What Is the G-34 Restriction Code and How Can It Be Lifted?

G-34 is one of the “restriction codes” recorded by the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) in the files of foreigners.
This code is generally associated with forgery-related offenses (document forgery, falsifying official records, preparing or presenting fake documents, etc.).

Key points:

• The code applies regardless of whether the document is public or private: it may be imposed when forgery is detected in documents issued by public institutions or private entities.
• G-34 is not merely an “informational tag”; it may also result in entry bans, deportation (removal) orders, and revocation or refusal of residence permits.
• G-series restriction codes fall under the scope of “public order and national security.” This means the code can sometimes be applied even in cases where no direct criminal conviction exists, as long as the person is considered a potential threat by the authorities.

Reasons for Imposing the G-34 Code

There may be several grounds behind the imposition of the G-34 restriction code.
Here are common examples:

Situation	Explanation
Forgery or alteration of documents	Unlawful modification, addition, or deletion in official documents such as passports, IDs, residence permits, or visa papers.
Use of fake documents	Submitting counterfeit or falsified documents during applications or official procedures.
Suspicion of document forgery	Even without concrete evidence, the code may be imposed if authorities or law enforcement suspect document falsification.
Document irregularity + security risk	If forgery or document manipulation is considered to pose a threat to public order or national security, the G-34 code may be applied.

Consequences / Effects of the G-34 Code

A foreigner with a G-34 restriction code may face the following consequences:

1. Deportation (Removal)
   The foreigner may be removed from Türkiye through an administrative decision.
2. Entry Ban
   A temporary or permanent entry ban may be imposed, preventing the foreigner from re-entering Türkiye.
3. Refusal or Revocation of Residence/Visa Applications
   Existing residence permits can be cancelled, or new applications may be rejected.
4. Limited Access to Special or Annotated Visas
   In some exceptional cases, entry may be granted through an annotated (justified) visa—such as humanitarian reasons or special invitations. However, for forgery-related cases, this is rarely approved.
5. Administrative Record / Legal Trace
   The code acts like an administrative record. Its presence may influence future administrative or judicial evaluations about the individual.

Legal Basis of the G-34 Code

• Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK)
  This law regulates foreigners’ entry, stay, and exit from Türkiye. Articles on public order and national security authorize administrative authorities to impose deportation and entry ban decisions.
• Related Regulations / Internal Directives
  These secondary legislations determine the form and procedure of applying restriction codes.
• Principles of Administrative Law
  The imposition process must respect due process, the right to defense, and proportionality. Arbitrary or unjustified applications violate administrative law principles.

How to Check Whether You Have a G-34 Code

To verify whether the G-34 code has been imposed on your file and to learn its content:

1. Submit a written petition to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
2. Request official confirmation through your attorney.

Checking your record is the first essential step to understanding your legal status.

How to Remove the G-34 Code — Legal Remedies and Procedure

Lifting the G-34 restriction code is often a complex and lengthy legal process.
Below is a step-by-step guide:

1. Administrative Petition / Request

• First, a written application must be submitted to the Directorate General or the relevant Provincial Directorate of Migration Management requesting the removal of the code.
• The petition must be supported with evidence — such as documents proving the alleged forgery is false, expert reports, witness statements, or authentic records.
• The administration has discretion to accept or reject the request.
• In practice, most petitions receive no response, which is considered an implicit rejection (zımni ret).
  If there is no favorable decision within 30 days, a lawsuit must be filed. Failing to do so results in loss of the right to sue.
• The petition must be drafted carefully. Any inaccurate or unclear statement may be used against the applicant in future litigation. Therefore, the content must be precise, consistent, and legally sound.

2. Judicial Review — Administrative Court Lawsuit

• If the administrative request is rejected (explicitly or implicitly), a lawsuit can be filed before the Administrative Court.
• It is advisable to request a stay of execution (injunction) so that the code remains inactive during the trial.
• The court examines whether the imposition of the code is lawful, whether the administration’s discretion was used properly, and whether there is sufficient evidence.
• If the court finds the decision unlawful or unsubstantiated, it orders the removal of the code.

3. Higher Remedies — Constitutional Court & European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

• If the code is not lifted even after a court decision, a constitutional individual application can be filed before the Constitutional Court (AYM) claiming violation of fundamental rights.
• After exhausting all domestic remedies, the case can be brought before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) alleging a violation of human rights (e.g., right to private life or freedom of movement).

4. Special or Annotated Visa Option

• In limited cases—particularly when the alleged offense is minor—the Ministry of Interior may issue a special (annotated) visa allowing temporary entry into Türkiye.
• However, for serious forgery-related offenses, this option is usually denied.

Challenges and Risks

• Lack of Evidence: In many cases, the administration fails to provide solid evidence to support its forgery claim.
• Wide Discretionary Power: Migration authorities have broad discretion on public security grounds, which may lead to arbitrary practices.
• Lengthy Court Process: Legal proceedings can take several months, during which the code remains active.
• Temporary Ineffectiveness: If no stay of execution is granted, the restriction remains valid during the trial.
• International Complications: If the alleged forgery involves foreign documents, international legal cooperation or AİHM procedures may become necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About the G-34 Restriction Code (FAQ)

1- What is the G-34 Restriction Code?

