Information On Diplomatic Immunities,
Privileges And Other Procedures For The Diplomats Who Are Appointed To Turkey
(Important Note: The following information is a shorter version of the
"Guide to Diplomatic Missions in Turkey" prepared by the Deputy Directorate
General for Protocol (PDGY).
A. DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITIES AND PRIVILEGES
1. Privileges and immunities granted to the Diplomatic Missions and their
staff members accredited to Ankara are determined in accordance with the
provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (hereinafter
referred to as VCDR) (ratified by Turkey on 24 December 1984).
In conformity with the provisions of VCDR, the staff members of the
Diplomatic Missions are considered in three categories with regard to
diplomatic immunities and privileges:
a) Diplomatic staff members
b) Administrative and technical staff members,
c) Service staff members.
2. The immunities and privileges of the members of Representations of
International Organizations accredited to Ankara shall be limited to those
envisaged in the bilateral agreements.
B. PERMANENT ASSIGNMENTS
Arrival of all staff members of a Mission should be notified with a
verbal note to the Protocol Department's Deputy Directorate for Diplomatic
Affairs (PDGY) within one week after their arrival in Turkey.
C. TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS
1. Arrivals of temporarily assigned personnel should be notified with a
verbal note to PDGY within one week after their arrival in Turkey.
2. The passport of the official should be attached to the verbal note. ID
cards are not issued to personnel temporarily assigned. A temporary
assignment clause is registered on the passport for describing the status of
the person concerned.
D. DEFINITE DEPARTURE PROCEDURE
1. Definite departures of all staff members of Diplomatic Missions should
be conveyed to PDGY within one week following the date of departure with a
verbal note along with four copies of the Definite Departure Notification
Forms, duly filled, signed and sealed by the Mission.
2. ID and Value Added Tax Exemption (VAT) cards as well as the arms
licenses and courier cards should be returned to PDGY within one month
following the departure of the person concerned.
E. VISAS
1. A staff member assigned to a Diplomatic Mission or to the
Representation of an International Organization should obtain the initial
diplomatic or service entry visa (if visa is applicable) before entering
Turkey from the Turkish Diplomatic Mission in his/her place of residence.
2. If required, this Ministry issues multiple entry extension visas
corresponding to the expiration date of the identity cards of the members of
the Mission.
F. CARS
1) Private Cars of Diplomatic Members
A diplomatic member is allowed to import or purchase locally one tax-free
private car for his/her own use on the basis of a franchise document
approved by this Ministry. Information about and procedures for importation
of cars should be requested from this Ministry before ordering the cars.
Diplomatic (CD) number plates will be issued for this car.
A diplomatic member is allowed to own a second private car for the use of
his/her spouse, on the basis of reciprocity if the spouse of the diplomat
has a I. category ID.
Private cars imported by a diplomatic member can be sold, transferred,
re-exported or may be abandoned at the customs (with prior permission of
this Ministry) before final departure from Turkey and the traffic
registration book and number plates should be returned to the traffic
authorities.
2) Private Cars of Administrative and Technical Staff
Administrative and technical staff of Diplomatic Missions and Consular
Posts are entitled to import one private car within six months after their
arrival in Turkey on the basis of reciprocity.
3) Official and Service Cars
A Diplomatic Mission or a Consular Post may be allowed to import or
locally purchase (tax-free) a reasonable number of official cars with "CD"
or "CC" plate numbers commensurate with the number of members of the
Mission.
4) Theft or Accident
In case of theft or a traffic accident damaging more than %80 of the car,
the car is exempt from legal and financial obligations stemming from failure
of meeting the disposal requirements of the vehicle (sale, re-exportation,
transfer). Those vehicles may be sold as scrap.
Theft or accident has to be certified by a court order or an official
document prepared by the Public Prosecutor or by the highest local
administrative authority.
Damaged cars, with prior permission of this Ministry, are handed over to
the customs and this Ministry is duly informed with a verbal note to which
the documents indicating delivery to the customs and traffic registration
book should be attached.
5. Motor Vehicle Insurance
Mandatory Traffic Insurance is required for all motor vehicles licensed
in Turkey bearing "CD" or "B" plate numbers. The insurance policies covering
the whole period of stay in Turkey should be submitted to this Ministry when
applying for importation, transfer, sale and re-exportation permits.
6. Technical Inspection
Technical Inspection is compulsory in Turkey and is registered in the
documents of the vehicles.
On the basis of reciprocity some Diplomatic Missions and their members
are already exempted from technical inspection fee.
7. Driving Licenses
International driving licenses are valid in Turkey. National driving
licenses of the members of Diplomatic and Consular Missions are valid in
Turkey as well.
G. PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, GOODS, DIPLOMATIC BAGS AND OTHER
ISSUES
1. Importation by Diplomatic Members
Importation of personal household items by diplomatic members is effected
with a franchise document.
Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts and their diplomatic members may
on the basis of the franchise document import or locally purchase from
bonded stores tax-free goods and articles.
2. Importation by the Administrative and Technical Staff
Administrative and technical staff of Diplomatic Missions and Consular
Posts can import their household and personal goods with a "letter of
guarantee" established by the Diplomatic Mission. This document should be
directly presented to the local customs authority within the first six
months after they enter Turkey.
3. Importation of Diplomatic or Consular Courier Bags
The entry and exit of accompanied diplomatic or consular courier bags are
permitted with a "Courier Letter".
4. Courier Cards
The State Airports Administration issues special courier cards for the
authorized staff members of the Diplomatic Missions to enable them to carry
out diplomatic courier services at Esenboga, Atatürk and other airports.
Principle of reciprocity is applied in granting the courier cards as well as
in determining the number of cards for each Mission.
5. Installation of Communication Equipment
Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts do not require prior
permission for the installation of satellite antennae (receiver only),
telefax, telex or telephone lines in their premises for the official use of
the Missions on the basis of reciprocity. However, installation of wireless
systems (transmitters and receivers) regardless of the capacity of the
system, is subject to prior permission of the relevant Turkish authorities.
6. Importation of Machinery and Equipment
Importation of machinery, construction materials and heavy equipment by
Diplomatic Missions is subject to the prior permission of this Ministry.
7. Importation of Material for Exhibitions
Importation of all material, including films, to be exhibited exclusively
within the premises of a Diplomatic Mission is permitted on the basis of a
franchise document containing detailed information and a full list of the
material. The material thus imported has to be re-exported at the end of the
exhibition. As the organization of cultural activities of foreign origin is
subject to prior permission, Diplomatic Missions should apply to the Deputy
Directorate of Bilateral Cultural Affairs (IKGY) of this Ministry with a
verbal note
Importation requests of exhibition material for International Fairs have
to be addressed directly to the Prime Ministry Undersecretariat of Foreign
Trade. General Directorate of Bilateral Economic Affairs (IEGM) can also
render its assistance in obtaining the importation permit from the
Undersecretariat of Foreign Trade.
8. Gasoline and Fuel-oil Purchases
Tax-free purchases of gasoline and fuel oil by the Diplomatic Missions
and their diplomatic staff is permitted through a franchise document.
This exemption is accorded on the basis of reciprocity and for global
purchases. The exemption includes only VAT. After submitting the franchise
document, coupons can be obtained from Petrol Ofisi.
9. Donations
Requests for donation of vehicles or other durable goods to local
institutions or departments should be made with a verbal note in order to
obtain prior permission of this Ministry.
10. Objects of Cultural Heritage
Importation and re-exportation of articles of natural and cultural
heritage of foreign origin are subject to strict rules and procedures, as
stipulated in the Law for Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage
(Published in the Official Gazette No:28963, dated 23 July 1983).
All objects of cultural heritage (including collections) which may be
imported by the diplomatic members with franchise documents cannot be sold
or transferred to any person. They should either be re-exported or donated
to State Museums.
11. Disposal of Imported Articles
All articles imported by Missions and diplomatic members with a franchise
document should be duly disposed of by re-exportation, transfer or sale.
Diplomatic Missions are responsible for all articles which are not duly
disposed of.
Transfer of imported durable goods to diplomatic members is permitted by
the customs on the basis of a new franchise document of importation. This
Ministry should be notified of the transaction with a verbal note.
This Ministry may grant permission for the sale of durable goods imported
by diplomatic members, to persons not entitled to tax exemption, only when
the owner leaves Turkey definitely.
Upon prior permission of this Ministry, durable goods imported by the
Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts may be sold to persons not entitled
to tax exemption at the end of a 5 year period from their date of
importation. Purchaser should then pay the related tax. The sale permission
may be granted upon permission of Directorate of Customs at the end of a 10
year period without paying any related tax.
H.
a) EXEMPTION FROM THE VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)
The Law of the Value Added Tax (VAT) no:3065 (Published in the Official
Gazette dated 2 November 1984, no: 18563), provides, on the basis of
reciprocity, exemption from this tax for the goods purchased and the
services used for the official purposes of the Diplomatic Missions and
Consular Posts. On the basis of reciprocity, diplomatic, administrative and
technical staff of the Missions benefit from the tax exemption as well.
