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.
This 220 m², 4+1 villa in Kargicak was built in 2021 and is delivered furnished. It features a living room and four bedrooms on three levels, two bathrooms, a balcony, a terrace, and a veranda. The villa is suitable for a residence permit. Distance to the sea is 2,500 m, and to the city center is 1,500 m.
4+1
220 m²
11051
This furnished 2+1 apartment, 85 m², is located on the ground floor of a building built in 2010 in the Kargicak district. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 2,500 m, and to the city center is 2,000 m.
2+1
85 m²
11050
This 63 sq m one-bedroom apartment in central Alanya is located on the fifth floor of a building built in 2026. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The apartment is delivered unfurnished. It is 600 m from the sea and 500 m from the city center. The property is eligible for inclusion in the citizenship package.
1+1
63 m²
11049
This furnished 45 sq m one-bedroom apartment is located on the fourth floor of a building built in 2024 in central Alanya, near Cleopatra Beach. The layout includes a bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and a balcony. The distance to the sea is 150 m, and to the city center is 200 m.
1+1
45 m²
11048
This 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 95 m², is located in the Güllerpınarı neighborhood in central Alanya. It occupies the fifth and sixth floors of a building built in 2024 and is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a living room and two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The distance to the sea is 200 m, and to the city center is 100 m.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
95 m²
11047
This 60 m², one-bedroom apartment with sea views in the Kargicak district is located on the second floor above two floors of shops. The building was built in 2023, and the apartment is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a bedroom, living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 500 m away, and the city center is 750 m away.
1+1
60 m²
11046
This 70 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Cikcilli is located on the ninth floor of a building built in 2008 and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 850 m away, and the city center is 150 m away.
1+1
70 m²
11045
This furnished 1+1 apartment, 60 m², is located in the Tosmur district of Alanya. It is located on the first floor, which is the same height as the second floor. The apartment has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. Construction of the complex was completed in November 2024. The sea is 700 m away, and the city center is 500 m away.
1+1
60 m²
11044
This 65 sq m two-bedroom apartment in central Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2021 and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 500 m away, and the city center is 250 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
65 m²
11043
This 110 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the eighth floor of a building built in 2018 and is being delivered furnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 350 m away, and the city center is 250 m away.
2+1
110 m²
11042
This 109 m², 2+1 apartment in the Hasbahçe district of Alanya is located on the ground floor of a building built in 2007 and is delivered unfurnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The distance to the sea is 1,300 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
109 m²
11041
This 110 sq m 2+1 apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2009. The apartment is delivered furnished and includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The property is eligible for a residence permit. The distance to the sea is 150 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
110 m²
11040
This 75 sq m 1+1 apartment is located on the second floor of a building built in 2022 in central Alanya, near Cleopatra Beach. The apartment is suitable for a residence permit and will be delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 450 m.
1+1
75 m²
11039
This 125 sq m, two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the second floor and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 600 m away, and the city center is 400 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
125 m²
11038
This 115 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar, Alanya, is located on the second floor of a building built in 2007. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The apartment is unfurnished, has sea views, and is suitable for residency. The distance to the sea is 50 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
115 m²
11037
This 47 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the sixth floor of a building built in 2024 and is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
1+1
47 m²
11036
This 65 sq m one-bedroom apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is suitable for residency. It is located on the second floor of a building built in 2014 and is delivered furnished. It has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 400 m, and to the city center is 200 m.
1+1
65 m²
11035
This 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 147 sq m, is located on the fourth and fifth floors in Nizhnyaya Oba. It has two bathrooms and two balconies, and is unfurnished. The building was built in 2023. It is 550 m from the sea and 300 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship applications.
2+1, Duplex
147 m²
11034
This furnished, two-story, 3+1 villa, 170 m² in size, is located in the Kargicak district on a 290 m² plot. The villa features three bathrooms and two glassed-in balconies, sea views, and a private pool. The property is suitable for citizenship applications. Built in 2008, the villa is 2,300 m from the sea and 2,000 m from the city center.
3+1
170 m²
11033
This 1+1 apartment, 55 m², in the Avsallar district is located on the fourth floor of a building built in June 2024. It has one bathroom and one balcony and is unfurnished. The distance to the sea is 950 m, and the district center is 750 m.
1+1
55 m²
11032
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.
This 220 m², 4+1 villa in Kargicak was built in 2021 and is delivered furnished. It features a living room and four bedrooms on three levels, two bathrooms, a balcony, a terrace, and a veranda. The villa is suitable for a residence permit. Distance to the sea is 2,500 m, and to the city center is 1,500 m.
