Introducing a temporary vehicle into Turkey requires meeting several conditions and procedures to ensure compliance with the country’s customs laws. Here are some of the basic conditions for temporarily bringing a car into Turkey:
Residency Duration: The importer (the person bringing the car) must have resided outside Turkey for at least 185 days in the last year before entering with the car.
Visa and Residence: The importer must have a valid entry visa or a residence permit that allows them to stay in Turkey.
Maximum Usage Period: The vehicle can be used in Turkey for up to 730 days temporarily, with the duration determined based on the individual case of each importer and the terms of residence.
Financial Guarantee: A financial deposit or bank guarantee may be required to ensure compliance with all customs laws and regulations. This guarantee can be refunded after the car is taken out of the country within the specified period.
Registration and Insurance: The car must be registered in the country of origin, and it should have insurance that covers financial liability for any damages that may occur while in Turkey.
Driver’s License: The driver must hold a valid and internationally recognized driver’s license.
No Ownership Transfer: The temporarily imported car cannot be sold, rented, or transferred while in Turkey.
Documentation: Passport, driver’s license, car ownership, international insurance, and any other documents required by customs authorities must be presented upon entering Turkey with the vehicle.
It's advisable to check for any updates to Turkish customs laws and policies by contacting the Turkish embassy or consulate or visiting the official Turkish customs website, as changes may occur over time.
Documents required for temporarily importing vehicles to Turkey
When temporarily importing a car into Turkey, a set of documents must be presented to comply with customs requirements. Here’s a list of the required documents:
Passport: Must be valid with a current entry visa or residence permit in Turkey.
Driver’s License: An international driver’s license or a nationally recognized driver's license, allowing you to drive the car in Turkey.
Car Ownership Document: Proves that the car is registered in your name in the country of origin.
Car Insurance: International insurance covering financial liability for any accidents that might occur while the car is in Turkey (like a Green Card).
Carnet de Passage: An international customs document used to facilitate the movement of vehicles between countries, where necessary.
Visa or Residence: A valid Turkish visa or a residence permit that allows you to stay in Turkey for a certain period.
Proof of Residence Abroad: A document proving that you reside outside Turkey and may be required to show that you have spent at least 185 days outside Turkey in the last year.
Vehicle Use Authorization (if necessary): If you are not the owner of the vehicle, you must have a legal authorization from the owner allowing you to use the car.
These documents are intended to ensure your compliance with Turkish customs regulations and facilitate the smooth entry of the car into the country. It's always advisable to check the latest updates and instructions by contacting the Turkish embassy or consulate and through the Turkish customs website, given the possibility of changes in requirements.
You can visit the official website of the Directorate of Trade and Customs in Turkey for additional details:
https://gumrukrehberi.gov.tr/kategori/bireysel-slemler/gecici-thal-edilen-tasit-rehberi
Conditions for taking the car out after entering Turkey
When entering a car into Turkey temporarily, there are conditions and procedures to be followed when you decide to take the car out of the country. These conditions help ensure compliance with customs laws and avoid any legal issues. Here are some basic conditions for exporting the car:
Time Frame: The car must be taken out before the permitted duration of stay in Turkey expires, usually up to 730 days according to the temporary import system.
Customs Procedures: You must go to the customs office where the car initially entered (or any other customs office that can handle the procedures) to ensure the official registration of the car’s exit.
Necessary Documents: All documents acquired during the car’s import, such as the temporary import document, passport, vehicle registration papers, and any international insurance provided, must be presented.
Legal Status: Ensure the car was not used in any illegal activities or did not violate the temporary import conditions.
Checking for Fines or Fees: Before leaving the country, ensure there are no pending fines or fees on the car or the owner.
Coordination with a Customs Broker (if necessary): In some cases, you may need the assistance of a customs broker to handle procedures and ensure a smooth exit process.
Final Verification: The car may be inspected before departure to ensure that no unauthorized modifications have been made or illegal goods transported.
By following these conditions, you can ensure that the process of taking the car out of Turkey is completed smoothly and without legal complications. It is always important to stay updated on the latest laws and customs requirements through official sources or specialist consultants.