What documents should be included in the code-removal petition?

• Passport copy
• System output showing the code
• The foreigner’s statement/defense
• Evidence and supporting documents (e.g., reports, correspondence, court decisions)
• Attorney’s power of attorney (if any)

24. Is an attorney mandatory to remove the code?

Legally, it is not mandatory; however, restriction codes are a technical migration-law matter. Working with an experienced foreigners/migration law attorney generally has a positive impact on the outcome.

25. Can a new restriction code be imposed after removal?

Yes, if the person commits another violation, a new code (e.g., G-82, Ç-114, etc.) can be imposed. Therefore, be careful in all procedures and always use documents obtained through official channels.

26. Can a person who was deported due to the code apply again?

Yes, after the period expires or the code is removed.
However, the previous violation must not be repeated.
In new visa applications, information about the previous code may be requested; truthful disclosure is crucial.

27. Is there a sample petition for removing the code?

Since each case is different, a standard petition is not recommended. In general, it should include:

• The grounds for the code,
• An explanation of the unlawfulness or error,
• A list of the evidence,
• The request for annulment.

28. Does the Ç-150 code affect citizenship applications?

Yes. While the code is active, the person cannot apply for citizenship. The code must first be removed or its period must expire for the citizenship process to proceed.

29. How is the code completely deleted from the system?

When the code is removed by administrative annulment or court decision, the Presidency of Migration Management performs a data deletion process.
However, in some cases the code may be set to passive status rather than being completely deleted. In such cases, obtaining written confirmation is advisable.