When going on vacation or a long trip, many foreign citizens ask themselves: what can be imported and exported from Turkey?
The rules for crossing Turkish customs are very simple, loyal, understandable and do not imply any strict restrictions. In accordance with international standards, Turkish customs provides foreign citizens with a “green” clearance. and "red" corridors. "Red" the corridor is used by foreigners who have filled out a baggage declaration. "Green" The corridor is intended for citizens from abroad without a declaration. This implies that they have familiarized themselves in advance with the list of items prohibited for import or export. In both cases, Turkish customs officers can conduct random inspections, ask additional questions, and request accompanying documents.
The topic of our article today: Turkish customs regulations for 2022.
Import rules to Turkey
In the Republic of Turkey, as in any other country, there is a list of goods and personal belongings that can be imported into the territory of the state. If their quantity exceeds the stipulated norms, foreign citizens are required to fill out a customs declaration, and in some cases pay a duty.
The following categories of goods can be imported without declaration and duty through the customs control of the Republic of Turkey:
- Tobacco: the amount of tobacco and tobacco products allowed for import differs – in Turkey these standards are higher than in a number of other countries. An adult tourist can transport across the border: cigarettes – 200 pieces, cigarillos or cigars – 50 pieces, loose/pipe/chewing/hookah tobacco – 200 grams each or snuff – 50 grams
- Alcohol: you are allowed to take with you one liter bottle with a strength of more than 22% or two bottles of 2 liters with a strength of up to 22%. The rule applies only to people over 18 years of age.
- Medicines: the number of medications is determined by the length of stay of the tourist in the country. What medicines can be imported into Turkey? This depends on the composition of the drug. If you are carrying any serious medications, we recommend that you have a doctor's order with you indicating the prescription drugs.
- Jewelry. The value of jewelry cannot exceed $15,000.
- Gifts. The cost of gifts allowed for transportation is no more than $500.
- Pets. You can transport across the Turkish border no more than two pets with the appropriate accompanying documents (vaccination certificate, veterinary passport), 10 aquarium fish.
In addition, the customs rules of the Republic of Turkey do not prohibit the transport across the border of perfumes (5 bottles of 120 ml), oversized sports equipment, children's toys, strollers, bicycles, sweets (up to 1 kg), tea (500 g), food for personal needs, musical instruments and equipment (no more than one item per person), including laptops, tablets.
Please note that purchases made at a duty-free shop also count as imported items. In addition, the customs service may carry out additional veterinary control on goods of animal origin.
How much money can you import into Turkey – a pressing question for many foreign citizens, especially those who are planning an expensive purchase of housing in Turkey by the sea. You can bring as much money as you like into the resort country. An amount of more than $10,000 per person must be declared.
The following cannot be imported into the Republic of Turkey:
- drugs;
- medicines containing narcotic substances;
- medicines that are available only by prescription;
- firearms and bladed weapons (without appropriate permission);
- antiques without a passport;
- radioactive and psychotropic substances;
- meat, dairy products;
- drones and quadcopters, etc.
Export rules from Turkey
Let's start with the fact that foreign tourists can export goods from Turkey without having to pay customs duties. The most popular categories of goods purchased by foreigners at Turkish resorts – These are alcoholic drinks, coffee, tea, souvenirs, tobacco, leather goods, cosmetics and perfumes purchased in the duty free zone.
Individuals are allowed to take with them as many purchases as may be needed for individual use. If the total value of the goods exceeds $1,500, you will need to pay a duty. We recommend that you carry receipts for expensive items.
We recommend exchanging the remaining Turkish lira, given the volatility of the national currency. Foreigners can bring no more than $10,000 (or an equivalent amount) across the border without declaration. If the amount is larger, customs will require your bank permission.
Be careful with souvenirs that are similar in appearance to antique items. Customs officers, if there are any doubts about the origin of the items, may detain you and contact the police for further clarification of the situation.
Many foreigners ask whether it is possible to export shells and stones from Turkey? It is better not to take them to your home, as the customs control service may classify them as natural values.
