Q44: English Car in Turkey
Q44: We are looking to drive our English car to Turkey, we currently understand that the car can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 6 months. Can someone explain whether this is 6 months in one year, or can you re-enter and stay for (for example) 11 months in one year.
A44.1: You'll regret it!!! It's not until you get a Turkish plated car that you know what freedom is! When you have a foreign plated car your every trip has to be considered, if you have to leave the country unexpectedly (even if it's a day trip to Kos) you have to have the car removed from your passport and placed in customs or take it with you. Some years ago my car overstayed the 6 months, was impounded and kept in the custom's car park for which I paid a daily astronomical rate. I then had to pay for a customs official to accompany me to the border (we were in Istanbul), plus of course I paid all the fines! I think the law says 6 months in an one year and I think they use calendar year not a 12 month period. It really does become a headache and dictates your life. My advice - Turkish car dealers have some fantastic offers at the moment - buy one locally and never have to worry. --Jane
A44.2: You cannot re-enter for 6 months. You should also be aware that in the 6 months that you have the car in Turkey, you cannot leave the country without it as it is recorded in your passport. --Steve