How to Ship a Car from the UK to Turkey: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Shipping a car from the UK to Turkey by RoRo sea freight takes approximately 15 days to Izmit (near Istanbul) or around 24 days to Izmir. Sea freight starts from £800 for a standard car. If you are visiting Turkey temporarily, you will also need a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) — an internationally recognised customs document that permits the vehicle to enter Turkey without paying full import duty, on the condition it is re-exported within 24 months.

What You Need to Know Before Shipping a Car to Turkey

Turkey is a popular destination for UK expats, holidaymakers driving their own vehicles, and car exporters. The shipping process itself is straightforward — RoRo sea freight is the main method, with regular sailings from Southampton and Tilbury. What requires careful preparation is the Turkish customs and temporary import side of things.

There are two distinct situations:

Temporary import (tourists and short-term visitors): If you are taking your vehicle to Turkey for personal use and plan to bring it back, a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is the standard route. The vehicle enters Turkey duty-deferred, must be used for personal use only, and must be exported before the 24-month permit expires.

Permanent import (residents): Permanently importing a vehicle to Turkey as a Turkish resident is a separate and significantly more involved process, with duties and taxes that can amount to a substantial proportion of the vehicle’s value. This guide focuses primarily on the more common temporary import route. If you are permanently relocating, a Turkish customs agent is essential.

Related: Container car shipping explained →

· RoRo car shipping explained →

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from the UK to Turkey?

Transit times vary by destination port:

Departure ports (UK): Southampton, Tilbury

Sailings run approximately weekly (around four per month). Factor in UK port processing time and Turkish customs clearance when planning your overall timeline — the sea transit is just one part of the journey.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Turkey?

RoRo sea freight from the UK to Turkey starts from £800 (standard car to Autoport Izmit). Pricing varies by vehicle size and destination port:

These are port-to-port sea freight prices. They do not include:

• UK collection (door to port — ask ShipCars for a collection quote)
• Marine cargo insurance (strongly recommended)
• Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) — obtained separately through the AA or RAC in the UK
• Turkish port handling charges
• Turkish customs agency fees
• Any re-export costs on the return journey

Electric vehicles: EV shipping to Turkey requires a container rather than RoRo, due to high-voltage battery safety regulations. A hazardous goods surcharge applies.

Contact ShipCars for EV shipping costs →

Get a free car shipping quote for Turkey →

Step 1 — Choose Your Shipping Method

RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off)

RoRo is the standard and most cost-effective method for shipping a running, driveable vehicle to Turkey. Your car is driven directly onto the vessel by trained vehicle handlers, secured in the ship’s vehicle deck, and driven off at the Turkish port.

RoRo is available to: Izmit (Autoport) and Izmir.

RoRo requirements:

• Vehicle must be roadworthy and driveable (self-propelling)
• Fuel tank no more than ¼ full
• No personal belongings left inside the vehicle — items found may be removed or the shipment refused
• No prohibited items: flammables, explosives, firearms, ammunition, illegal substances, or anything contrary to Turkish customs law
• Electric vehicles are not accepted on RoRo — container shipping required

Container Shipping

Container shipping places your vehicle inside a steel shipping container — either shared with other cargo (groupage) or in a dedicated sole-use container. It is the required method for electric vehicles, non-running vehicles, and shipments to Mersin (no RoRo service available to Mersin).

Container shipping also suits high-value or classic vehicles where enclosed protection is preferred.

Compare RoRo vs container car shipping in detail →

Step 2 — Obtain a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD)

If you are importing your vehicle to Turkey temporarily — as a tourist, visiting a second home, or for a long-term stay — you will almost certainly need a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD).

The CPD is an internationally recognised customs document that acts as a guarantee to Turkish customs authorities that the vehicle will be re-exported and not sold or abandoned in Turkey. Under this document, import duties and taxes are deferred (not waived) for the duration of your stay, up to a maximum of 24 months.

Key rules under the Turkish temporary import scheme:

• The vehicle must be for personal use only — it cannot be sold, loaned, hired out, or used commercially in Turkey
• The vehicle must be exported from Turkey before the 24-month permit expires — extensions are not available
• The vehicle enters Turkey on your passport and must leave on the same passport
• If the vehicle is not re-exported in time, Turkish customs may pursue the outstanding duties and taxes plus penalties

Where to get a CPD in the UK:

• The AA (theAA.com)
• The RAC (rac.co.uk)

Both issue CPDs to UK motorists. There is a fee and a security deposit involved. Apply well in advance of your shipping date — processing takes time.

Verify with Turkish Customs or a licensed Turkish customs agent before shipping. Rules on temporary importation can change, and your specific situation (residency status, purpose of visit, vehicle type) affects which scheme applies to you.

Step 3 — Prepare Your Documentation

Getting paperwork right before the vehicle leaves the UK prevents delays at both the UK port and Turkish customs.