Urgent sale of an apartment in a new building built in 2023
1+1
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A spacious four-bedroom duplex with a terrace and exquisite furnishings, located in the central part of Oba.
4+1
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Urgent sale of an apartment in a new building built in 2023
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55 m²
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An excellent option at a low price for those who are planning to move their family to Turkey for permanent residence
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110 m²
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Luxury apartments in a complex in Avsallar
2+1
82 m²
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New house built in 2024, great price. Open area for residence permit
2+1
85 m²
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Complex with a roof terrace with a jacuzzi, barbecue area and gorgeous views of the sea and the fortress of Alanya
1+1
50 m²
9925
Gullerpinary district, apartment 1+1, 65 m², year of construction 2000, 100 m to the sea, 100 m to the center.
1+1
65 m²
9924
Alanya center area, 1+1 (50 m²) and 2+1 (95 m²) in one TAPU, built in 2010, 150 m to the sea, 100 m to the center
1+1, 2+1
145 m²
9923
Cikcilli area, 2+1, area 120 m², year of construction 2008, to the sea 800 m, to the center 100 m.
2+1
120 m²
9922
Jiplakli area, Apartment 2+1, 90 m², 2024, 3rd floor, 3500 m to the sea, 800 m to the center, unfurnished, with a separate kitchen and sea view.
2+1
90 m²
9921
Kargicak district. Apartment 1+1, 44 m², 2024, 400 m to the sea, 300 m to the center, unfurnished, with a balcony and panoramic view of the area.
1+1
44 m²
9920
Kargicak district. Layout: 1+1, Area: 58 m², Year of construction: 2024, Distance to the sea: 200 m, Distance to the center: 200 m, with white appliances, with a balcony overlooking the sea, in a modern complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
58 m²
9919
Apartments for a large family at the price of a 1+1 apartment
2+1
100 m²
9918
A cozy furnished apartment with a pleasant interior in a green and inhabited area, just 400 meters from the beach and 150 meters from the center. Suitable for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.
2+1
125 m²
9917
A bright furnished apartment with two balconies, a step away from the sea and all city infrastructure - an excellent solution for recreation and permanent residence.
2+1
85 m²
9916
Mahmutlar district. 1+1 apartment of 60 m² in a new complex built in 2024 with large infrastructure. 1500 m to the sea, 500 m to the center.
1+1
60 m²
9915
Mahmutlar district. 1+1 apartment of 70 m² with furniture in a complex built in 2016. 250 m to the sea, 350 m to the center.
1+1
70 m²
9914
Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 115 m², 2015, 800 m to the sea, 500 m to the center, furnished, with two balconies and a view of the pool.
2+1
115 m²
9913
Oba district. Apartment 2+1, 85 m², built in 2021, with sea view. Distance to the sea 0 m, distance to the center 100 m. Suitable for obtaining citizenship.
2+1
85 m²
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Other rules for duty-free export:
- Tobacco products – 3 blocks or 2 kg of cigarettes or cigarette/hookah tobacco.
- Alcoholic drinks – up to 12 bottles, regardless of strength.
- Food, the cost of which does not exceed 100 TL per person.
- Plastic cards.
- Traveler's checks.
Please note that coffee, tea, sweets and spices are not officially allowed to be exported from the Republic of Turkey. However, in practice, the presence of these goods among tourists does not lead to conflict situations at customs.
It is prohibited to export from Turkey: ammunition and any weapons, antiques and items of archaeological value, drugs and medications containing narcotic components, pirated products, pornographic materials.
Tax Free in Turkey
TAX FREE – This is an international VAT refund system.
The tax free system can be used by foreigners who do not reside in Turkey and have spent no more than 180 days on its territory.
Let's figure out how to return tax free in Turkey to a non-resident. According to the rules, a VAT refund is possible if a foreigner makes purchases in shopping areas marked “GLOBAL REFUND” or "TAX FREE SHOPPING".
Conditions of registration:
- Before paying for your purchase, check with the seller that you plan to use the tax-free system.
- You must have a passport or a copy thereof.
- Minimum cost of goods – 100 TL (about 5 $).