Answer:
The G-34 code is a restriction placed on foreigners who are suspected of forgery or document falsification.
It is commonly applied when fake or altered passports, IDs, residence cards, or visa documents are detected.
Its purpose is to protect public order and national security.

2- Can I enter Türkiye if I have a G-34 code?

Answer:
Usually no.
Individuals with a G-34 code face an entry ban at Turkish borders.
In rare cases, an annotated visa (for humanitarian or judicial reasons) may be granted, but in forgery cases, this is almost always denied.

3- How long does the G-34 code remain valid?

Answer:
It is generally indefinite.
The G-34 code remains in the system until it is officially removed by the authorities or by a court decision.

4-  What is the legal basis of the G-34 code?

Answer:
The legal grounds are Articles 54 (deportation grounds) and 9 (entry bans) of the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK).
These provisions allow authorities to deport or ban entry for foreigners deemed a threat to public order or national security.

5-  Who imposes the G-34 code?

Answer:
The Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) or Provincial Directorates of Migration generally impose the code.
They may act upon information from the Police, Gendarmerie, Intelligence Units, or Judicial Authorities.

6-  How can I learn the reason for my G-34 code?

Answer:
You or your lawyer can submit a written petition to the Provincial Directorate of Migration.
If there is no reply within 30 days, this is treated as an implicit rejection, and you may file a lawsuit within 60 days from the notification date.

7- Will I be deported if the G-34 code is imposed?

Answer:
Yes, in most cases.
The G-34 code often serves as the legal basis for deportation.
If you are currently in Türkiye, you may be detained under administrative supervision and subsequently deported.

8- How can the G-34 code be lifted?

Answer:
There are two main methods:

1. Administrative Application:
   Submit a petition to the Provincial Directorate of Migration with evidence proving the code was wrongfully imposed.
   However, in practice, authorities rarely remove the code voluntarily.
2. Judicial Process:
   If the administration rejects or ignores your request, file a lawsuit in the Administrative Court.
   The court may lift the code if it finds the administrative act unlawful or unjustified.

9- What are the time limits for filing a lawsuit?

Answer:
You must file a lawsuit within 60 days from the notification of the rejection.
If there is no reply within 30 days, you can file a case for implicit rejection.
Failing to act within these deadlines results in loss of your right to appeal.

10- What if the G-34 code was imposed by mistake?

Answer:
You must first apply to the administration, and if necessary, file a lawsuit.
Providing documentary proof (expert reports, original document verification, or court acquittal) can help have the code lifted.

11-  Can I obtain a visa to another country if I have a G-34 code?

Answer:
It depends on the destination country’s visa policy.
If the G-34 record does not appear in INTERPOL or shared databases, it generally does not affect other visa applications.
However, suspicion of forgery in Turkish records may negatively influence other countries’ assessments.

12- Can the G-34 code be added while I am legally residing in Türkiye?

Answer:
Yes.
The code may be imposed after entry if the Migration Directorate later detects the use of forged or falsified documents.

13- When and how can the G-34 code be removed?

Answer:

• By the administration itself (e.g., when a mistake is identified),
• By a court decision,
• After a not-guilty verdict or dismissal of the forgery charges.
  The process usually takes 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer.

14- Does the G-34 code affect property, bank accounts, or inheritance in Türkiye?

Answer:
No direct effect.
However, if deported, you may face difficulties managing your affairs.
You can still authorize a lawyer via power of attorney to handle your assets.

15- Can a person with a G-34 code marry a Turkish citizen?

Answer:
The code does not legally prevent marriage, but an entry ban makes it physically impossible.
Thus, the code must be lifted, or a temporary visa obtained, before marriage procedures can proceed.

16- Does the G-34 code affect children’s education or custody rights?

Answer:
If the person is deported, maintaining parental or educational involvement becomes difficult.
If the code is proven unlawful and lifted, return and family reunification become possible.

17- Is hiring a lawyer mandatory?

Answer:
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
These cases involve both administrative and criminal law, and professional legal assistance significantly increases the chance of success.

18- Can the G-34 code be re-imposed after being lifted?

Answer:
Yes, if new forgery evidence arises.
However, re-imposing the same code on identical grounds after a court annulment constitutes a duplicate administrative act, which is unlawful.

19- Can someone with a G-34 code enter Türkiye with a special invitation?

Answer:
In exceptional cases, a special annotated visa may be issued with the Ministry of Interior’s approval.
However, this is rare in forgery or public security cases.

20- When is the G-34 code deleted from the system?

Answer:
The code is not automatically deleted.
It remains active until an official decision by the administration or a final court judgment removes it.

21- Can the G-34 case be taken to the Constitutional Court or ECHR?

Answer:
Yes.
After exhausting domestic remedies, you may apply to the Constitutional Court (AYM) or the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for violation of fundamental rights such as freedom of movement or private life.

22- Can I immediately enter Türkiye after the G-34 code is lifted?

Answer:
Yes.
Once the court decision becomes final or the administration officially removes the code, you may enter Türkiye again under the standard visa or residence procedures.

Conclusion

The G-34 restriction code is one of the most serious administrative limitations imposed on foreigners in Türkiye.
However, with solid evidence, proper legal petitions, and professional legal assistance, it can be challenged and lifted.
All steps should be carefully documented, and if the administration remains silent, an administrative lawsuit must be filed without delay.