Guidelines to Follow at Airports in Turkey

Air transport is the most convenient and speediest mode of travel within and outside the borders of a country. While these facilitate smooth travel, airports also play a key role in establishing a secure point of entry for all visitors, and each country states its own airport regulations, including those for goods and currency.

When travelling abroad, you need to learn about the basic rules and regulations that contribute to a hassle-free journey. However, doing basic research on the country is essential advice that helps you engage with locals and understand their culture. Now, coming back to Turkey, if you are planning on exploring this country with your Turkey visit visa, you need to understand the latest updates on the rules and what’s happening in the country.

Turkey is a popular destination for tourism, drawing cultural and historical enthusiasts across the world. Popular cities like Istanbul and Antalya offer numerous things to do in Turkey and boast large and beautiful airports that have their own unique charm. So, here’s everything you need to know about the Turkish airport regulations for goods and currency.

Turkey Airport Rules and Regulations for Goods and Currency (Entry and Exit)

Restrictions on the Entry of Goods at the Turkish Airport

If you are visiting Turkey, you can carry up to 10,000 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency without making any declaration. But if you are carrying more than that, you must declare it to customs upon arrival at the airport.
Passenger Accessories

You can import the following items into Turkey without any problem:

• Tobacco Products: Only visitors above the age of 18 can carry the following products:
• 50 cigars
• 600 cigarettes
• 250 gms of tobacco with 200 cigarette papers
• 100 cigarillo threads, each weighing no more than three gms
• 250 g of pipe tobacco
• Tea, Coffee, chocolate, and Nuts: you can only bring up to one kg of each item per person.
• Perfume and Cologne: you can carry up to 600 ml of perfume and cologne to Turkey.
• Jewellery and Gold: Carrying gold and jewellery to Turkey is quite a task. You get a permit to bring up to $15,000 in jewellery.
• Personal gadgets and accessories: these include laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and others.
• Durg entry: you are permitted to bring personal medication into the country, including the prescription details, that does not contain codeine or other drugs. You can also carry common flu or cold pills as long as they are not too many.
• Alcohol: You must be over the age of 18 and can bring up to three litres of alcohol to Turkey.

Pet regulations in Turkey

Each traveller can only bring in two pets and must hold the following documents:

• Vaccine certificate
• Official or authorised veterinary certificate
• Pet ID Card

Depending on the rules of the airport, pets can either accompany passengers in the cabin or in the passenger luggage compartment.

Arms and ammunition import regulations

If you hold a valid permit from the Turkish Ministries of Environment and Forestry, you can carry a limited number of arms and ammunition into the country.

Baggage and accessory clearance regulations

After your disembarkation, you need to clear your luggage and accessories at the entry port. Also, please note that passengers on transit flights do not need to clear their luggage.

Restrictions on the exit of goods at the Turkish airport

You can export the following items to Turkey without any problem:

• Tobacco Products: You can take up to two kilogrammes or three cartons of local tobacco items.
• Gifts and accessories: you can import gifts with a maximum value of 5000 Turkish lira.

In case you wish to carry goods that are worth more than 5000 Turkish lira from the country, you must provide proof that you have converted your currency into lira and that the equivalent value is more than 5000 lira.
You must also note that products including antiques, tea, cocoa, coffee, flour products, and spices are not permitted to be exported from Turkey.

• Alcohol: You can export up to five kg of alcohol or 12 bottles of rocky, summing up to a total value of 100 Turkish lire.

Restrictions on the entry of currency at Turkey Airport

Travellers can enter Turkey without any restrictions on the lira or any foreign currency like dollars or euros. But upon arrival at the airport, it is crucial to register the exact amount of foreign currency you are carrying with you and record the same number in your passport.

Restrictions on the exit of currency at Turkey Airport

• You can take up to $5000 or the equivalent in Turkish lira or foreign currency.
  In case you want to take more than $5000 from the country, you must register it upon your departure and:
  Turkish residents: you must have withdrawn or received this money from Turkish banks, and it must be mentioned in your passport.
• Foreign visitors: if you have the money when entering Turkey, it must be mentioned in the passport, and if you had Turkey lira with you when entering the country and then covered it into other currencies, you must submit valid bank documents.
• Turkish citizens: valid for up to $10,000 or equivalent in foreign currencies; if you have more than this, it must be registered at the time of embarkation.

Some suggestions to keep in mind at Turkish airports

• Security at the airports of Turkey plays a vital role, and thus, inspections are much stricter than before. For such research, here are some suggestions that will make your way through Turkish airports much easier:
• Carry your electronics, including laptops and cameras, out of the suitcase, as you will have to deliver them separately.
• It is best advised to lock your luggage properly and double-check it. Be aware of the contents of your luggage, and if the security finds any illegal substance in your bag, they won’t believe your words.
• Keep your valuables, including gold, jewellery, etc., in your handbag, where you can keep an eye on them. In the event of their loss, the airport is not responsible for such unfortunate circumstances.
• You are required to remove your jackets, coats, and other clothing and pass through the security device. So, make sure there is nothing in the clothes that may fall out.
• Any item or object that violates or endangers the safety of the airport and the passengers in any way is strictly banned from entering airports. Make sure to check the tools you intend to carry.
• In the case of delivering goods, make sure to avoid any mistakes, and the luggage must be labelled for identification. If it does not have a label, you may have a problem later.
• If you find any damage to your luggage after delivery, you can report the issue to the authorities.
• In the case of the metal utensils, keep them in your handbag as if they were in your suitcase, you may open them for security checks.

Turkey’s airports welcome hundreds of passengers every day. It is essential to learn about the rules and regulations regarding goods and currency at the airport. So while planning your visa application for Turkey, make sure to research and understand these basic rules, which will make your passage to Turkey easy.

FAQs

Q1. What are the essential documents required while flying to Turkey?

Typically, you require a valid passport, and in a few cases, even a visa. Confirm the specific requirements based on your nationality. By following these essential guidelines, you can take pleasure in a hassle-free trip and enjoy all the key attractions. Also, do not miss the free things to do in Turkey.

Q2. Is a visa required to transit through Turkish airports?

The transit visa needs rests on your nationality and the layover duration. For the most up-to-date information, check with the Turkish embassy/consulate.

Q3. Do Turkish airports accept electronic boarding passes?

Yes, they do. Ensure the airline supports the option and possesses the requisite documentation or mobile apps.

Q4. How early must I reach the airport prior to my flight?

It is suggestive to arrive at least two to three hours prior to international flights. It is best to confirm with the airline for specific guidelines. This falls under the vital list of Turkiye travel advice.

Q5. Can I carry snacks and food on the flight?

Usually, you may carry snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the flight, but it is suggestive to check with your airline for specific restrictions.

Q6. What are the varied security measures in place at the Turkish airport?

Expect the standard security checks, which include body scanners and baggage screening. Follow the guidelines of security personnel and be ready to remove specific goods from the luggage. This is among the most crucial things to know before you travel to Turkey.

Q7. Do Turkish airports have free Wi-Fi access?

The majority of Turkish airports do have free Wi-Fi services.

Q8. Can pets be accompanied on the flight?

Concerning the transportation of pets, airlines have definite regulations and rules, so contact your airline in advance to familiarize yourself with their policies and any necessary documentation.