Many residents of Switzerland take their own car to Türkiye – for the holidays, to visit family, or for a longer stay. It is straightforward, but it follows clear rules. Those who know them travel with peace of mind; those who overlook them risk significant fines and the seizure of their vehicle. This article sets out the key points calmly and precisely.
1. Registration at the border: temporary importation
A foreign-registered private vehicle is recorded on entry under temporary importation («geçici ithalat», within the tourist facilitation scheme) and registered to the person entering the country. Two basic conditions apply:
- Residence abroad. The person must have their normal residence outside Türkiye – the relevant threshold is at least 185 days per year spent outside the Turkish customs territory.
- Vehicle in your own name. The vehicle must be registered abroad in the name of the importing person.
Permitted stay: the vehicle may generally remain in Türkiye for up to 730 days; shorter periods may apply depending on status and residence rights. The permitted period is recorded on entry, and the vehicle must be exported by that date.
Documents to carry: a valid passport, the vehicle registration document, a driving licence, and insurance valid for Türkiye. The Green Card must explicitly cover Türkiye (the «TR» field must not be crossed out).
2. Who may drive the imported vehicle?
This is where most misunderstandings arise. The Turkish customs administration (Ticaret Bakanlığı) expressly confirmed the rules on 8 July 2026:
- The authorised person who imported the vehicle.
- While the authorised person is present in Türkiye: their spouse, ascendants (parents, grandparents) and descendants (children, grandchildren) – but only if these relatives also have their residence outside Türkiye.
- Any other person only in an emergency and only while the authorised person is in the vehicle.
Importantly, a power of attorney is not sufficient to authorise a third party to drive. Only the conditions set out above apply.
3. Consequences of unauthorised use
If a non-authorised person drives the vehicle, Article 238 of Customs Law No. 4458 applies. The penalty is imposed separately on the importer and the driver – each faces a separate procedure.
- Fine: one quarter of the customs duties attributable to the vehicle (excluding the special consumption tax, ÖTV). For 2026 this amounts to at least approximately TRY 11,952.
- Seizure: the vehicle is taken under customs control and must be exported from the country.
Exceeding the export deadline is also penalised, on a sliding scale: roughly TRY 2,988 for one month over (Art. 241), around TRY 5,976 for two months, and from more than three months the penalty under Art. 238 applies (at least ~TRY 11,952 in 2026).
4. A calm checklist
- Register the vehicle properly under temporary importation on entry.
- Carry your passport, vehicle registration, driving licence and a Green Card valid for Türkiye.
- Let only authorised persons drive (you; a spouse or relatives resident abroad, while you are present).
- Never hand the vehicle to third parties – a power of attorney is not enough.
- Keep the export deadline in view and observe it.
Sources
- Customs Law No. 4458 (mevzuat.gov.tr)
- T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı – FAQ «Yolcu Beraberi Taşıtlar» (ticaret.gov.tr)
- Gümrük Rehberi – guide to the temporary importation of vehicles (gumrukrehberi.gov.tr)
- Official «Yabancı Plakalı Kara Taşıtları Yolcu Rehberi» (official traveller guide, 2026)
- Official clarification by the customs administration, 8 July 2026, on driving eligibility
- Residence verification via e-Devlet (185-day rule)
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The applicable Turkish regulations in force at the time prevail; please consult the official sources before travelling.
