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Car Shipping to Turkey — International Vehicle Transport to Izmit, Izmir, Istanbul & Mersin
Shipping a car to Turkey costs from £800 via RORO to Autoport Izmit, with sea transit of approximately 15 days and four sailings per month. RORO services also run to Izmir (24 days) with container shipping available to Mersin. Turkey drives on the right — UK right-hand drive vehicles are accepted for both temporary and permanent import. Tourists and visitors can temporarily import a vehicle for up to 24 months under a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) with no duty payable during the temporary period. Permanent import involves significant Turkish customs duty and KDV (VAT) — the rates are substantial and must be assessed by a Turkish customs agent before committing. Electric vehicles cannot travel via RORO and must ship by container.
Frequency of Sailing
Weekly
Transit Time
17 Days
Methods
RORO & Container
Cost Starts From:
£800
What Shipping Methods Are Available to Turkey?
Two methods serve Turkey — RORO and container — with RORO being the primary and most cost-effective option for standard roadworthy vehicles.
RORO to Autoport Izmit or Izmir
RORO is the standard and most widely used method for vehicle shipping to Turkey. Your vehicle is driven directly onto a purpose-built car carrier vessel at the UK departure port, secured on the car deck for the voyage, and driven off at the Turkish port. The vehicle must be in fully operational condition and completely empty at loading — no personal belongings are permitted inside on RORO services. The fuel tank must be no more than one quarter full at the point of loading.
Electric vehicles are not permitted on RORO vessels. Standard hybrid vehicles are generally accepted on RORO to Turkey — confirm on a case-by-case basis before booking.
Container Shipping to Mersin or Other Turkish Ports
Container shipping is available for electric vehicles, non-runners, classic and high-value vehicles, and Mersin-bound shipments where RORO is not available. A dedicated container provides full enclosure and protection for the entire voyage. EVs attract a hazard surcharge of £295 and must have the battery charged below 50% at loading.
Which Turkish Port Should You Use?
Turkey is served by four primary ports for vehicle imports — each covering a different geographic region of the country.
Autoport Izmit is Turkey’s primary and most efficient vehicle import terminal, located near Istanbul in the Kocaeli region. It offers the fastest transit time from the UK (approximately 15 days), handles RORO operations with well-established vehicle discharge procedures, and is optimally positioned for vehicles destined for Istanbul, Ankara, and the wider northwestern Turkey region. For most importers, Autoport Izmit is the recommended first choice.
Izmir (Aliaga Port) serves western Turkey including the Aegean coast, Izmir city, and surrounding provinces. RORO service is available with approximately 24 days transit from the UK.
Mersin serves southern and southeastern Turkey and is also a significant transit hub for vehicles destined for Iraq and other Middle Eastern markets. RORO is not available to Mersin — container shipping only.
Istanbul (Ambarli / Kumport) is available for container shipments. Confirm current availability and transit times with your shipping agent at the time of booking.
Temporary Importation — The Most Common Route for Visitors
For tourists, long-stay visitors, and individuals not permanently establishing residence in Turkey, temporary importation under a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is the cleanest and most cost-effective pathway.
How Temporary Importation Works
A Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is an internationally recognised customs document that acts as a guarantee to Turkish Customs that the imported vehicle will be re-exported within the permitted period. It effectively defers all import duties and taxes for the duration of the temporary import.
Key conditions for temporary importation into Turkey:
- Duration: Up to 24 months — one of the most generous temporary import periods of any country. This period cannot be extended
- Use: The vehicle must be used exclusively for personal, non-commercial purposes by the named CPD holder. It cannot be sold, loaned, or used commercially within Turkey
- Re-export: The vehicle must be exported from Turkey before the 24-month period expires. Failure to do so results in full import duty, KDV (VAT), and significant penalties becoming immediately payable
- Insurance: Valid insurance for Turkey must be in place before the vehicle is driven on Turkish roads. Arrange this with your UK insurer before departure
In the UK, a CPD is obtainable from the AA or the RAC. A fee and financial guarantee (bond or insurance) is required by the issuing organisation. The CPD fee cost is separate from the sea freight and must be budgeted independently.
Permanent Import — What Are the Costs and Requirements?
Permanent importation of a vehicle into Turkey by a Turkish resident or individual establishing residency is a complex process involving significant Turkish customs duty and KDV (Turkish VAT).
Turkey’s permanent vehicle import tax structure applies cumulatively on the vehicle’s CIF value and includes:
| Tax Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| Customs Duty | Rate varies significantly by vehicle type, engine size, and origin — can be substantial |
| Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) | A major additional levy on vehicles — rates vary by engine capacity and CIF value. Can exceed 100% for large-engine vehicles |
| KDV (Katma Değer Vergisi — VAT) | 20% applied to CIF + Customs Duty + ÖTV combined |
The Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) is the most significant cost component for permanent vehicle imports into Turkey. On passenger cars with larger engines, the combined ÖTV and KDV burden can substantially exceed the vehicle’s purchase price. For example, a vehicle with a CIF value of £20,000 and a 2.0L engine could attract total ÖTV and KDV well in excess of £20,000 — making Turkey one of the most expensive destinations for permanent vehicle import in the region.
