The N-99 restriction code is a classification used in Turkey for foreign nationals who are wanted under an arrest warrant issued by an Interpol member country. This code represents an administrative restriction implemented by Turkish public authorities and may require prior authorization for entry into Turkey or may directly prevent entry altogether.
Simply put:
• When a foreign national’s name appears on the Interpol wanted list, the N-99 restriction code is applied in Turkey’s border control system.
• Once the code is applied, the individual may be required to obtain special permission before entering, or may be denied entry altogether.
• If the person is already in Turkey, the existence of this code may result in deportation.
Note: The “restriction code” is an administrative measure within the immigration system; it is not a criminal conviction, but rather an administrative (immigration/international law) practice.
The reasons for the imposition of the N-99 code are supported by legal regulations and administrative interpretations.
Below are the possible grounds and legal bases:
When the code is applied, the following consequences may arise:
|
Area of Impact |
Explanation |
|
Entry Ban / Prior Authorization |
When the N-99 code is applied, the person must obtain prior authorization to enter Turkey or will be denied entry outright. |
|
Deportation |
If the person is already in Turkey, deportation may be executed due to the code. |
|
Revocation of Residence Permit |
Once imposed, the residence permit may be revoked or renewal may no longer be possible. |
|
Loss of Visa Exemption |
Individuals normally benefiting from visa exemption lose that right if they are subject to the N-99 code. |
|
Legal Procedures |
The person must initiate administrative or judicial proceedings to have the code removed. |
When faced with a restriction code, there are several legal paths available for its removal:
1. Administrative Appeal (Before the Directorate General of Migration Management)
• Within 60 days from the date of notification, a reasoned petition can be submitted to the competent authority.
• The institution must respond within 30 days; otherwise, implied rejection applies.
• If the response is negative or no decision is made, it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit; otherwise, the right to sue will be lost.
Note: The 60-day appeal period starts from the date the code is officially notified. If no notification was made, it begins from the date the person becomes aware of it.
2. Administrative Lawsuit for Annulment
• Within 60 days from the notification date, an annulment lawsuit can be filed before the competent administrative court.
• The lawsuit may include a request for a stay of execution, seeking suspension of the code’s effects until the case is concluded.
• The court must examine the legal basis, documents, and evidence supporting the administrative action.
3. Lawsuit Against Deportation Decision
• The N-99 code may be accompanied by a deportation decision.
• In such cases, a separate annulment lawsuit can be filed against the deportation within a short deadline (usually 7 days) from notification.
4. Objection to Administrative Detention
• If the person is placed under administrative detention, they may object before the Criminal Peace Judge (Sulh Ceza Hakimliği).
5. Application for Annotated (Special) Visa
• A person under the N-99 code may, in certain cases, apply for a special annotated visa even if the code remains active.
• This visa type allows entry under exceptional circumstances not subject to regular restrictions.
• However, it is rarely granted and is entirely at the discretion of the authorities.
• In practice, visa requests of individuals with N-99 codes are frequently rejected.
6. Constitutional Court & ECHR Remedies
• If administrative and judicial proceedings fail, an individual application may be filed before the Turkish Constitutional Court.
• Furthermore, a complaint may be lodged before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) alleging violations of the right to travel and due process.
• In some cases, the code is entered into the system without the person’s knowledge, and no formal notification is made — causing procedural problems during appeal or litigation.
• Appeals lacking sufficient reasoning or documentary support are often rejected; detailed evidence and legal justification are essential.
• Strict adherence to deadlines is critical. Once the 60-day period lapses, legal remedies may no longer be available.
• Courts grant stay of execution only if there is “obvious illegality” and a risk of “irreparable harm.”
• In annotated visa applications, missing documents are a common cause of rejection — every requirement must be fulfilled completely.
• Professional legal assistance from an attorney specialized in immigration and administrative law is highly recommended.
1. What Is the N-99 Restriction Code?
Answer:
The N-99 restriction code is a type of entry ban or prior authorization requirement applied in Turkey to foreign nationals who are subject to an Interpol Red Notice or similar international alerts.
It is imposed under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK) on grounds of public order and security.
In short: If a person appears in Interpol records, the N-99 code becomes an administrative barrier to entering Turkey.
2. When and By Whom Is the N-99 Code Applied?
Answer:
The code is usually imposed by the Directorate General of Migration Management, the General Directorate of Security, or the Ministry of Interior.
Typical scenarios include:
• During passport control upon entry into Turkey,
• Following an Interpol Red Notice or foreign government alert,
• When the person is under international criminal investigation,
• Or when they are deemed a risk to public order or security.
