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Explore: Turkey - Formalities

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Clearance

COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.

Officials are particular about the Turkish courtesy flag, which must be flown from the correct position between 08:00 and sunset when cruising. The courtesy flag may be left up permanently when in port.

Yachts flying the ensign of the Republic of Cyprus will be refused entry to Turkish ports. This situation will, presumably, change if/when Turkey becomes a member of the European Union, but at present, this rule is being enforced.

Discharge of waste regulations now applies to all the Turkish coastline. See Restrictions for more details.

PRE-ARRIVAL

It is recommended, at least for the first visit to Turkey, to use an agent. Rules change and their interpretation by ports of call are often different from one another. Some ports now insist that you use an agent (Marmaris for example). Due to language difficulties, it may be easier to use an agent anyway. Many marinas can act as an agent. Fees can vary greatly.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

Any yacht coming from abroad must fly the Q flag and complete formalities at an official port of entry.

General Process:

On entry, formalities are completed with Harbour Master, Health, Passport Police and Customs in this order.

The agent will provide the transit log and deal with formalities. They will require the ships papers, insurance certificate, skippers license, and passports.

Each yacht must purchase a Transit Log, which is the travel document of the yacht during her stay in Turkey and states the yacht’s master, owner, intended ports in Turkey and registered inventory. See Documents for further details.

The skipper’s name should appear on the yachts’ registration certificate or on some official proof of ownership. Generally, it is wise to ask for receipts for any payments.

Remaining in Turkey:

Foreign-flagged yachts, on condition that they are sailed by their owners once every two years, can remain in Turkey up to five years without a requirement for any permission. For further details see Customs.

Domestic Cruising:

Transiting The Bosphorus or The Dardanelles

When within eight km (five miles) of the entrance into either the Bosphorus or the Dardanelles, boats should contact Traffic Control for further instructions. Although this provision only applies to boats over 20 meters LOA, it is recommended that smaller boats also comply with it. Boats in possession of a transit log are no longer required to stop at Canakkale and may proceed through the Dardanelles without stopping. The regulations are similar for boats going through the Bosphorus, who may continue towards ports on the Turkish Black Sea coast without stopping.

Cruising The Black Sea

You can now expect the Turkish Coast Guard to be more rigorous in checking documents of yachts cruising in this area.

CLEARING OUT

Departure from Turkey must be from an official Port of Entry and an agent is required to prepare all the paperwork and submit it to the various authorities.

If a yacht is leaving Turkish waters (even for a brief period) and planning to return within the time the transit log is valid, it must be surrendered on departure, and a new one obtained on re-entry.

When departing for foreign ports, yachts are required to complete full clearance procedures and surrender of the Transit Log with Harbour Master, Passport Police, and Customs, in that order.

Prior to clearing out, it is recommended cruisers speak to the Harbour Master first. Double handed yachts (just two crew) have reported that they were not required to use an agent for clearing out, in particular in Bodrum. Agents charge approx. 85 Euros for this service.

Please note that Visas for individuals are multiple entries, but the Transit Log is not. If Turkey is left in an emergency, without having been able to clear out correctly, the completed Section V should be handed into a Turkish consulate abroad within one month, otherwise, the yacht cannot return.

Departure for Greece:

Sea Borders opened between Greece and Turkey on August 12th, 2021, for yacht arrivals and departures with passengers, meaning cruising yachts can now move between the 2 countries with a number of ports of entry in Greece accepting yachts from Turkey. With the Covid situation and the terrible fires in Greece, this directive could be withdrawn at any time and is being renewed on a weekly basis. More information here.

Last updated:  October 2021

Immigration

Passports

  • Passports must be valid for at least 60 days from the date of expiry of the traveler’s visa, visa exemption period or residency permit to be able to enter the country.
  • For example, a traveler with a visa expiry date of 20 May 2022, must hold a passport that is valid until at least 20 July 2022. Passports are also checked on departure to ensure they comply with this requirement.
  • All visitors to Turkey must have a date stamp in their passport from the Port of Entry and date stamp on departure. These stamps are necessary to leave the country overland or by air.

Visitor Visas

Some countries do not need a visa to visit Turkey for up to 90 days – this includes UK nationals (see list here). Others must obtain either an e-visa prior to arrival or can only enter with a conventional sticker visa, which individuals can only obtain at a Turkish embassy. .