4+1
220 m²
11051
This furnished 2+1 apartment, 85 m², is located on the ground floor of a building built in 2010 in the Kargicak district. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 2,500 m, and to the city center is 2,000 m.
2+1
85 m²
11050
This 63 sq m one-bedroom apartment in central Alanya is located on the fifth floor of a building built in 2026. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The apartment is delivered unfurnished. It is 600 m from the sea and 500 m from the city center. The property is eligible for inclusion in the citizenship package.
1+1
63 m²
11049
This furnished 45 sq m one-bedroom apartment is located on the fourth floor of a building built in 2024 in central Alanya, near Cleopatra Beach. The layout includes a bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and a balcony. The distance to the sea is 150 m, and to the city center is 200 m.
1+1
45 m²
11048
This 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 95 m², is located in the Güllerpınarı neighborhood in central Alanya. It occupies the fifth and sixth floors of a building built in 2024 and is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a living room and two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The distance to the sea is 200 m, and to the city center is 100 m.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
95 m²
11047
This 60 m², one-bedroom apartment with sea views in the Kargicak district is located on the second floor above two floors of shops. The building was built in 2023, and the apartment is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a bedroom, living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 500 m away, and the city center is 750 m away.
1+1
60 m²
11046
This 70 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Cikcilli is located on the ninth floor of a building built in 2008 and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 850 m away, and the city center is 150 m away.
1+1
70 m²
11045
This furnished 1+1 apartment, 60 m², is located in the Tosmur district of Alanya. It is located on the first floor, which is the same height as the second floor. The apartment has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. Construction of the complex was completed in November 2024. The sea is 700 m away, and the city center is 500 m away.
1+1
60 m²
11044
This 65 sq m two-bedroom apartment in central Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2021 and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, one bathroom, and one balcony. The sea is 500 m away, and the city center is 250 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
65 m²
11043
This 110 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the eighth floor of a building built in 2018 and is being delivered furnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 350 m away, and the city center is 250 m away.
2+1
110 m²
11042
This 109 m², 2+1 apartment in the Hasbahçe district of Alanya is located on the ground floor of a building built in 2007 and is delivered unfurnished. The layout includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The distance to the sea is 1,300 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
109 m²
11041
This 110 sq m 2+1 apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is located on the second floor of a building built in 2009. The apartment is delivered furnished and includes two bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The property is eligible for a residence permit. The distance to the sea is 150 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
110 m²
11040
This 75 sq m 1+1 apartment is located on the second floor of a building built in 2022 in central Alanya, near Cleopatra Beach. The apartment is suitable for a residence permit and will be delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 450 m.
1+1
75 m²
11039
This 125 sq m, two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the second floor and is delivered furnished. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The sea is 600 m away, and the city center is 400 m away. The property is suitable for residency and citizenship applications.
2+1
125 m²
11038
This 115 sq m two-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar, Alanya, is located on the second floor of a building built in 2007. The layout includes a living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. The apartment is unfurnished, has sea views, and is suitable for residency. The distance to the sea is 50 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
2+1
115 m²
11037
This 47 sq m one-bedroom apartment in Mahmutlar is located on the sixth floor of a building built in 2024 and is being delivered unfurnished. The layout includes a living room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 650 m, and to the city center is 300 m.
1+1
47 m²
11036
This 65 sq m one-bedroom apartment in the Mahmutlar district of Alanya is suitable for residency. It is located on the second floor of a building built in 2014 and is delivered furnished. It has one bedroom, a living room, one bathroom, and one balcony. The distance to the sea is 400 m, and to the city center is 200 m.
1+1
65 m²
11035
This 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 147 sq m, is located on the fourth and fifth floors in Nizhnyaya Oba. It has two bathrooms and two balconies, and is unfurnished. The building was built in 2023. It is 550 m from the sea and 300 m from the city center. The property is suitable for citizenship applications.
2+1, Duplex
147 m²
11034
This furnished, two-story, 3+1 villa, 170 m² in size, is located in the Kargicak district on a 290 m² plot. The villa features three bathrooms and two glassed-in balconies, sea views, and a private pool. The property is suitable for citizenship applications. Built in 2008, the villa is 2,300 m from the sea and 2,000 m from the city center.
3+1
170 m²
11033
This 1+1 apartment, 55 m², in the Avsallar district is located on the fourth floor of a building built in June 2024. It has one bathroom and one balcony and is unfurnished. The distance to the sea is 950 m, and the district center is 750 m.
1+1
55 m²
11032
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.