Obtain a vehicle-specific duty and ÖTV assessment from a licensed Turkish customs agent before making any purchase or shipping decision for a permanent import. The Turkish Revenue Administration publishes ÖTV schedules at gib.gov.tr but interpreting these for specific vehicle classifications requires local expertise.
Diplomatic personnel and individuals with approved official relocation status may qualify for specific duty exemptions — confirm with the relevant Turkish authority before shipping.
How Car Shipping Worldwide Manages Your Turkey Shipment
Turkey’s dual import pathway — straightforward CPD temporary import for visitors versus complex and costly permanent import for residents — means that understanding which route applies to your situation before any booking is made is the most important preparation step on this route. Car Shipping Worldwide coordinates the full process on your behalf from origin documentation through to Turkish port delivery.
Origin Country — Before the Vessel Sails or Vehicle Is Collected
We confirm the correct shipping method — RORO to Autoport Izmit for the fastest and most cost-effective route, RORO to Izmir for western Turkey, or container for Mersin, EVs, and non-runners. We advise on CPD requirements for temporary imports and ensure all origin export documentation is complete before the sailing date is confirmed.
Sea Freight — RORO or Container to Turkey
We book your vehicle onto the correct sailing — four per month to Turkey. RORO to Autoport Izmit from £800 for a standard car and £899 for a large vehicle, with 15-day transit. RORO to Izmir with approximately 24-day transit. Container to Mersin and Istanbul on request. All booking, documentation, and Bill of Lading are managed on your behalf.
Turkey Destination — Customs Clearance & CPD Discharge
We coordinate with our appointed agents at Autoport Izmit, Izmir, or Mersin, providing any documentation or clarification required to support the customs clearance process on your behalf. We remain available throughout to ensure the process at the destination moves forward without unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car Shipping to Turkey
How much does it cost to ship a car to Turkey?
RORO to Autoport Izmit starts from £800 for a standard car (e.g. VW Golf) and £899 for a large vehicle (e.g. Range Rover). For temporary imports via CPD, no Turkish import duty or KDV is payable during the 24-month period. For permanent imports, Turkish customs duty, Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), and KDV at 20% are all payable — the combined burden is very substantial and must be pre-assessed by a Turkish customs agent.
How long does shipping a car to Turkey take?
RORO to Autoport Izmit takes approximately 15 days — one of the fastest international vehicle shipping routes available. RORO to Izmir takes approximately 24 days. Four sailings per month provide good scheduling flexibility. Allow additional time for Turkish Customs CPD discharge or import clearance after vessel arrival.
What is a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) and do I need one for Turkey?
The CPD is an internationally recognised customs document required for temporary vehicle importation into Turkey. It acts as a guarantee that the vehicle will be re-exported within the 24-month permitted period. Without it, Turkish Customs will require full import duty and KDV payment on arrival. Obtain your CPD from the AA or RAC in the UK before the vessel sails. A fee and financial guarantee are required by the issuing organisation.
How long can I temporarily import a car into Turkey?
Up to 24 months from the date of temporary import. This period cannot be extended. The vehicle must be re-exported before the 24-month limit expires — failure to do so results in full import duty, ÖTV, and KDV becoming immediately payable plus significant penalties.
Can I ship an electric vehicle to Turkey?
Yes — by container only. EVs are not permitted on RORO vessels. A hazard surcharge of £295 applies and the battery must be charged below 50% at loading. For temporary imports, the CPD covers EVs on the same terms as conventional vehicles. For permanent imports, ÖTV and KDV apply — the ÖTV rate for EVs varies; confirm the current rate with a Turkish customs agent before shipping.
Which Turkish port is best for my destination?
Autoport Izmit for Istanbul, Ankara, and northwestern Turkey — fastest transit (15 days) and most cost-effective. Izmir (Aliaga) for western Turkey and the Aegean coast (24 days). Mersin for southern and southeastern Turkey — container only, no RORO. Istanbul (Ambarli/Kumport) for container shipments to the Istanbul region directly.
What Documents Are Required to Ship a Car to Turkey?
Before Shipping (Origin Country):
- Original V5C logbook or equivalent proof of ownership (do not leave inside the vehicle)
- Valid passport copy (photo page of vehicle owner)
- Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) — for temporary imports. Obtained from the AA or RAC in the UK before the vessel sails
- Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) — recommended for driving in Turkey
- Proof of insurance valid in Turkey
- Export customs declaration (managed by your shipping agent)
At Turkish Destination Port (Autoport Izmit, Izmir, or Mersin):
- Original Bill of Lading
- Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) — presented to Turkish Customs on arrival for temporary imports
- Valid passport and Turkish visa or residency documentation
- Vehicle registration document (V5C or equivalent)
- Valid driving licence
- Proof of insurance valid in Turkey
- Turkish Customs import declaration forms (for permanent imports — filed by your Turkish clearing agent)
- Import duty, ÖTV, and KDV payment receipts (for permanent imports)
For permanent imports, a licensed Turkish customs clearing agent is essential. The ÖTV assessment, KDV calculation, and Turkish Customs declaration process require specialist knowledge of Turkish tax law and customs procedures that cannot be replicated without local expert support.
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