With the exception of foodstuffs and beverages, the exemption is
stipulated for all goods including tobacco, tobacco products, alcoholic
beverages and the services rendered at hotels, motels and pensions, on the
basis of reciprocity.
b) EXEMPTION FROM THE SPECIAL CONSUMPTION TAX (ÖTV)
The Law of the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) no: 4760 (published in the
Official Gazette dated 12 June 2002, no:24783) provides, subject to
reciprocity, exemption from the SCT for the purchases of:
i) alcoholic beverages, cigarette, and other tobacco products,
ii) benzine, gas oil, fuel oil, LPG, etc.,
iii) various motor/vehicles.
for the official and private use of the Diplomatic Missions, Consular
Posts and International Organizations, and diplomatic,
administrative-technical staff accredited in these Missions.
The exemption from the SCT is based on the principle of “reciprocity”.
I.FIREARMS, HUNTING WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION
Diplomatic members and administrative and technical staff of Diplomatic
Missions and Consular Posts, upon prior permission and on the basis of
reciprocity, may import or locally purchase firearms, hunting weapons and
ammunition.
Staff members are granted licenses in connection with their official
functions in the Missions. As the term of duty is completed (either in due
time or earlier) this is cancelled by the Ministry of the Interior,
regardless of the remaining period of validity.
Staff members of the Diplomatic Missions are allowed to purchase shotguns
only for hunting purposes on the basis of reciprocity and they are required
to purchase these shotguns only after the approval of the request by this
Ministry.
J.ENGAGEMENT OF THE SPOUSES AND DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF DIPLOMATS IN
GAINFUL OCCUPATION
The spouses of the staff members of the Diplomatic Missions and Consular
Posts in Turkey are subject to the following requirements regarding
employment in gainful occupation.
1. The acknowledgement of the reciprocity by the relevant Embassy.
2. The Embassy must send a verbal note to the Protocol Department (PDGY)
notifying that in accordance with the VCDR and VCCR (Vienna Convention on
Consular Relations) it waives the diplomatic or consular status of the
concerned spouse, comprising all the related diplomatic privileges and
immunities.
3. It is within the sole authority of this Ministry to grant or deny a
work permit to the applicant in view of its established policy and on the
basis of reciprocity.
4. The necessary work and residence permits (maximum two years) should be
obtained through the intermediary of this Ministry.
5. Following the issuance of the work and residence permits, diplomatic
or consular ID cards, VAT cards and diplomatic license plates should be
returned to this Ministry.
6. The spouses of diplomats arriving in Turkey are granted diplomatic
status without taking into consideration the category of their passports. In
case of employment, the spouses are subject to general regulations
applicable for foreigners pertaining to work, visa, travel and residence.
K. PRIVATE SERVANTS
The first and second category ID holders of the Missions and Consular
Posts have the right to employ private servants.
Private servants who will come to Turkey to be employed by a staff member
of a Diplomatic Mission, Consular Post or Representation of International
Organization in their household are subject to the requirements of the
current visa and residence regulations. Legal entry and stay of the person
to be employed as a private servant in the country are considered adequate.
The private servant not enjoying social security coverage mentioned above
must be covered by the Turkish social security provisions.
Upon certification of the status of the private servant with respect to
insurance coverage, the ID card issued by the Ministry of the Interior for
one year and will be delivered by this Ministry to the Mission of which the
sponsor of the prospective servant is a member. The residence permits issued
for one year by the Local Security Departments will be delivered upon
personal application.
L. MILITARY ATTACHES
The Diplomatic Missions should notify the Protocol
Department (PDGY) by a verbal note without delay of the proposed
appointment of military attaches (naval, air etc.). A detailed Cirruculum
Vitae of the person concerned should be attached to such notification.
Agreement or notification procedures concerning these appointments should be
completed before the arrival of Military Attaches.
M.PETS
Pets may be brought to Turkey provided that they have been vaccinated. A
health certificate and a document describing the special features of pets
are required.
N. VIP LOUNGES
The Protocol Department (PRGY) will make the arrangements for the use of
VIP lounges for Head of Missions and the visiting delegations.
Spouses and children of Head of Diplomatic Missions are not entitled to
use VIP Lounges for their exclusive needs but may use so while accompanying
the Head of Mission on a trip.
This Ministry informs that a passport control section for diplomats is
opened at Istanbul Atatürk Airport in order to facilitate arrival and
departure procedures of all diplomatic members.
O.MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS WIVES' ASSOCIATION (DMEDD)
DMEDD was established in 1981 by the wives of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. It has achieved the status of "Association for Public Interest and
Aid" in 1984.
The primary aim of the Association is to support students and women in
need of financial assistance and provide fiscal and
material help to educational and social institutions that need assistance
any time and during natural disasters as well, by raising a wide range of
funds to the best of its capacity.
Another aim of the association is to welcome new members of the Foreign
Missions in Ankara and introduce them to the ways of life in our country by
organizing cultural and social events. It is a pioneering association in
Ankara in creating mutual understanding and cooperation between our foreign
guests and the Turkish community in a friendly and casual atmosphere.