An extended explanation of all visa expectations for foreign visitors may be found at the Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs website.

E-Visa:

https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

The e-visa applies to 63 countries. This visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue and is a multiple-entry visa.

While e-visas are valid for 180 days, holders are only allowed to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days in ANY 180 day period. Multiple visits are allowed provided the total number of days does not exceed 90. All calculations should include both the entry and exit dates, no matter what time of day or night.

These rules bring Turkey in line with Schengen countries and the rules are being interpreted along the same lines. Prior to 2014 enforcement of these rules was somewhat lax and many people benefited from that. However, the rules are now being strictly enforced and fines for overstaying have been issued. Regular visitors should be careful when planning their dates as the 90 day in ANY 180 day period could span more than one visa.

Remember – while the visa is multiple entries, the boat’s transit log is not. So checking your boat in and out multiple times may not be practical.

Foreigners who intend to stay in Turkey longer than the visa or visa exemption period, or in excess of ninety days, are obliged to obtain a residence permit (see information below). Applications for longer stays should be made before the initial tourist visa expires.

Online visa fees are charged in UK£ for the United Kingdom, € for EU/EEA countries, and US$ for most others.

Overstaying your Visa

Staying in Turkey beyond the date of your visa is taken seriously by the Turkish Authorities. If you overstay you will be fined upon departure. Fines vary according to the length of time you overstay. If you overstay and are fine, you must apply for your next visa at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate overseas before you travel. You may also be banned from re-entering Turkey for a period of time.

Residence Permits

Short-term residence permits are granted for two years. If you are single you will usually obtain only the one year Residence Permit. A two-year Residence Permit can be issued if you and your spouse apply for the permit. Passports must be valid for two months beyond this period before a permit is issued. Helpful advice about the current regulations can be found at  Marmaris Bay Cruisers website and in this report posted February 2022 (note comments at bottom of report by Gwen Bylund).

The good news is that there is no longer a requirement for a Turkish bank account (but you do need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself).

It is a requirement to have health insurance (not required for applicants over age 65), and the authorities now want this to be Turkish health insurance, they are not accepting international health insurance that covers you in Turkey.

It is also a requirement to have a Turkish address (i.e. a marina contract). If you own a boat, your residence permit is limited to the length of the marina contract. Your “residence” in this case is the marina contract.

If you obtain a Residence Permit you may remain in Turkey more than 245 days per year. You can be out of Turkey as long as you like.

Residence Permits can now be applied for and extended online. This is a new system introduced in May 2015. The Turkish website for applications is at https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/. Find out more at this Noonsite news article.

An agent can smooth the way with applying for a Residence Permit and helps with the language barrier, although of course there will be a fee involved. It is highly recommended that before applying for a residence permit that you contact an agent and ask questions. There is no charge for asking questions. It is advisable to take a native Turkish speaker with you to avoid any misunderstandings.

Setur marinas are reported to be very good at helping with residency.

For further visa information Tel:  009068 347348.

NOTES:

  • It is illegal to not carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. It is therefore advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Last updated:  February 2022

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Customs

Arriving By Yacht:

  • It is pretty common now to be asked for a certificate of competence by Customs on arrival.
  • A detailed inventory must be completed and stamped by Customs. This form will be compared with a similar produced on exit from the country. Any differences must be supported by a purchase receipt or sales receipt (with customer details).
  • All types of firearms must be declared and will be sealed on arrival by Customs. Also, diving tanks must be declared.
  • Antiques cannot be exported. If carpets are bought, Customs will require to see proof of purchase. Antique objects must be accompanied by a non-objection certificate issued by the Ministry of Culture.

Length of Stay:

A foreign flagged private boat may stay in Turkey for up to five years, as long as the owner uses the boat once every two years. If the owner takes the boat out of Turkey, the clock is reset and can then remain for a further five years in the country. If you overstay a 25% penalty will be applied over the insurance amount of the boat.

Leaving your yacht in Turkey:

You do not need to place your boat in Customs Bond if you leave Turkey. Many long-staying yacht owners do not place their boat in Bond. This means the marina is responsible for the boat.

