Turkey customs rules & duty-free allowances
Turkey's customs enforcement is notably strict on alcohol and tobacco allowances: you must choose one category and cannot mix. Non-residents get a €430 duty-free goods allowance; exceeding it triggers a flat 20% duty on the excess. Always use the green channel if you have nothing to declare, and the red channel if you exceed limits or carry restricted items. These rules apply to all arriving international travellers aged 18+ in 2026.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy)
- Counterfeit goods and pirated products
- Obscene or immoral materials (pornography, hate speech)
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and knives over 7cm blade)
- Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, fur) without CITES permit
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (require Ministry of Health permit)
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (must be registered with Turkish Civil Aviation Authority)
- Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices (require prior approval)
- Cultural artifacts and antiques (export permit from Ministry of Culture required)
- Live animals (import permit and health certificate needed)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, you'll pass through customs. Use the green channel (nothing to declare) if your goods are within limits. Use the red channel if you exceed allowances, carry restricted items, or have cash over €10,000. No arrival card is required; customs declaration form is only needed for red channel or if asked.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tourists can claim VAT refund (KDV iadesi) on purchases over 100 TRY (approx. 3.50 USD) from shops displaying 'Tax Free' logos. Get a Global Blue or similar form at the shop, then present goods and forms at the airport's Tax Refund Office before check-in. Refund is typically 8-18% of the purchase price.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months' supply are allowed with a doctor's prescription (in English or Turkish). Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, psychotropics) require prior approval from the Turkish Ministry of Health. Some common Western meds like codeine-based cough syrups are banned without a permit.
Food, plants & animal products
Meat, dairy, and animal products from non-EU countries are generally banned. Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate. Declare all food items; undeclared items can be confiscated and you may face fines.
Rules worth knowing
Alcohol and tobacco: no mixing
You cannot combine allowances. For example, you cannot bring 100 cigarettes + 125g tobacco. Choose one category only.
Gifts and personal goods: €430 limit
The duty-free allowance for personal goods is €430 (approx. 470 USD). If the total value exceeds this, a flat 20% duty applies on the entire excess amount.
Cash declaration: €10,000
Any cash (TRY or foreign) equivalent to €10,000 or more must be declared on a customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines up to 25% of the amount.
No duty-free on arrival from EU?
If arriving from an EU country, the same allowances apply — no special EU exemption. The €430 goods limit is universal for all non-residents.