Turkey Customs Regulations

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.
Turkey Customs Regulations

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.

Examples of real estate in Turkey

126 500

In the Oba area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 50 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, with a view of the pool and the infrastructure of the complex, modern decoration and developed internal infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10919

110 000

In the Oba area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 51 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, new furniture and appliances, and views of the surrounding area.

room

1+1

area

51 m²

id

10918

142 000

In Konakli Alanya, 2+0 apartments of 45 m² in a hotel complex with permission for short-term rental, located 600 m from the sea, on the south side, with heated floors and a full sea view.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10917

98 000

In the Avsallar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 65 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 600 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, heated floors in the living room and views of the green surroundings.

room

1+1

area

65 m²

id

10916

128 000

In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 95 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 650 m from the sea and 450 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, two balconies and a partial sea view.

room

2+1

area

95 m²

id

10915

82 500

In the Verkhnyaya Oba area, this 1+1 apartment with an area of 52 m² in a complex built in 2024, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, is suitable for short-term rent and features high-quality modern finishing.

room

1+1

area

52 m²

id

10914

140 000

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2007, located 300 m from the sea and 200 m from the center of the area, with a sea view, two bathrooms and a spacious layout.

room

2+1

area

120 m²

id

10913

In the Mahmutlar area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 45 m² in a complex built in 2023, located 1500 m from the sea and 800 m from the center of the area, with a partial sea view, panoramic windows and developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10912

64 000

In the Demirtaş area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 49 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 1200 m from the sea and 700 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, partial sea views and modern decoration.

room

1+1

area

49 m²

id

10911

126 500

In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 125 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, with a functional layout, a glazed balcony and developed infrastructure.

room

2+1

area

125 m²

id

10910

49 500

In the Payallar area, 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new complex built in 2024, located 2000 m from the sea and 750 m from the center of the area, with sea views, panoramic windows and high investment potential.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10909

460 000

In the Obagol district, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2006 on the first coastline, located 100 m from the center of the district, with a sea view and suitable for obtaining Turkish citizenship.

room

3+1

area

120 m²

id

10908

125 000

In the Obagol area, a furnished 3+2 garden duplex with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2006, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with two living rooms and a convenient layout for a large family.

room

3+2

area

120 m²

id

10907

In the Mahmutlar area, 1+1 apartments of 50 m² in a new residential complex with an ISKAN, located just 100 m from the sea and with ready-made infrastructure for comfortable living.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10906

Citizenship
Prestigious 3+1 apartments with citizenship in the center of Alanya with panoramic views of the sea and the fortress-id-10905-photo-15

575 000

In the center of Alanya, furnished 3+1 apartment of 145 m² in a complex on the 7th floor, located 200 m from the sea, with a living room with an American-style kitchen and panoramic views of the sea, the fortress and the mountains, suitable for obtaining Turkish citizenship.

room

3+1

area

145 m²

id

10905

Citizenship
Bright 110 m² apartment in the Tosmur district with a glazed balcony-id-10904-photo-16

132 000

In the Tosmur area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 110 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 300 m from the sea and only 100 m from the center of the area, with two bathrooms and an equipped glazed balcony.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10904

110 000

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 60 m² in a complex built in 2016, located 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of the area, with a glazed equipped balcony and developed infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

60 m²

id

10903

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 78 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 400 m from the sea and only 100 m from the center of the area, with a rare spacious layout for this format and plenty of storage space.

room

1+1

area

78 m²

id

10902

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 2+1 apartments of 100 m² in a complex built in 2005, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with a convenient layout and ready for occupancy.

room

2+1

area

100 m²

id

10901

In the Mahmutlar area, 2+1 apartments of 90 m² in a complex built in 2006, located 300 m from the sea and only 100 m from the center of the area, with a functional family furnished layout and ready for occupancy.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10900

See more

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.

Turkey Customs Regulations

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.

