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

103 000

This bright, 90 sq m two-bedroom apartment is located in the Tosmur district, just 150 meters from the sea and 100 meters from the district center. The property is eligible for a residence permit and is located near the picturesque Dimchay mountain river.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10959

69 500

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.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10958

146 000

This bright, fully furnished 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 130 sq m, is located in the Kestel district, just 450 meters from the sea. The windows and terraces offer views of the sea and pool, and the modern residential complex offers a wealth of amenities for comfortable living and relaxation.

room

2+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

130 m²

id

10956

This panoramic 1+1 apartment, 50 m², is located on the 8th floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Mahmutlar district, just 800 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. The apartment offers beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding area.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10955

258 500

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.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

150 m²

id

10954

340 000

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.

room

2+1

area

122 m²

id

10953

285 000

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.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

200 m²

id

10952

Citizenship
Spacious 65 m² apartment in the Tosmur area with sea views, residence permit and citizenship-id-10951-photo-8

88 000

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.

room

1+1

area

65 m²

id

10951

66 000

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.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10950

Citizenship
Spacious 75 m² apartment in Mahmutlar near the sea-id-10949-photo-10

1+1 apartment with an area of 75 m² without furniture is located on the high 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2019 in the Mahmutlar area, just 350 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area.

room

1+1

area

75 m²

id

10949

290 000

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.

room

2+1

area

120 m²

id

10948

A comfortable furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 45 m² is located on the 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2020 in the Mahmutlar area, just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, next to the Naula Museum.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10947

90 000

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.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10945

113 000

A 71 sq m unfurnished one-bedroom apartment with a view is located on the 8th floor of a modern complex built in 2026 in the Kestel district. Panoramic windows offer views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings. The sea is 2,300 m away, and the district center is 1,500 m away.

room

1+1

area

71 m²

id

10944

99 000

This bright, partially furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 56 m² is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Kestel district, just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center.

room

1+1

area

56 m²

id

10943

360 000

This two-story, 180 m², modern 3+1 villa is located in the Kargicak district within a residential complex. Built in 2025, the villa is offered partially furnished and features a private pool, a closed garage, and panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.

room

3+1, Duplex

area

180 m²

id

10942

70 000

In the Tosmur district, this furnished two-bedroom apartment measures 115 m² and features a separate kitchen. It's located just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. The apartment is eligible for a residence permit and is fully occupied.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

10941

In the Mahmutlar area, a new 1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² is presented in a modern residential complex built in 2024, located 600 m from the sea and 350 m from the center of the area.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10940

Mahmutlar: a furnished 1+1 apartment of 45 m², located just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. This modern residential complex offers all the necessary amenities and is fully occupied.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10939

87 000

Hasbahçe, a furnished 2+1 apartment of 85 m² with two balconies and private garden access. This modern residential complex, built in 2018, is located just 1 km from Alanya city center.

room

2+1

area

85 m²

id

10938

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

103 000

This bright, 90 sq m two-bedroom apartment is located in the Tosmur district, just 150 meters from the sea and 100 meters from the district center. The property is eligible for a residence permit and is located near the picturesque Dimchay mountain river.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10959

69 500

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.

room

1+1

area

55 m²

id

10958

146 000

This bright, fully furnished 2+1 duplex apartment, measuring 130 sq m, is located in the Kestel district, just 450 meters from the sea. The windows and terraces offer views of the sea and pool, and the modern residential complex offers a wealth of amenities for comfortable living and relaxation.

room

2+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

130 m²

id

10956

This panoramic 1+1 apartment, 50 m², is located on the 8th floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Mahmutlar district, just 800 m from the sea and 500 m from the district center. The apartment offers beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding area.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10955

258 500

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.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

150 m²

id

10954

340 000

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.

room

2+1

area

122 m²

id

10953

285 000

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.

room

3+1, Duplex, Penthouse

area

200 m²

id

10952

Citizenship
Spacious 65 m² apartment in the Tosmur area with sea views, residence permit and citizenship-id-10951-photo-8

88 000

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.

room

1+1

area

65 m²

id

10951

66 000

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.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10950

Citizenship
Spacious 75 m² apartment in Mahmutlar near the sea-id-10949-photo-10

1+1 apartment with an area of 75 m² without furniture is located on the high 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2019 in the Mahmutlar area, just 350 m from the sea and 250 m from the center of the area.

room

1+1

area

75 m²

id

10949

290 000

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.

room

2+1

area

120 m²

id

10948

A comfortable furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 45 m² is located on the 1st floor of a residential complex built in 2020 in the Mahmutlar area, just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the center of the area, next to the Naula Museum.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10947

90 000

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.

room

2+1

area

90 m²

id

10945

113 000

A 71 sq m unfurnished one-bedroom apartment with a view is located on the 8th floor of a modern complex built in 2026 in the Kestel district. Panoramic windows offer views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings. The sea is 2,300 m away, and the district center is 1,500 m away.

room

1+1

area

71 m²

id

10944

99 000

This bright, partially furnished 1+1 apartment with an area of 56 m² is located on the 3rd floor of a residential complex built in 2023 in the Kestel district, just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center.

room

1+1

area

56 m²

id

10943

360 000

This two-story, 180 m², modern 3+1 villa is located in the Kargicak district within a residential complex. Built in 2025, the villa is offered partially furnished and features a private pool, a closed garage, and panoramic views of the sea, mountains, and picturesque surroundings.

room

3+1, Duplex

area

180 m²

id

10942

70 000

In the Tosmur district, this furnished two-bedroom apartment measures 115 m² and features a separate kitchen. It's located just 300 m from the sea and 150 m from the district center. The apartment is eligible for a residence permit and is fully occupied.

room

2+1

area

115 m²

id

10941

In the Mahmutlar area, a new 1+1 apartment with an area of 50 m² is presented in a modern residential complex built in 2024, located 600 m from the sea and 350 m from the center of the area.

room

1+1

area

50 m²

id

10940

Mahmutlar: a furnished 1+1 apartment of 45 m², located just 500 m from the sea and 300 m from the district center. This modern residential complex offers all the necessary amenities and is fully occupied.

room

1+1

area

45 m²

id

10939

87 000

Hasbahçe, a furnished 2+1 apartment of 85 m² with two balconies and private garden access. This modern residential complex, built in 2018, is located just 1 km from Alanya city center.

room

2+1

area

85 m²

id

10938

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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