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.
Solid complex with a swimming pool. Apartment 145 sq.m. Residence permit available
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
145 m²
9673
New modern house with a chic location. Spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms and large terraces
2+1
90 m²
9672
Spacious two bedroom apartment with furniture and appliances
2+1
110 m²
9671
Three-room furnished apartment with two bathrooms and a balcony, just 1.5 km from the sea and 600 meters from the center of Alanya.
3+1
165 m²
9669
Spacious 2+1 duplex with a terrace, dressing room and a luxurious sea view, in a modern complex at the very edge of the water.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
133 m²
9668
A cozy 1+1 apartment with a balcony, a minute's walk from the beach, located in a well-maintained complex in the Kestel area.
1+1
55 m²
9667
Bright 2+1 apartment with designer renovation, furniture, balcony and mountain view, just 900 m from the sea.
2+1
78 m²
9666
A cozy 1+1 apartment with a balcony, fine finishing and an affordable price - in a new complex in the Payallar area.
1+1
50 m²
9665
Modern 1+1 apartment with designer renovation, furniture and balcony, just 150 meters from the sea.
1+1
54 m²
9664
Furnished apartment 2+1 with an area of 103 m² in the Tosmur area, located on the 5th floor in a complex with hotel infrastructure, built in 2018. The sea is only 250 meters away, the center is 100 meters away. There is a sea view.
2+1
103 m²
9663
Furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², in the Tosmur area, built in 2013, just 350 meters from the sea and 150 meters from the center. Residence permit available
2+1
100 m²
9662
Spacious apartment in the Oba area, 165 m², 3+1 layout, 2012, located 2000 meters from the sea and only 600 meters from the center. Complex with good territory.
3+1
165 m²
9661
The apartment layout 1+1 with an area of 50 m² is located in the Oba (Karakochaly) area, located on the second floor of a modern house built in 2024. The distance to the sea is 1800 meters, to the center - 300 meters.
1+1
50 m²
9660
Area - Oba. Layout 1+1, area 70 m², furnished, year of construction 2018, in excellent condition, distance to the sea - 900 m, to the center - 300 m, suitable for residence permit.
1+1
70 m²
9659
Modern furnished apartment 2+1, 125 m², in the Oba area, built in 2015, located only 550 meters from the sea and 250 meters from the center of the area. Residence permit available
2+1
125 m²
9658
District - Mahmutlar. Layout 2+1, area 120 m², furnished, year of construction 2012, distance to the sea - 800 m, to the center - 350 m.
2+1
120 m²
9657
Layout 1+1, area 60 m², year of construction 2024, distance to the sea - 400 m, to the center - 200 m.
1+1
60 m²
9656
Studio with balcony and bathroom, with a beautiful sea view and 100 meters from the center, in a prestigious complex in the Mahmutlar area.
1+0
35 m²
9655
Spacious two bedroom apartment in a complex located 250 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
2+1
100 m²
9654
Apartment in Kargicak area, 52 m², 1+1 layout, 2024, located 200 meters from the sea. Complex with good territory.
1+1
52 m²
9653
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.
Solid complex with a swimming pool. Apartment 145 sq.m. Residence permit available
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
145 m²
9673
New modern house with a chic location. Spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms and large terraces
2+1
90 m²
9672
Spacious two bedroom apartment with furniture and appliances
2+1
110 m²
9671
Three-room furnished apartment with two bathrooms and a balcony, just 1.5 km from the sea and 600 meters from the center of Alanya.
3+1
165 m²
9669
Spacious 2+1 duplex with a terrace, dressing room and a luxurious sea view, in a modern complex at the very edge of the water.
2+1, Duplex, Penthouse
133 m²
9668
A cozy 1+1 apartment with a balcony, a minute's walk from the beach, located in a well-maintained complex in the Kestel area.
1+1
55 m²
9667
Bright 2+1 apartment with designer renovation, furniture, balcony and mountain view, just 900 m from the sea.
2+1
78 m²
9666
A cozy 1+1 apartment with a balcony, fine finishing and an affordable price - in a new complex in the Payallar area.
1+1
50 m²
9665
Modern 1+1 apartment with designer renovation, furniture and balcony, just 150 meters from the sea.
1+1
54 m²
9664
Furnished apartment 2+1 with an area of 103 m² in the Tosmur area, located on the 5th floor in a complex with hotel infrastructure, built in 2018. The sea is only 250 meters away, the center is 100 meters away. There is a sea view.
2+1
103 m²
9663
Furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², in the Tosmur area, built in 2013, just 350 meters from the sea and 150 meters from the center. Residence permit available
2+1
100 m²
9662
Spacious apartment in the Oba area, 165 m², 3+1 layout, 2012, located 2000 meters from the sea and only 600 meters from the center. Complex with good territory.
3+1
165 m²
9661
The apartment layout 1+1 with an area of 50 m² is located in the Oba (Karakochaly) area, located on the second floor of a modern house built in 2024. The distance to the sea is 1800 meters, to the center - 300 meters.
1+1
50 m²
9660
Area - Oba. Layout 1+1, area 70 m², furnished, year of construction 2018, in excellent condition, distance to the sea - 900 m, to the center - 300 m, suitable for residence permit.
1+1
70 m²
9659
Modern furnished apartment 2+1, 125 m², in the Oba area, built in 2015, located only 550 meters from the sea and 250 meters from the center of the area. Residence permit available
2+1
125 m²
9658
District - Mahmutlar. Layout 2+1, area 120 m², furnished, year of construction 2012, distance to the sea - 800 m, to the center - 350 m.
2+1
120 m²
9657
Layout 1+1, area 60 m², year of construction 2024, distance to the sea - 400 m, to the center - 200 m.
1+1
60 m²
9656
Studio with balcony and bathroom, with a beautiful sea view and 100 meters from the center, in a prestigious complex in the Mahmutlar area.
1+0
35 m²
9655
Spacious two bedroom apartment in a complex located 250 meters from the sea and 200 meters from the center of Mahmutlar.
2+1
100 m²
9654
Apartment in Kargicak area, 52 m², 1+1 layout, 2024, located 200 meters from the sea. Complex with good territory.
1+1
52 m²
9653
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.