Examples of real estate in Turkey

126 500

In the Oba area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 50 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, with a view of the pool and the infrastructure of the complex, modern decoration and developed internal infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10919

110 000

In the Oba area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 51 m² in a complex built in 2022, located 1300 m from the sea and 500 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, new furniture and appliances, and views of the surrounding area.

room

1+1

area

51 m²

id

10918

142 000

In Konakli Alanya, 2+0 apartments of 45 m² in a hotel complex with permission for short-term rental, located 600 m from the sea, on the south side, with heated floors and a full sea view.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10917

98 000

In the Avsallar area, furnished 1+1 apartments of 65 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 600 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, heated floors in the living room and views of the green surroundings.

room

1+1

area

65 m²

id

10916

128 000

In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 95 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 650 m from the sea and 450 m from the center of the area, with the possibility of obtaining a residence permit, two balconies and a partial sea view.

room

2+1

area

95 m²

id

10915

82 500

In the Verkhnyaya Oba area, this 1+1 apartment with an area of 52 m² in a complex built in 2024, located 1500 m from the sea and 1000 m from the center of the area, is suitable for short-term rent and features high-quality modern finishing.

room

1+1

area

52 m²

id

10914

140 000

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2007, located 300 m from the sea and 200 m from the center of the area, with a sea view, two bathrooms and a spacious layout.

room

2+1

area

120 m²

id

10913

In the Mahmutlar area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 45 m² in a complex built in 2023, located 1500 m from the sea and 800 m from the center of the area, with a partial sea view, panoramic windows and developed infrastructure for a comfortable stay.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10912

64 000

In the Demirtaş area, 1+1 apartments with an area of 49 m² in a complex built in 2025, located 1200 m from the sea and 700 m from the center of the area, with panoramic windows, partial sea views and modern decoration.

room

1+1

area

49 m²

id

10911

126 500

In the Avsallar area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 125 m² in a complex built in 2014, located 900 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, with a functional layout, a glazed balcony and developed infrastructure.

room

2+1

area

125 m²

id

10910

49 500

In the Payallar area, 1+1 apartments of 55 m² in a new complex built in 2024, located 2000 m from the sea and 750 m from the center of the area, with sea views, panoramic windows and high investment potential.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10909

460 000

In the Obagol district, furnished 3+1 apartments with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2006 on the first coastline, located 100 m from the center of the district, with a sea view and suitable for obtaining Turkish citizenship.

room

3+1

area

120 m²

id

10908

125 000

In the Obagol area, a furnished 3+2 garden duplex with an area of 120 m² in a complex built in 2006, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with two living rooms and a convenient layout for a large family.

room

3+2

area

120 m²

id

10907

In the Mahmutlar area, 1+1 apartments of 50 m² in a new residential complex with an ISKAN, located just 100 m from the sea and with ready-made infrastructure for comfortable living.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10906

Citizenship
Prestigious 3+1 apartments with citizenship in the center of Alanya with panoramic views of the sea and the fortress-id-10905-photo-15

575 000

In the center of Alanya, furnished 3+1 apartment of 145 m² in a complex on the 7th floor, located 200 m from the sea, with a living room with an American-style kitchen and panoramic views of the sea, the fortress and the mountains, suitable for obtaining Turkish citizenship.

room

3+1

area

145 m²

id

10905

Citizenship
Bright 110 m² apartment in the Tosmur district with a glazed balcony-id-10904-photo-16

132 000

In the Tosmur area, furnished 2+1 apartments with an area of 110 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 300 m from the sea and only 100 m from the center of the area, with two bathrooms and an equipped glazed balcony.

room

2+1

area

110 m²

id

10904

110 000

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 60 m² in a complex built in 2016, located 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of the area, with a glazed equipped balcony and developed infrastructure.

room

1+1

area

60 m²

id

10903

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 1+1 apartments with an area of 78 m² in a complex built in 2010, located 400 m from the sea and only 100 m from the center of the area, with a rare spacious layout for this format and plenty of storage space.

room

1+1

area

78 m²

id

10902

In the Mahmutlar area, furnished 2+1 apartments of 100 m² in a complex built in 2005, located 300 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, with a convenient layout and ready for occupancy.

room

2+1

area

100 m²

id

10901

In the Mahmutlar area, 2+1 apartments of 90 m² in a complex built in 2006, located 300 m from the sea and only 100 m from the center of the area, with a functional family furnished layout and ready for occupancy.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10900

See more

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.

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