Replacement Parts:

Getting the customs duty waived on yacht equipment that has been ordered from abroad is a lengthy and frustrating procedure, so it might be easier to try and bring any equipment needed into Turkey as personal luggage or use an agent. Although the agent’s fees may be very much higher than the value of the item.

Such items MUST be marked on the package “FOR YACHT IN TRANSIT”. It has been reported that this is easier in Istanbul than some other ports. Since Turkey is now in a customs agreement with the European Union, imports from other parts of Europe may be easier in future. From outside the EU, it may still be difficult.

In such a case it is advisable to have a copy of the ship’s papers as well as some form of proof that the yacht has been left temporarily in Turkey. Items brought in personally with a value over US$300 will be registered into one’s passport. This will be cancelled when the entry is transferred to the transit log. Equipment couriered directly should be addressed to the marina, and the marina’s advice should be sought in advance as to the correct procedure as well the best company to use.

It also helps to be near a major airport or seaport such as Antalya, Istanbul or Izmir.

A better solution might be to ask a local chandlery to order the parts for you, as the price then paid will probably be cheaper and involve much less hassle.

Last updated:  October 2021

BioSecurity

With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail [email protected] if you find protocols have changed.

COVID-19: OPEN

Yachting Protocols:

March 2022

  • If you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Turkey without needing to test or quarantine. A full course of COVID-19 vaccinations (completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Turkey) with vaccination certificate (EU or other, but must be in English or Turkish).

  • If you are not fully vaccinated, you need to show proof of:
    – a negative PCR test (within 72 hours of arrival); or
    – a rapid antigen test (within 48 hours of arrival); or
    – recent recovery from COVID-19.
  • Children aged 11 and under can follow the rules for fully vaccinated travellers to enter Turkey.

  • There are some banned countries and also testing requirements if coming from certain high risk countries. Unvaccinated arrivals from high risk countries may be subject to quarantine.

  • See here for further details.

Notes:

  • Online results are accepted in Finike port – so you can take the test and then set sail if this is your destination.
  • Sea Borders opened between Greece and Turkey on August 12th, 2021, for yacht arrivals and departures with passengers, meaning cruising yachts can now move between the 2 countries with a number of ports of entry in Greece accepting yachts from Turkey. These include: Kavala, Mytilene, Chios, Vathy and Pythagoras of Samos, Myrina of Lemnos, Symi, Skala of Patmos, as well as the tourist ports of Kos and Rhodes.

Resources:

  • Form for entering Turkey: https://register.health.gov.tr/
  • Turkey Covid-19 Web Portal: https://covid19.tubitak.gov.tr/en
  • Official Turkey Tourist Board site: https://www.goturkiye.com/
  • Information from Marmaris Bay Cruisers, good for updates on the COVID-19 situation in Turkey. Check their blog: http://cruisingtips.net/mbc/
  • A video of what to expect at Istanbul airport.

History:

  • On 15 March, 2020, entry into Turkey by sea, air and land borders was prohibited for visitors arriving from a variety of countries with high rates of Covid infections (mainly between Turkey and European Mediterranean Ports and Marinas). All ferries operating between Turkey and Greece were suspended.
  • From 27 March 2020, international flights stopped. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on more than 80 million citizens to implement a “voluntary quarantine” and not to leave their homes unless for basic and emergency needs. 
  • At the start of April yachts wishing to move around in Turkey had to obtain a travel permit document, otherwise exit from port was denied.
  • Visa and transit logs were extended without penalty.
  • In the case of an emergency (needing fuel, supplies or break down)
    yachts were permitted to enter to resolve the issue, but had to leave
    within 48 hours.
  • Marinas in the Izmir district placed a physical barrier (a floating oil containment boom) blocking the marina entrance.
  • On the 11 June 2020 Turkey opened the majority of its international air, land, and sea borders. All yachts entering the country were screened and tested in some cases.
  • Turkey did not pursue overstay penalties against foreign nationals unable to depart due to COVID-19, as long as they departed Turkey within one month of the international border opening date.
  • By 01 October Turkey was accepting all boats, regardless of last port of call (including from Greece). 
  • On 14 October 2020, it was announced that the 5 year entry permit was extended until 31st May 2021 for all privately owned non-Turkish registered yachts that entered Turkey after 01.01.2015 and yachts that had already had their 5 years extended. No notice or application for an extension was required.
  • From December 30, 2020, all tourists arriving in Turkey (including those arriving by yacht) had to submit negative PCR virus test results taken at the latest 72 hours before arrival in Turkey. Those arriving with no test result had to undertake a 7 day quarantine.
  • By February 2022, vaccinated arrivals could enter without restrictions.