It may be imposed preventively, even without a court order.
3. Is the N-99 Restriction Code a Criminal Penalty?
Answer:
No. The N-99 code is an administrative precaution, not a criminal penalty.
It restricts entry or requires prior authorization but does not indicate guilt.
It stems from the administration’s authority to protect public security.
However, if it is imposed unlawfully, the person may file an administrative lawsuit to have it annulled.
4. What Is the Legal Basis of the N-99 Code?
Answer:
Its legal foundation lies in Articles 9, 54, and 55 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK).
These provisions allow entry bans and restrictions for foreigners who pose risks to public order, national security, or public health.
Additionally, the 1957 Interpol Constitution and related international agreements form part of its legal framework.
5. Which Rights Are Restricted by the N-99 Code?
Answer:
When the N-99 code is active, the individual:
• Cannot enter Turkey directly,
• May be denied a visa or residence permit,
• May have their existing residence permit revoked,
• May be deported if already in Turkey,
• And will likely have future visa applications automatically rejected.
Thus, the code directly restricts the person’s freedom of movement and residence rights.
6. How Can I Find Out If I Have an N-99 Code?
Answer:
To determine if an N-99 code has been applied:
Because notification is often not made, it is highly recommended to consult a lawyer for verification.
7. Can I Learn the Reason for My N-99 Code?
Answer:
Yes, but not always in full detail.
The person or their lawyer may request disclosure under the Right to Information Act or through an administrative petition.
If the reason involves a confidential Interpol record, the authority may refuse to disclose details citing “public security.”
During court proceedings, however, the judge may access the confidential file and assess legality.
8. How Can the N-99 Restriction Code Be Removed?
Answer:
There are two main legal avenues:
9. How Long Does It Take to Remove the Code?
Answer:
• Administrative appeal: Typically resolved within 30–90 days.
• Administrative court process: Around 6–12 months.
• Appeal (Regional Court or Council of State): May take an additional 6–12 months.
If a stay of execution order is obtained early, entry may be allowed during the ongoing lawsuit.
10. Do I Need a Lawyer to Challenge the N-99 Code?
Answer:
While not legally mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
Restriction codes often rely on classified security documents, and a lawyer is needed to access and contest them effectively.
Improper filings may lead to dismissal and prolonged restrictions remaining active in the system.
11. Can I Enter Turkey Immediately After the Code Is Lifted?
Answer:
Yes, but system updates may take several weeks.
Once the decision becomes final, the Migration Directorate marks the code as inactive.
Afterward, the person can apply for a visa or residence permit again.
Sometimes, consulates request to see the official removal decision, so entry should be supported by documentation.
12. Are There Any Legal Ways to Enter Turkey While the Code Is Active?
Answer:
Yes, under certain exceptions:
• Annotated (special) visa: May be granted for family reunification, medical treatment, or diplomatic reasons — though often denied.
• Stay of execution decision: If a court suspends the code, entry becomes possible.
• Humanitarian visa: Granted in extraordinary cases such as disasters, wars, or severe health conditions, upon special authorization by the Ministry of Interior.
13. Can the N-99 Code Be Applied by Mistake?
Answer:
Yes, administrative or identity mix-up errors sometimes occur, although rarely.
For example, if two people share the same name, an Interpol alert may mistakenly trigger a restriction on the wrong individual.
In such cases, an appeal can be made on the grounds of mistaken identity, supported by ID records, passport copies, and proof of a clean Interpol status.
14. I Was Deported Due to the N-99 Code — Can I Return to Turkey?
Answer:
Yes, it is possible.
After the designated ban period (usually 1–3 years) expires, the individual may reapply for a visa.
However, Turkey will not allow re-entry until the N-99 code is fully removed.
Once lifted, one may reapply for visa exemption or a short-term residence permit.
15. What International Remedies Are Available Against the N-99 Code?
Answer:
If the code is believed to be unlawful:
• An individual application can be filed with the Turkish Constitutional Court (for violation of private life or travel rights).
• A complaint may be lodged with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) alleging violations of freedom of movement and fair trial rights.
• Additionally, one may request deletion of the Interpol Red Notice through Interpol’s own channels.
These international remedies may still be pursued even after domestic court rejection.
The N-99 restriction code is among the most complex and sensitive administrative barriers within Turkey’s immigration system.
Its removal is possible, but:
• Deadlines must be observed carefully,
• Legal arguments must be well-founded,
• All documents must be complete,
• And ideally, the process should be managed by an immigration law specialist.
