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.
A 1+1 apartment with an area of 58 m² in the Mahmutlar area is located on the fourth floor of a 2024 building, 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area.
1+1
58 m²
10972
This 60 m², 1+1 apartment in Avsallar is located on the second floor of a project scheduled for completion in 2025 and features one balcony, one bathroom, and on-site amenities.
1+1
60 m²
10971
Two-level apartment 2+1 in Konakli, 89 m²: two bathrooms, two balconies, household appliances, 300 m to the sea and 500 m to the district center.
2+1, Duplex
89 m²
10970
Furnished 2+1 duplex with an area of 100 m² in the Mahmutlar area is located on the fourth and fifth floors of a 2019 building, 450 m from the sea and 200 m from the center.
2+1, Duplex
100 m²
10969
A 3+1 duplex with an area of 175 m² in the Kestel area occupies the third and fourth floors of a 2015 building, is located 450 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, and is delivered partially furnished.
3+1, Duplex
175 m²
10968
Furnished 1+1 apartment, 60 m², in Mahmutlar: second floor, sea view, one balcony, 2018 building, 200 m to the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10967
1+1 apartment, 55 m², in the Kadıpaşa district of Alanya: second floor, 2020 building, one balcony, one bathroom, furniture included in the price, 850 m to the sea.
1+1
55 m²
10966
This 1+1 apartment, 65 m², is located on the fourth floor of a 2015 building in Kestel, 100 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of Kestel; unfurnished, with one balcony.
1+1
65 m²
10965
A 1+1 apartment with an area of 60 m² in Tosmur is located on the second floor of a building with commissioning in November 2024, 700 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10964
Furnished 1+1 apartment of 48 m² in the center of Alanya, on the first floor of a 2014 building, with one balcony, 700 m from the sea and 150 m from the center.
1+1
48 m²
10963
Urgent sale of a furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 60 m² in the Mahmutlar district. Located on the eighth floor of a building built in 2018, the apartment features a bathroom and a balcony. It is 500 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10962
This 1+1 apartment, 54 m², is located on the second floor in the Mahmutlar district. The building was built in 2025. The apartment is unfurnished and is 1,000 meters from the sea and 500 meters from the district center.
1+1
54 m²
10961
This bright, fully furnished 1+1 apartment, 55 m², is located in the Obagöl district, just 200 meters from the sea and 50 meters from the district center. The property is eligible for a residence permit.
1+1
55 m²
10958
This fully furnished 3+1 garden duplex, measuring 150 m², is located in the Kestel district, just 300 meters from the sea and 300 meters from the district center. The balconies offer beautiful views of the mountains and green surroundings.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
10954
This fully furnished 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 122 m², is located on the beachfront in the Kargicak district. Built in 2022, the complex is just 350 m from the district center, and the apartment offers views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
2+1
122 m²
10953
This furnished 3+1 garden duplex apartment, 200 m², is located in the Kargicak district, just 250 meters from the sea and 1000 meters from the district center. The apartment is decorated in a classic style and is located in a residential complex with full amenities.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
200 m²
10952
This spacious, furnished 1+1 apartment, 65 m², is located on the 5th floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Tosmur district, just 650 m from the sea and 200 m from the district center. The apartment offers sea views and is suitable for Turkish residency and citizenship.
1+1
65 m²
10951
This 45 m² one-bedroom apartment is located on the second floor of a residential complex in the Oba district, just 1,800 meters from the sea. The apartment is offered furnished (without appliances), has a partial sea view, and is located in a complex with extensive amenities.
1+1
45 m²
10950
This furnished 2+1 apartment, 120 m², is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Kargicak district, just 50 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. The apartment offers unobstructed views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
2+1
120 m²
10948
A new 2+1 apartment of 90 m² without furniture is located in the green area of Verkhnyaya Oba, in a modern complex built in 2025, 2300 m from the sea and 1900 m from the center of the area.
2+1
90 m²
10945
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.