Our thanks to Finike Yachting Agency, Marmaris Bay Cruisers, Mono Yachting and the OCC for assisting with information during the Pandemic.

Contact Info.

184 – exclusively for COVID-19 cases
112 – for all kinds of health
questions and requests (English speakers for foreign nationals) and for
making doctor appointments, repeat prescriptions etc.
155 – police
156 – gendarmerie in rural areas.

There is also the Eczane (“pharmacy” in Turkish) app, which lists pharmacies that are open at night in each neighborhood. In Turkey, pharmacies usually operate until 7pm from Monday to Saturday.

Health

There are good medical facilities in towns and cities. Most hospitals offer full medical examinations and test result consultations. Hospitals use up-to-date equipment and easily compete with hospitals in Europe, the UK, Canada and the USA. State hospitals are almost everywhere in Turkey – see a list here.

In addition, translators are available to foreigners who do not speak Turkish. Always ask for prices of treatments, x-rays, and other services ahead of time. Take your passport with you and any insurance documentation with you. All hospitals and most dentists provide translator services. Depending on the services you require, your doctor may speak English.

A free interpretation service is now offered 24/7 for foreign persons calling the 112 emergency call command centre. This service is also available to foreign persons calling up 184 SABÝM (the ministry of health communication centre), calls to all private and public hospitals under the Ministry of Health, provincial organization and administrative units of the central organization and foreign persons coming to these units.

In addition, this service is available to all foreign patients and tourists for health-related issues and includes translations of medical reports of foreign patients treated in the hospitals under the Ministry of Health.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Hepatitis, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended.

Food and Water Concerns:

Although water is potable in most places, it is recommended that drinking water is purchased in bottles or other containers. Be careful what water you choose to fill your holding tanks – not all dock water may be potable.

Prescription Drugs:

Medical and drug fees are much lower than other countries. Many prescriptive drugs are obtained over-the-counter.

Emergency Numbers: 

See Emergencies.

Documents

Skipper License / Certificate of Competence

In the past, the Turkish authorities did not seem too bothered about boat owners having a certificate of competence (ICC). However, recent reports are that this is now being asked for, just as it is in Greece. See Documents Required for more information.

Transit Logs

Each yacht must purchase a transit log at the first port of entry. The cost is not high, approximately 40 Euros. This is the travel document for the yacht during her stay in Turkey and states the yacht’s master, owner, crew and intended ports in Turkey.

The Transit Log is considered a legal document and should be kept up as accurately as possible.

There used to be an inventory section on Page one of the transit log. However if an agent is used, cruisers report that they are no longer looking for a specific inventory list.

Foreign flagged yachts may cruise on the routes shown in their transit log and call and anchor at harbours along the route where there is no Customs office, for sightseeing purposes, on condition that there are no other restrictions.

The transit log is valid for one year (365 days) and is renewable several times. The boat needs to leave the country (for one day) at least once every five years. The transit log remains valid even if the yacht is laid up. If the owner leaves without the yacht, the transit log will still be valid on return provided that date is within the 365-day period.

The transit log is single entry, if you check out, you need to buy a new one at re-entry. The existing Transit Log must be cancelled and a new one obtained if there is a change of owner.

Any crew changes must be entered on the log and authorised by the Harbour Master at the port where the change takes place. This does not mean guests – joining and leaving in Turkey – just longer term crew.

The Transit Log can now be used as “proof of accommodation in Turkey” for every crew member listed on it, when applying for a Residence Permit.

There is a small fine if you are still in Turkey when your Transit Log expires.

Note that interpretation of Transit Log rules (and other laws) is up to the individual province of Turkey. Marmaris (Mugla Province) may interpret the rules one way, while Fethtiye, and other ports of call may have different interpretations. 

Insurance

Boat: Yachts may be required to show insurance documents when clearing into Turkey. Whether it is requested, appears to depend on the official. It is required by most marinas (minimum 3rd party).

