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.
Spacious apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2020 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the banana garden
2+1
100 m²
9313
Spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view from a large balcony
1+1
70 m²
9312
Cozy apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. To the sea - 500 m, to the center - 250 m. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view.
1+1
70 m²
9311
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2012 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 750 m. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the sea
2+1
115 m²
9310
Bright apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2010 complex with a swimming pool, recreation area and parking. To the sea - 700 m, to the center - 500 m. Partially furnished.
2+1
100 m²
9309
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2010 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1200 m, to the center - 400 m. Fully furnished, suitable for registration of a residence permit.
3+1
115 m²
9308
Project 400 meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The area is open for residence permits
1+1
65 m²
9307
Apartment 2+1 with furniture and appliances and beautiful mountain views
2+1
105 m²
9306
Complex with hotel infrastructure 800 meters from the sea
1+1
60 m²
9305
Furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in Obagol district. House of 2014, only 250 meters to the sea, 50 meters to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, fitness, sauna.
2+1
95 m²
9304
Bright furnished apartment 1+1 in the Oba area, 42 m², with a balcony. House of 2022, 1000 m to the sea. Complex with a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room.
1+1
42 m²
9303
Cozy furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², with a separate kitchen and two balconies. House of 2000, just 300 m from the sea. The house has an elevator.
2+1
100 m²
9302
Cozy furnished apartment 1+1, 60 m², in a modern complex of 2020. Excellent location - only 500 m to the beach and 300 m to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, sauna, fitness and landscaped garden.
1+1
60 m²
9301
Modern apartment 70 m², in a 2023 residence with rich infrastructure. Free transfer to the sea and the center, indoor and outdoor pools, SPA area, fitness, cinema and much more.
2+1
70 m²
9300
Cozy apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a 2022 complex with swimming pools, SPA area, fitness and security. Excellent location: 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center. Fully furnished.
1+1
50 m²
9299
Spacious 4+2 villa in Kargicak area, located in a villa complex. Area 290 m², land plot – 350 m². The house was built in 2006. The villa is furnished, has three balconies and spacious terraces. Distance to the sea – 4000 m, to the center – 2000 m.
4+2
290 m²
9298
Bright 1+1 apartment with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea in the Calais area. The house was completed in 2024, distance to the sea - 600 m, to the center - 800 m. Fully furnished, located in a complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
65 m²
9297
Furnished 2+1 apartment with a convenient layout, in a house built in 2005, 500 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of Alanya.
2+1
90 m²
9296
Bright duplex 4+1 with panoramic view, after renovation, located in Bektash area. 3500 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center. Possibility of obtaining a residence permit
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
9295
A solid project from a reliable developer 1000 meters from the sea
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
9294
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.
Spacious apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2020 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the banana garden
2+1
100 m²
9313
Spacious apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view from a large balcony
1+1
70 m²
9312
Cozy apartment 1+1, 70 m², in a 2018 complex with a swimming pool, parking and security. To the sea - 500 m, to the center - 250 m. Fully furnished, beautiful sea view.
1+1
70 m²
9311
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2012 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1000 m, to the center - 750 m. Fully furnished, beautiful view of the sea
2+1
115 m²
9310
Bright apartment 2+1, 100 m², in a 2010 complex with a swimming pool, recreation area and parking. To the sea - 700 m, to the center - 500 m. Partially furnished.
2+1
100 m²
9309
Cozy apartment 2+1, 115 m², in a 2010 complex with swimming pools, parking and security. To the sea - 1200 m, to the center - 400 m. Fully furnished, suitable for registration of a residence permit.
3+1
115 m²
9308
Project 400 meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The area is open for residence permits
1+1
65 m²
9307
Apartment 2+1 with furniture and appliances and beautiful mountain views
2+1
105 m²
9306
Complex with hotel infrastructure 800 meters from the sea
1+1
60 m²
9305
Furnished 2+1 apartment of 95 m² in Obagol district. House of 2014, only 250 meters to the sea, 50 meters to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, fitness, sauna.
2+1
95 m²
9304
Bright furnished apartment 1+1 in the Oba area, 42 m², with a balcony. House of 2022, 1000 m to the sea. Complex with a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room.
1+1
42 m²
9303
Cozy furnished apartment 2+1, 100 m², with a separate kitchen and two balconies. House of 2000, just 300 m from the sea. The house has an elevator.
2+1
100 m²
9302
Cozy furnished apartment 1+1, 60 m², in a modern complex of 2020. Excellent location - only 500 m to the beach and 300 m to the center. The complex has a swimming pool, sauna, fitness and landscaped garden.
1+1
60 m²
9301
Modern apartment 70 m², in a 2023 residence with rich infrastructure. Free transfer to the sea and the center, indoor and outdoor pools, SPA area, fitness, cinema and much more.
2+1
70 m²
9300
Cozy apartment 1+1, 50 m², in a 2022 complex with swimming pools, SPA area, fitness and security. Excellent location: 650 m to the sea, 250 m to the center. Fully furnished.
1+1
50 m²
9299
Spacious 4+2 villa in Kargicak area, located in a villa complex. Area 290 m², land plot – 350 m². The house was built in 2006. The villa is furnished, has three balconies and spacious terraces. Distance to the sea – 4000 m, to the center – 2000 m.
4+2
290 m²
9298
Bright 1+1 apartment with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea in the Calais area. The house was completed in 2024, distance to the sea - 600 m, to the center - 800 m. Fully furnished, located in a complex with rich infrastructure.
1+1
65 m²
9297
Furnished 2+1 apartment with a convenient layout, in a house built in 2005, 500 m from the sea and 150 m from the center of Alanya.
2+1
90 m²
9296
Bright duplex 4+1 with panoramic view, after renovation, located in Bektash area. 3500 m from the sea and 2000 m from the center. Possibility of obtaining a residence permit
4+1, Duplex, Penthouse
160 m²
9295
A solid project from a reliable developer 1000 meters from the sea
3+1, Duplex, Penthouse
150 m²
9294
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.
