Turkish Consulate

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

Hello,

I have an unusual question. I was born in the Untied States and also have Turkish citizenship through my parents. I am U.S Veteran however I have not completed my military requirement in Turkey. There is a new program in Turkey for people like myself. We can pay 1,000.00 Euros and our military requirement will be fulfilled. However I must go to the Turkish consulate with certain document proving that I have been living and working in the United States for the past three years. My question is can they arrest me in the embassy / consulate and force me to return to Turkey? I hope there is someone on this site who has experience with these matters.

Thank you in return

[charmander 692]

Hi Mehmet, you might be exempt from military service at Turkey altogether since you already served in US Armed Forces. I could only find this link via the Turkish Ministry of Defense website (in Turkish) about the situation of dual citizens: http://www.msb.gov.tr/Askeralma/icerik/birden-fazla-tabiiyetlilerin-ertelemeleri Hope this could help clarify your condition.

Also before going to the consulate I'd recommend contacting them via e-mail. They are pretty responsive (at least to my emails about other subjects). Not sure which consulate your state belongs to but there are 7 of them now in the US. You won't get arrested at a consulate but if you travel to Turkey they may arrest you at the passport control if there is a warrant for you about the military service.

I am sure you are not the first one with dual US/Turkish citizenship in this situation. Consulate should be able to clarify your case pretty easily. Good luck!

[Mehmet&Elena 20]

Hi Mehmet, you might be exempt from military service at Turkey altogether since you already served in US Armed Forces. I could only find this link via the Turkish Ministry of Defense website (in Turkish) about the situation of dual citizens: http://www.msb.gov.tr/Askeralma/icerik/birden-fazla-tabiiyetlilerin-ertelemeleri Hope this could help clarify your condition.

Also before going to the consulate I'd recommend contacting them via e-mail. They are pretty responsive (at least to my emails about other subjects). Not sure which consulate your state belongs to but there are 7 of them now in the US. You won't get arrested at a consulate but if you travel to Turkey they may arrest you at the passport control if there is a warrant for you about the military service.

I am sure you are not the first one with dual US/Turkish citizenship in this situation. Consulate should be able to clarify your case pretty easily. Good luck!

Hello!

Thank you for your reply. I looked into my situation before regarding my service in the U.S. Air Force. Because the United States military is voluntary it does not meet the Turkish requirement. I'm 53 years old, so my only choice is to pay or do my 2 year service. I'm a little nervous about going to the embassy. I heard since its Turkish soil the Turkish laws can be enforced. I know its a little silly, just want to make sure all will be ok.

I see your in the Boston area. I'm originally from Ma, lived there my entire life and miss it very much.

[charmander 692]

Best thing would be to ask embassy first. they are here to help not to cause further problems. If they don't count your US service for Turkey, worst case you will pay the 1000euro and be done with it. They won't ask you to serve in the military at your age.

Boston is very nice. We moved 3 years ago. Now they have non-stop flights to Istanbul too. I don't feel too much away from home.