Turkey published Presidential Decree No. 11456 in the Official Gazette on 20 June 2026, granting visa exemption to Algerian nationals holding ordinary passports who are under 15 years of age or over 50 years of age. The exemption applies to tourist visits and transit travel for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, pursuant to Article 18 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection. 1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The change is relevant for Algerian nationals in the specified age groups, as well as mobility teams coordinating short-term travel, family travel, or transit movement involving Algerian passport holders. The exemption may reduce visa-related administration for eligible travelers. Algerian ordinary passport holders aged 15 to 50 remain outside the exemption and continue to be assessed under the existing visa regime.
Key Highlights
The visa exemption, effective from publication on 20 June 2026, includes the following:
- Eligible travelers: Algerian citizens holding ordinary passports who are under 15 years old or over 50 years old.
- Scope of exemption: The exemption applies to tourist visits and transit travel to Turkey.
- Permitted stay: Eligible travelers may stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Legal basis: The decree was issued under Article 18 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection.
- Limitations: Algerian ordinary passport holders aged 15 to 50 are not covered by this exemption.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the change, organizations and entities might wish to consider the following:
- Organizations could update travel guidance for Algerian nationals to reflect the new age-based visa exemption.
- Mobility teams could review the age and passport type of Algerian travelers before travel planning, as the exemption applies only to ordinary passport holders under 15 or over 50.
- Organizations could distinguish tourist and transit travel from other travel purposes, as the exemption is limited to those categories.
- Employers could review visa requirements for Algerian ordinary passport holders aged 15 to 50 who are not covered by the exemption.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Turkey (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Republic of Türkiye Official Gazette (in Turkish), “Presidential Decree No. 11456,” published on 20 June 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Turkey.
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