- Value added tax refund is possible for goods that are exported only in personal luggage.
- Keep your receipt as you will need to present it at customs.
The tax free refund amount in Turkey is determined by the category of goods purchased. For cosmetics, home decor, watches, electronics, VAT is 18%; for clothing, textiles, bags, books – 8%. Please note that about 40% of the tax amount in the check is returned.
Tax free money is paid either immediately at customs at the airport, or within three months from the date of stamping.
Summary
Are you planning to purchase real estate in Turkish resorts? Contact Point Property specialists. We will answer all questions related to the purchase of apartments, as well as all pros and cons of living in Turkey.
Urgent sale of an apartment in a new building built in 2023
1+1
50 m²
9931
A spacious four-bedroom duplex with a terrace and exquisite furnishings, located in the central part of Oba.
4+1
200 m²
9930
Urgent sale of an apartment in a new building built in 2023
1+1
55 m²
9929
An excellent option at a low price for those who are planning to move their family to Turkey for permanent residence
2+1
110 m²
9928
Luxury apartments in a complex in Avsallar
2+1
82 m²
9927
New house built in 2024, great price. Open area for residence permit
2+1
85 m²
9926
Complex with a roof terrace with a jacuzzi, barbecue area and gorgeous views of the sea and the fortress of Alanya
1+1
50 m²
9925
Gullerpinary district, apartment 1+1, 65 m², year of construction 2000, 100 m to the sea, 100 m to the center.
1+1
65 m²
9924
Alanya center area, 1+1 (50 m²) and 2+1 (95 m²) in one TAPU, built in 2010, 150 m to the sea, 100 m to the center
1+1, 2+1
145 m²
9923
Cikcilli area, 2+1, area 120 m², year of construction 2008, to the sea 800 m, to the center 100 m.
2+1
120 m²
9922
Jiplakli area, Apartment 2+1, 90 m², 2024, 3rd floor, 3500 m to the sea, 800 m to the center, unfurnished, with a separate kitchen and sea view.
2+1
90 m²
9921
Kargicak district. Apartment 1+1, 44 m², 2024, 400 m to the sea, 300 m to the center, unfurnished, with a balcony and panoramic view of the area.
1+1
44 m²
9920
Kargicak district. Layout: 1+1, Area: 58 m², Year of construction: 2024, Distance to the sea: 200 m, Distance to the center: 200 m, with white appliances, with a balcony overlooking the sea, in a modern complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
58 m²
9919
Apartments for a large family at the price of a 1+1 apartment
2+1
100 m²
9918
A cozy furnished apartment with a pleasant interior in a green and inhabited area, just 400 meters from the beach and 150 meters from the center. Suitable for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.
2+1
125 m²
9917
A bright furnished apartment with two balconies, a step away from the sea and all city infrastructure - an excellent solution for recreation and permanent residence.
2+1
85 m²
9916
Mahmutlar district. 1+1 apartment of 60 m² in a new complex built in 2024 with large infrastructure. 1500 m to the sea, 500 m to the center.
1+1
60 m²
9915
Mahmutlar district. 1+1 apartment of 70 m² with furniture in a complex built in 2016. 250 m to the sea, 350 m to the center.
1+1
70 m²
9914
Mahmutlar district. Apartment 2+1, 115 m², 2015, 800 m to the sea, 500 m to the center, furnished, with two balconies and a view of the pool.
2+1
115 m²
9913
Oba district. Apartment 2+1, 85 m², built in 2021, with sea view. Distance to the sea 0 m, distance to the center 100 m. Suitable for obtaining citizenship.
2+1
85 m²
9912
These materials have been prepared for informational purposes and are not of a commercial nature.
Point Property – is a certified real estate agency that specializes in providing a full range of real estate services for residential and commercial real estate transactions in Turkey. Our company takes care of all the organizational aspects of a real estate transaction: searching for an object, organizing a sightseeing tour, assistance in collecting documents and checking the legal purity of documentation, support in re-registration of ownership. In addition, we provide our customers with a wide range of after-sales services.