Personal Health: Turkey has State insurance as well as Turkish private insurance. If you have a residence permit or a long term residence permit and you are 65 years or younger health insurance is required. Turkey does not recognise foreign health insurance. If you hold a tourist visa you are not required to have any kind of Turkish health insurance. If you are the over the age 65, it is not mandatory to obtain health insurance but is recommended that you check out the Turkish private health insurance. 

Documents for Clearing Out
Your agent will want the following:

  • Transit log
  • Yacht Registration
  • Skipper licence (if heading to Greece)
  • Passports
  • Yacht insurance
  • Vaccination cards (if heading for Greece)

Chartering

A great deal of confusion surrounds the regulations concerning restrictions imposed on foreign yachts cruising in Turkey, which are suspected of chartering. A change of crew, even if these are friends of the owner, is sometimes interpreted by some Harbour Masters as being equivalent to the arrival of a charter party. However, regulations have been greatly eased in recent years and the ownership issue (i.e. the owner must be on board and Turkish law does not allow more than four co-owners) is no longer applied with such severity.

Last updated:  February 2022

Fees

Each Port of Entry from Istanbul to Antalya interprets the law differently. Prices will differ from port to port. In previous years, the more favourable fees and procedures were in Fethiye.

Clearance Costs 

While there are no official fees for checking in, there are some costs involved. The expenses to check in to Turkey can total between 100€ and 200€, including Transit Log, Blue Card and agent’s fee.

The standard fee is the lighthouse fee and the health department payments. Other agency expenses also depend on the size of the yacht and the time of service provided. Overtime charges seem to vary from place to place, so if at all possible it is advisable to clear in and out during office hours on normal working days.

There are additional fees if entering at a cruise ship port.

Cruise Port Mooring Fee per hour:

  • up to 15m is 35 TL;
  • boats 15m – 24 m is 50 TL

The fee for a Transit Log seems to vary depending on which agent you use and which port you get it at – anything between 55€ and 80€ .

The Blue Card costs 25 TL. The fines for not getting a Blue Card are reported to be anywhere from 700€ to 5000€.

Yachts chartering can obtain a license which costs upwards of US$1500.

Other Fees

  • Agencies will charge between 60-100€ for checking-in and out.
  • An agent will charge approx. US$50 for obtaining a residence permit. The permit (or Blue Book as it is called) will cost around US$100 per person.
  • Lighthouse Fees by Directorate General of Coastal Safety of US$1.2/Net Ton for yachts over 101 Net Ton.
  • Health Office Duty Charges of 0.20 TL/Net Ton for yachts 51 Net Ton +
  • A navigation aids fee is payable by boats over 30 tons.
  • There is a charge of 40 to 50TL for stamping a yacht inventory form.
  • Visa fees are payable for some nationalities, approx. 25 Euros.
  • Note: if applying for a Turkish Short Term Residency Permit, cruisers have reported having to pay a one-time entry fee of 1033 TL (approx. 65 Euros).

Last updated:  February 2022

Restrictions

Discharge of Waste – Regulations apply to all Turkish coastline

This regulation is valid and mandatory for all Turkish Territorial Waters.

Yacht owners used to be required to obtain a Blue Card which was programmed with the boat’s details, so local authorities could track the boat’s sewage disposal. Since May 2020 there has been a new system implemented named DAU (Denizcilik Atıkları Uygulaması – Maritime Sewage Application) which aimes to be much simpler.

Within 48 hours of arrival in Turkey, yacht owners should register in the DAU system (the marina at the point of entry can advise). Registration is free. A serial number will be issued through which waste pump-out will be monitored. Each waste pump-out point has its own tarif. Boats that already have a blue card can collect their waste with their current blue card number as the Blue Card numbers have all been transferred to this new system. It is obligatory for yacht owners to pump out both grey and black water (although how this is enforced is not clear). When visiting a pump out facility it is recommended to get a barcoded document from the authorised waste collection facility to show during inspection by the authorities. A yacht owner who fails to show they discharged their waste ashore and recorded on the DAU system will be open to fines from the Coast Guard.

Most marinas now have pump-out points and the cost ranges from free to 60-70TL (approx. US$12-15).

See this very useful list of pump-out points throughout Turkey on the Marina Kedisi website.

