- Turkey Prison or Deportation Center?

US Citizens – Immigration Detention & Deportation Process in Turkey

Detained in Turkey as a US Citizen? Prison or Immigration Detention – What Is the Difference? (2026 Guide)

Many American citizens search for “Turkey prison” when in fact their family member is being held in an immigration detention (deportation) center. These are legally different from criminal prisons. Different procedures and legal remedies apply.

US citizens may be placed under administrative immigration detention due to visa overstay, residence permit violations, working without authorization, entry ban violations, or deportation decisions. If you have been held by the police on suspicion of committing a crime, you can read our article on arrest and criminal procedures: What Happens When You Are Arrested in Turkey?

Only a lawyer or your first-degree relatives (such as your parents, spouse, or children e.g.) can visit you at the immigration deportation center; other relatives and friends are not allowed to visit.

2- How Long Can a US Citizen Be Held?

Immigration administrative detention may last up to 6 months. If deportation cannot be completed due to lack of cooperation or documentation, it may be extended up to a maximum of 12 months.

Immediate legal action is crucial because strict deadlines (usually 7 days) apply for challenging detention and deportation decisions.

You can find the list of immigration detention centers in Turkey at the end of this article. And contact us from WhatsApp and visit our law firm's website for detailed information.

3- How Can an American Be Released?

Release generally requires filing a lawsuit against:

• The deportation decision
• The administrative detention order

If the court suspends or cancels the deportation order, the individual may be released from the detention center.

US citizens or their close family members should contact a lawyer immediately to avoid deportation and entry bans.

4- Legal Costs & Process

Legal fees depend on the specific case and urgency. Each detention case must be reviewed individually. For urgent assistance, contact us directly via WhatsApp and visit our law firm's website.

5- Risks of Deportation

• Entry ban to Turkey (up to 5 years or more)
• Administrative fines
• Future visa complications

- Those who don't want to be deported from Turkey: Contact Us Now! to get help from a specialized lawyer in the field. The lawyer will assess your specific situation and take appropriate action.

6- Legal Remedies

Possible legal actions include:

• Appeal before the Administrative Court
• Request for alternative measures instead of detention
• Suspension of deportation during court proceedings

7- Immigration Detention Centers in Istanbul

• Arnavutköy Removal Center
• Binkılıç Removal Center
• Çatalca Removal Center
• Selimpaşa Removal Center
• Tuzla Removal Center

For exact locations of the deportation centers and more detailed information, you may visit our article on deportation centers here or contact us directly by phone via WhatsApp.

8- Where Are the Immigration Detention (Deportation) Centers in Turkey? - Immigration Camps List Turkey

There are more than 20 immigration camps across the country. The list of immigration detention centers is as follows:

1. İstanbul Immigration Detention Centers List:

• Arnavutköy Geri Gönderme Merkezi
• Binkılıç Geri Gönderme Merkezi - mostly for terrorism cases and Afghan citizens
• Çatalca Geri Gönderme Merkezi - Detention Center for Women
• Selimpaşa Geri Gönderme Merkezi - Former Detention Center for Women
• Tuzla Geri Gönderme Merkezi

2. İzmir Harmandalı Geri Gönderme Merkezi

İzmir Harmandalı Immigration Center is generally used to detain foreigners attempting to leave the country illegally by sea to Greece (e.g., trying to reach Europe by boat). When foreigners are first apprehended, they are placed here and may later be transferred to other detention centers.
Phone Number: +90 232 402 44 62 /5008

3. Balıkesir Bandırma Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 266 727 18 18

4. Adana Sarıçam Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 322 346 35 61

5. Ağrı Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 472 215 33 25

6. Ankara Akyurt Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 312 439 40 40

7. Antalya Döşemealtı Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 242 237 95 80

8. Aydın Efeler Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 256 211 63 73

9. Bayburt Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 458 222 10 03

10. Bursa Osmangazi Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 224 361 05 07

11. Çanakkale Ayvacık Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number: +90 286 712 34 00

12. Çankırı Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 376 213 05 49

13. Edirne Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 284 224 10 12

14. Erzurum Aşkale Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 442 415 25 50

15. Gaziantep Oğuzeli Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 342 571 38 00

16. Kayseri Kocasinan Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 352 220 01 57

17. Kırklareli Pehlivanköy Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Kırklareli Pehlivanköy Immigration Center is generally used to detain foreign migrants attempting to cross the border into Europe from Bulgaria.
Phone Number:+90 288 212 00 72

18. Kocaeli Gündoğdu Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 262 329 41 80

19. Kütahya İnköy Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 272 225 17 79

20. Malatya Beydağı Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 422 322 33 32

21. Muğla Ula Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 252 242 13 13

22. Niğde Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 388 213 10 64 / 5000

23. Şanlıurfa Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Phone Number:+90 414 313 86 58

24. Van/Kurubaş Geri Gönderme Merkezi

Afghan citizens who have entered the country illegally may be transferred here.
Phone Number:+90 432 223 33 35

Many detention centers may not answer phone calls or may avoid providing information over the phone. If you do not have a lawyer, the process may take longer, and as a result, detention periods can last for several months up to a year.

By contacting us, you can help speed up the process and receive accurate legal guidance from our lawyers on what can be done.

9- US Embassy Notification & Consular Rights of American Citizens

If a US citizen is detained in Turkey — whether in a criminal prison or an immigration detention (removal) center — they have the right to request that the United States Embassy or Consulate be notified of their detention.

Under international law, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Turkish authorities must inform detained foreign nationals of their right to contact their consulate. Upon request, the US Embassy in Ankara or the US Consulate in Istanbul may be notified of the detention.

It is important to understand that the US Embassy cannot cancel a deportation decision or order release. However, consular officials may:

• Confirm the individual’s welfare and detention location
• Provide a list of English-speaking lawyers
• Communicate with family members (with consent)
• Monitor due process and detention conditions

Legal challenges against deportation and administrative detention must be filed before the Administrative Courts in Turkey. Therefore, immediate legal assistance from a qualified immigration lawyer is essential to prevent deportation and long-term entry bans.

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