Driving a foreign car

Foreigners can temporarily bring their own car into Turkey without paying import duties. The car is registered on entry and may stay in the country for a limited time. The rules were updated by Communiqué No. 9 of 14 August 2026.

How long the car may stay

• Tourists — up to 90 days in any 180 days.
• With a residence permit — for the validity of the permit, but no more than 730 days. This applies to people who live abroad: you must spend at least 185 days a year outside Turkey.
• The period can be extended at customs for a valid reason (breakdown, illness) — always before it runs out.

Who may drive

The owner, plus a spouse, parents and children who live abroad — and only while the owner is in Turkey. Lending the car to friends or Turkish citizens is not allowed: it is a violation and the car can be confiscated.

Overstay fines

2026 figures: depending on how long the overstay is — 2,988, 5,976 or 8,964 TRY (up to three months). If the car stays more than three months beyond the limit, the fine is a quarter of the customs duties, which is very expensive. Keep an eye on the date.

Documents at the border

• passport and vehicle registration certificate;
• a notarised power of attorney if the car is not yours (close relatives only);
• a Green Card or Turkish compulsory insurance (trafik sigortası) — you can buy it right at the border;
• driving licence.

Driving licence

• Tourists can drive on a foreign licence for up to 6 months from entry. An international driving permit or a notarised translation is recommended.
• Once you have a residence permit, the licence must be exchanged for a Turkish one within 6 months. For countries on the approved list there is no test — you need a medical report, a translation of the licence, photos and the fee.

Renting or buying instead

If you come for a season, it is often easier to rent a car for a month or two. Foreigners with a residence permit and a tax number can buy a car in Turkey, but prices are higher than in Europe.