Note: By Law grey water must be captured as well as black, however enforcement is spotty and it does seem to depend on which port you pump out. Black water tanks should most definitely be fitted and an ability to demonstrate that grey water can be captured in some way. Some Port Captains are more rigid than others.

Last updated:  April 2022

Charter

If one of the owners (a yacht may have up to four co-owners) is not on board, it is up to the skipper to convince the authorities that the yacht is not chartering.

A foreign yacht used for commercial purposes on entering Turkey will receive a Transit Log just to visit one Turkish port and will have to sail from there to a foreign port only. A charter yacht intending to be based in Turkey may obtain a Charter License which will cost around US$1,500 (or more), which will permit the yacht to be subject for one year to the same regulations as Turkish flagged yachts.

Another option is for a foreign yacht to obtain a Turkish flag by being registered on the “Second Register”, regardless of whether the yacht in question has been subject to Turkish VAT and Customs Taxes. An initial fee of US$10,000 is levied, followed by an annual fee of US$ 0.50 per Registered Tonnage.

Commercial, Fishing and Charter Boats (vessels over 15 meters)

From 1st Jan 2010, all vessels must be equipped with an AIS system.

Prohibited Areas

Prohibited areas for yachts are:

  • no anchoring at the entrance and exit of the Dardanelles (Canakkale Bogazi, especially Gokceada and Bozcaada, region of Kumkale, Mehmetcik, Burnu, Ani, Korfezi);
  • the zone north of the Bosporus, Gulf of Izmir, isles of Uzin and Hekim;
  • the Bay of Karaagac;
  • Oludeniz, Fethiye;
  • parts of the ports of Mersin and Iskenderun;
  • the submarine base in the inner port of Bartin Liman.

Entering some historical areas (like Hamam Bay) is prohibited.

Additional Restrictions in the Gocek Dalaman Area:

  • It is planned this area will be designated a sea park (as similar ones in Italy).
  • Discharge of black and grey water is forbidden in this area (therefore a holding tank for all wastewater is essential).
  • Other than in the marinas, mooring is only permitted to fixed points (bouys, rock rings etc).
  • Anchoring is prohibited to protect the ecological underwater system. Only dedicated mooring points can be used.
  • Maximum mooring period for boats in Gocek-Dalaman Coves is limited to 11 days.
  • Speed limit is maximum 6 knots.
  • Disturbing music is prohibited.
  • Cooking on deck is prohibited.
  • Diving in some coves is also prohibited.

Taking archaeological souvenirs can lead to confiscation of the yacht.

Diving

Skin diving is permitted everywhere, but diving with tanks is restricted. Originally divers must have registered with a Turkish diving club and be accompanied by a Turkish instructor when diving, but now these restrictions have been lifted, although it may be sometime before all authorities are aware of this.

The only areas prohibited from diving are military zones, those conducting scientific research and areas under protection.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted for sport in certain areas, but there is a minimum size for fish caught and also the amount per person is controlled.

Last updated:  October 2021

Local Customs

Turkey is largely a Muslim country and Islamic law must be respected. Sensitivity regarding standards of dress should be observed.  Women should dress conservatively and men must not wear shorts or go shirtless in public.

During the month of Ramazan (Ramadan), one should not eat, drink or smoke in public. Ramazan is set according to the cycles of the moon. This holy month of fasting ends with Bayram, a three day holiday, 28 – 30 July. Many Turks fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramazan. Restaurants are less busy at lunch, and there’s even less Turkish tea. If you’re in Turkey during Ramazan, it’s polite to refrain from eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. Rather, do it inside a restaurant, tea house, cafe or other private or semi-private area.

Clearance Agents

It is recommended, at least for the first visit to Turkey, to use an agent. Rules change and their interpretation by ports of call are often different from one another. Some ports now insist that you use an agent (Marmaris for example). Due to language difficulties, it may be easier to use an agent anyway. Many marinas can act as an agent. Fees can vary greatly.

In addition, agents can help with

  • Visitor and Permanent Residency permits,
  • Export and import,
  • Gaining a permit to operate your yacht as a charter boat; and
  • Yacht registration.

Last updated:  October 2021

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Pets

Animals require a recent health certificate from the country of origin. A rabies vaccination certificate must show that the animal received the vaccination between 15 days and six months before arrival in Turkey.

NOTE: If you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one dog and 10 fish into the country.

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