A 1+1 apartment with an area of 58 m² in the Mahmutlar area is located on the fourth floor of a 2024 building, 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area.
1+1
58 m²
10972
This 60 m², 1+1 apartment in Avsallar is located on the second floor of a project scheduled for completion in 2025 and features one balcony, one bathroom, and on-site amenities.
1+1
60 m²
10971
Two-level apartment 2+1 in Konakli, 89 m²: two bathrooms, two balconies, household appliances, 300 m to the sea and 500 m to the district center.
2+1, Duplex
89 m²
10970
Furnished 2+1 duplex with an area of 100 m² in the Mahmutlar area is located on the fourth and fifth floors of a 2019 building, 450 m from the sea and 200 m from the center.
2+1, Duplex
100 m²
10969
A 3+1 duplex with an area of 175 m² in the Kestel area occupies the third and fourth floors of a 2015 building, is located 450 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of the area, and is delivered partially furnished.
3+1, Duplex
175 m²
10968
Furnished 1+1 apartment, 60 m², in Mahmutlar: second floor, sea view, one balcony, 2018 building, 200 m to the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10967
1+1 apartment, 55 m², in the Kadıpaşa district of Alanya: second floor, 2020 building, one balcony, one bathroom, furniture included in the price, 850 m to the sea.
1+1
55 m²
10966
This 1+1 apartment, 65 m², is located on the fourth floor of a 2015 building in Kestel, 100 m from the sea and 100 m from the center of Kestel; unfurnished, with one balcony.
1+1
65 m²
10965
A 1+1 apartment with an area of 60 m² in Tosmur is located on the second floor of a building with commissioning in November 2024, 700 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10964
Furnished 1+1 apartment of 48 m² in the center of Alanya, on the first floor of a 2014 building, with one balcony, 700 m from the sea and 150 m from the center.
1+1
48 m²
10963
Urgent sale of a furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 60 m² in the Mahmutlar district. Located on the eighth floor of a building built in 2018, the apartment features a bathroom and a balcony. It is 500 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the district center.
1+1
60 m²
10962
This 1+1 apartment, 54 m², is located on the second floor in the Mahmutlar district. The building was built in 2025. The apartment is unfurnished and is 1,000 meters from the sea and 500 meters from the district center.
1+1
54 m²
10961
This bright, fully furnished 1+1 apartment, 55 m², is located in the Obagöl district, just 200 meters from the sea and 50 meters from the district center. The property is eligible for a residence permit.
1+1
55 m²
10958
This fully furnished 3+1 garden duplex, measuring 150 m², is located in the Kestel district, just 300 meters from the sea and 300 meters from the district center. The balconies offer beautiful views of the mountains and green surroundings.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
10954
This fully furnished 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 122 m², is located on the beachfront in the Kargicak district. Built in 2022, the complex is just 350 m from the district center, and the apartment offers views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
2+1
122 m²
10953
This furnished 3+1 garden duplex apartment, 200 m², is located in the Kargicak district, just 250 meters from the sea and 1000 meters from the district center. The apartment is decorated in a classic style and is located in a residential complex with full amenities.
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
200 m²
10952
This spacious, furnished 1+1 apartment, 65 m², is located on the 5th floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Tosmur district, just 650 m from the sea and 200 m from the district center. The apartment offers sea views and is suitable for Turkish residency and citizenship.
1+1
65 m²
10951
This 45 m² one-bedroom apartment is located on the second floor of a residential complex in the Oba district, just 1,800 meters from the sea. The apartment is offered furnished (without appliances), has a partial sea view, and is located in a complex with extensive amenities.
1+1
45 m²
10950
This furnished 2+1 apartment, 120 m², is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2018 in the Kargicak district, just 50 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. The apartment offers unobstructed views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.
2+1
120 m²
10948
A new 2+1 apartment of 90 m² without furniture is located in the green area of Verkhnyaya Oba, in a modern complex built in 2025, 2300 m from the sea and 1900 m from the center of the area.
2+1
90 m²
10945
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.
