Turkey customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Turkey's customs service is strict about two things that catch tourists out: the value of goods you bring in and the prescription medicines in your bag. The duty-free allowance is only €430 (about $470), far lower than the $800–$900 common in the US or EU, and everything above it is taxed at a flat 30% for non-EU goods. Separately, several medicines sold freely in Europe and North America — including some codeine painkillers and ADHD stimulants — are controlled or outright banned in Turkey, so carry your prescription and keep quantities personal.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of alcohol over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of alcohol up to 22% ABV (wine, beer, etc.). You must be 18 or older. This is a personal allowance per traveller; anything above is subject to duty and VAT.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

You must declare if you carry more than 10,000 USD or equivalent in Turkish Lira or any foreign currency. The threshold in Turkish Lira is approximately 300,000 TL (at 30 TL/USD). Declare on the customs declaration form at the red channel or to a customs officer.

Goods duty-free

$430

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is €430 (about $470) per traveller. For goods from non-EU countries, anything above €430 is subject to a flat 30% customs duty plus 20% VAT. For goods from EU countries, the allowance is €300 (about $330) and the flat duty is 18% plus 20% VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and illegal drugs (including cannabis, even for medical use)
Meat and dairy products from countries with animal diseases (e.g., foot-and-mouth disease)
Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
Weapons and ammunition without a permit
Pornographic materials
Certain medications (e.g., codeine, ADHD stimulants) without prior approval

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Firearms and ammunition (require special permit)
Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate)
Pets (require health certificate and rabies vaccination)
Drone cameras (may require registration)
Satellite phones (require permit)
Antiques and cultural artifacts (require export permit)

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Turkish airports you'll see red and green channels. If you have nothing to declare and are within the allowances, walk through the green channel. If you exceed any allowance or carry restricted goods, use the red channel and fill out a customs declaration form (available at the channel or from officers). There is no universal arrival card for customs, but you may be asked to complete one if you have goods to declare.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Turkey offers a VAT refund for tourists on purchases over 100 TL (about $3.30) from participating shops. Look for the 'Tax Free' sign, get a tax-free shopping form, and claim the refund at the airport before check-in at the Global Blue or other refund counter. You must show the goods, receipt, and passport. The refund is paid in cash (Turkish Lira or USD) or to a credit card.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter. You can bring up to 5 boxes or 3 months' supply of a medication for personal use. Controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics, some painkillers like codeine, and ADHD drugs like Adderall) require a special permit from the Turkish Ministry of Health before travel. Many common Western medications are illegal or restricted; check the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency website. Never carry medication for someone else.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, and animal products from most countries are banned due to animal disease control. Fresh fruits and vegetables are generally prohibited. Plants, seeds, and soil require a phytosanitary certificate. You can bring limited amounts of packaged, shelf-stable food for personal use, but declare any food items. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

€430 Goods Allowance

The duty-free allowance for goods from non-EU countries is only €430 (about $470). This is much lower than the $800–$900 common in many countries. If you exceed it, you pay a flat 30% duty plus 20% VAT on the excess. Keep receipts for expensive items like electronics.

Medication Restrictions

Several medications sold over-the-counter or by prescription in Europe and North America are controlled in Turkey. Codeine, ADHD stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin), and some antidepressants require a permit from the Turkish Ministry of Health. Bring only personal amounts with a prescription and doctor's letter. Random checks occur.

Cash Declaration

You must declare cash or negotiable instruments over 10,000 USD (or equivalent in Turkish Lira, about 300,000 TL). There is no limit on how much you can bring, but undeclared amounts can be seized and fined. Use the red channel and fill out the declaration form.

Tobacco and Alcohol Limits

The tobacco allowance is 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco. Alcohol is 1L over 22% ABV OR 2L under 22% ABV. These are per adult (18+). If you exceed, you pay duty and VAT. Customs officers may ask you to open luggage.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for personal use, but some medications are controlled. Bring original packaging, a prescription, and a doctor's letter. For controlled substances (e.g., narcotics, ADHD drugs), you need prior approval from the Turkish Ministry of Health. Up to 3 months' supply is generally allowed. Check the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency website for a list of restricted medications.

The allowance is €430 (about $470) per traveller. This includes gifts and personal goods. If you exceed it, you pay a flat 30% customs duty plus 20% VAT on the excess. For goods from EU countries, the allowance is €300 and the duty is 18% plus 20% VAT.

You can bring up to 10,000 USD (or equivalent in Turkish Lira, about 300,000 TL) without declaring. If you carry more, you must declare it on a customs form at the red channel. There is no limit on the amount, but undeclared cash can be confiscated and you may face fines.

Meat, dairy, and fresh produce are generally prohibited due to animal and plant health regulations. Packaged, shelf-stable foods for personal use are usually allowed, but you must declare them. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation. Check the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website for details.

You will have to pay customs duty and VAT on the excess amount. The duty rates vary, but expect to pay a percentage of the value. It's best to declare and pay rather than risk fines. The allowances are per person, so if you're travelling with family, each adult can bring their own allowance.

Yes, if you shop at stores participating in the tax-free system and spend over 100 TL (about $3.30) in a single store. You need to get a tax-free shopping form and present it at the airport VAT refund counter before check-in. The refund is paid in cash or to your credit card. Not all stores participate, so look for the 'Tax Free' sign.

Drones may be subject to registration and permits. For recreational use, you may need to register with the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority. Commercial drones require additional permits. It's best to check with the Turkish embassy or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation before travelling. Customs may ask to see documentation.

Official source

Turkish Ministry of Trade, Customs Enforcement