When traveling to Turkey, you should be aware of all the custom regulations if you decide to buy items from the duty-free shops at the airport, import or export goods from Turkey, or transport money during your travel.
That is why we created this complete guide to customs regulations in Turkey. Here, you will find the allowed amount of goods, alcohol, and cigarettes, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about this topic.
Keep in mind that you can also read our article about Entry Regulations in Turkey including visa requirements and our article about E-Visa Rules in Turkey.
Import Regulations (Customs)
Free import of the following goods is allowed:
For more import regulations, please check the official website.
These regulations do not apply to transit passengers.
Important: Please be advised that Turkey has a strict drug policy. The import, export, or possession of even a small quantity of illegal drugs is punished with an imprisonment sentence.
Export Regulations (Customs)
Free export of the following goods is allowed:
The export of the following goods is prohibited:
Important: There are severe prison sentences for the export of cultural objects, historical items, and antiquities!
Cash Allowed without Declaration
In Turkey, there is no restriction on the amount of foreign and Turkish currency that can be brought into the country.
However, when leaving the country, you are not allowed to export more than 5,000 US dollars or the equivalent in Turkish or foreign currencies. Amounts exceeding this must be declared.
Duty-Free Shopping in Turkey (VAT Refund)
The regular VAT rate in Turkey is 18%, but some products such as textiles, shoes, bags, and books have a 8% VAT rate.
Anyone who does not have a permanent residence permit in Turkey and spends at least 100 Turkish Lira plus VAT on a purchase can receive a tax-free invoice and get the VAT back.
You can find the tax-free office located in the departure area of the Antalya Airport, Istanbul Airport, and some other major international airports in Turkey.
The tax refund must be applied for. The items must be presented to customs in their original packaging along with the tax-free invoice. After approval, a part of the VAT will be refunded in Euro or USD. If the goods are to be transported in a suitcase, it must be checked in at the customs department.
Please be aware that the VAT refund process is very time consuming. So make sure you are at the airport on time.
Important: Please check import regulations for your destination country.
Drone Import and Use in Turkey for Foreigners
Importing drones is not possible in 99% of cases. Drones must be registered in Turkey. However, this is only possible with a Turkish ID card.
An exception is made for drones that are lighter than 500 grams. In addition, there are very strict rules on flying drones in Turkey. If you break the rules, such as flying in a restricted area or above 120 meters, your drone will be confiscated immediately.
Therefore, if at all, you should only fly your drone in your hotel area.
If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comment section below. Also, you can read information about Covid-19 rules in Turkey and learn all you need to know before your trip.
Have a look at the links below to plan your trip.