DMEDD organizes various cultural and social activities to achieve its
aims. Some of these activities are as follows:
1.Conferences on Turkish art and archeology, etc.,
2.Courses and lessons on various subjects and hobbies,
3.Various activities like tree planting, conferences and
multivision shows on ecological matters,
4.Trips to different regions in Turkey and abroad,
5.Gastronomy luncheons, bridge parties, fashion shows, concerts, talent
shows, bazaars, tea parties, etc. Some organized in cooperation with the
foreign missions,
6.Painting exhibitions,
7.Printing and selling of postcards and calenders,
8.Social gatherings among ladies of the Ministry to discuss various
subjects on solidarity, improvement of career conditions, etc.
DMEDD provided scholarships to 78 student in 1997-98 school year. It
supports the daycare center of the Ministry, sends educational and play
material and clothing material to schools and orphanages in various regions,
opens and makes donations to some aid campaigns. DMEDD has built a girls'
student house in Erzurum in 1985-86 and has equipped two children's
cliniques.
DMEDD accepts donations besides raising money in various ways and informs
the donors about where these donations are channelled to.
DMEDD received a "Badge of Gratitude" from H.E. the President of Turkey
Süleyman Demirel in 1996.
Address : Ankara Palas, Cumhuriyet cad. 06080
Ulus/Ankara
Phone : (312) 311 38 56
Fax : (312) 311 19 95
P.TURKISH LANGUAGE COURSES
TÖMER (Türkçe Öðretim Merkezi) Ankara University provides Turkish
teaching courses in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and other cities.
TÖMER system includes basic, intermediate and advanced Turkish courses.
Detailed information about TÖMER may be obtained from the following
addresses.
ANKARA CENTER
* Ziya Gökalp Cad.No.18 Kýzýlay
Tel:0 312 434 29 90
* Tunalý Hilmi Cad.No.97
Tel :0 312 468 70 63
ISTANBUL CENTER
* Ýnönü Cad.Tarýk Zafer Tunaya Sok.
No.18 80091 Gümüþsuyu
Tel:0 212 252 51 54
* Abide-i Hürriyet Sok.Cumhuriyet Mah.
No.43 Þiþli
Tel :0 212 230 70 83
ÝZMiR CENTER
* Kýbrýs Þehitleri Cad.
No:55 Alsancak
Tel:0 232 464 05 44/47
R.USEFUL INFORMATION
USEFUL TELEPHONES AND INFORMATION
* Ministry of Foreign Affairs (312) 292 10 00 (Main Building Balgat)
* Tandogan Building (312) 292 10 00
* Balgat Annex Building (312) 284 19 07
* Duty Officer (312) 292 10 87-88, Fax (312) 287 18 86
* Directorate General of Protocol (312) 292 11 92 or 292 11 93 (PRGM)
* Protocol Department (312) 292 11 93-94 (PRGY) (Fax) 287 56 61- 287 14
82
* Protocol Department (312) 292 21 07-08 (PDGY) (Fax) 212 89 48
* PDGY-ID cards Ext; 2103-2105
PDGY-VAT cards 2104
PDGY-Cars 2101/2102
PDGY-Franchises 2106
PDGY-Military Attaches 2094
PDGY- Private Servants 2108
* Ankara Palas (312) 310 46 66 (Fax) 311 99 21
* Ýstanbul Representative Office (212) 323 10 42-43 (Fax) (212) 323 10
44-45
Address: Müþir Fuat Paþa Yalýsý, Emirgan Caddesi, No:90, Ýstinye/ÝSTANBUL
NEW!!
As of June 16, 2003, the Ýstanbul Representative Office of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs is to carry out, in coordination with the Deputy
Directorate General of Protocol (PDGY), the following procedures belonging
to the Consulates General in Ýstanbul and their members:
-issuance of identity cards,
-issuance of Value Added Tax (KDV) exemption cards,
-issuance of Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) exemption documents, and
-putting residence annotations on passports.
The requests regarding the above-mentioned four procedures will be made,
as before, by the Embassy with a Verbal Note to PDGY. The Note, however,
will be faxed by the Embassy simultaneously to the Ýstanbul Representative
Office. Then, the documents required for fulfillment of the procedure
(photographs, ID cards, passports etc.) will be directly submitted by the
Consulate General to the Ýstanbul Representative Office. After the Ýstanbul
Representative Office issues ID cards, KDV exemption cards, ÖTV exemption
documents, and puts necessary annotations on passports, these documents will
be received by the officers of the Consulate General, in Ýstanbul.
The new practice, which aims at shortening the process by eliminating the
transfer of the relevant documents (first from Ýstanbul to Ankara, and then
from Ankara to Ýstanbul), is explained in detail in the Note Circular dated
June 9, 2003, no 2003/PDGY/235783.
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