UK side — before loading

• V5C logbook (original) — Turkish customs will want to see the registered keeper details
• Valid UK driving licence — and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving in Turkey
• Passport — the vehicle entry in Turkey is linked to your passport
• Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) — obtained from the AA or RAC
• Proof of insurance valid for Turkey — UK policies do not automatically cover Turkey; check with your insurer or obtain separate cover
• Export declaration — handled by ShipCars or its customs agent
• Booking confirmation from ShipCars

Turkish side — on arrival

• Carnet de Passages en Douanes — presented to Turkish customs at the port
• Passport with valid entry stamp
• V5C (original or certified copy)
• Bill of lading — provided by the shipping line
• Turkish third-party insurance — if not already arranged, this can be obtained near the port

Step 4 — Prepare Your Vehicle

A few practical requirements before handing the vehicle over for shipping:

• Fuel level: No more than ¼ tank. Shipping regulations limit fuel for safety reasons.
• Personal belongings: Remove everything from the vehicle. Personal items left inside a RoRo shipment may be confiscated, and you may face penalties or shipment refusal. For container shipments, different rules apply — ask ShipCars specifically.
• Cleanliness: Interior and exterior should be clean. A clean vehicle is easier to inspect and photograph for your condition record.
• Vehicle condition documentation: Photograph the entire vehicle — all panels, wheels, interior, mileage reading — before collection. Read our full pre-shipment photography guide →
• MOT: If the vehicle has a valid UK MOT, ensure the certificate is to hand. Some routes and documentation requirements may ask for evidence of roadworthiness.

Duties and Taxes on Turkish Vehicle Import

Temporary import (CPD route)

Under a valid CPD, import duties and taxes are deferred for the duration of the stay — you do not pay them provided the vehicle is re-exported before the 24-month permit expires and Turkish customs formally discharge the Carnet on exit.

If the vehicle is not re-exported before the Carnet expires, Turkish customs may pursue:

• Import duty
• KDV (Turkish VAT — the Turkish equivalent of VAT)
• Additional penalties

Permanent import

Permanently importing a vehicle to Turkey as a Turkish resident involves duties, KDV, and other levies that can be substantial. The exact amounts depend on the vehicle’s age, engine size, value, and your residency/citizenship status. If you are considering permanent import, a licensed Turkish customs agent is essential. Do not rely on informal estimates.

Regulatory note: Customs rules in Turkey can change. The figures and rules described in this guide reflect information available at the time of publication (October 2026). Always verify current rates and requirements with the Turkish Customs Directorate or a licensed Turkish customs agent before shipping.

UK Collection: Getting Your Car to the Port

ShipCars offers UK collection as part of a door-to-port service. If you do not want to drive the vehicle to Southampton or Tilbury yourself, a collection can be arranged:

• Covered transporter: Vehicle collected on an enclosed transporter — suitable for classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles
• Trade plate driver: A driver collects and delivers the vehicle directly to the port under trade plates — more economical for standard vehicles
• Multi-vehicle: If shipping several vehicles, multi-car transporter options are available

Get a quote including UK collection →

Marine Insurance for Your Vehicle

Standard shipping line liability is limited — in the event of loss or damage, the carrier’s legal obligation may not cover the full value of your vehicle. Marine cargo insurance provides agreed-value protection specifically for vehicles in transit.

For a vehicle making the journey from the UK to Turkey — passing through port handling, sea transit, and Turkish port discharge — marine insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for higher-value, classic, or modified vehicles.

Ask ShipCars about marine insurance options when you request your quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Turkey?

RoRo sea freight from the UK to Turkey starts from £800 for a standard car (port to port). Large vehicles such as Range Rovers start from £899. This is the sea freight cost only — it does not include UK collection, marine insurance, the Carnet de Passages en Douanes, Turkish port charges, or customs agency fees.

How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Turkey?

The sea transit takes approximately 15 days to Autoport Izmit (near Istanbul) or around 24 days to Izmir. Sailings run approximately weekly. Factor in UK port processing and Turkish customs clearance time on top of the sea transit.

Do I need a Carnet de Passages en Douanes to take my car to Turkey?

If you are importing your vehicle temporarily — as a tourist or for a personal stay — a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is the standard document required. It defers Turkish import duties for up to 24 months, on the condition that the vehicle is re-exported before the permit expires. CPDs are available from the AA or RAC in the UK.

Which ports does my car arrive at in Turkey?

The main RoRo arrival ports are Autoport Izmit (near Istanbul, Marmara region) and Izmir (Aegean coast). Mersin, on the south coast, is served by container shipping only. Let ShipCars know your intended destination in Turkey and they will advise on the most appropriate arrival port.

Can I ship an electric vehicle to Turkey?

Yes, but not by RoRo. Electric vehicles require container shipping due to high-voltage battery safety regulations. A hazardous goods surcharge applies. Contact ShipCars for a specific EV shipping quote and to confirm current conditions.

Can I leave personal belongings in my car when shipping by RoRo?

No. Personal items must be removed from RoRo vehicles before shipping. Items found inside may be confiscated, and the shipment may be refused or delayed. If you need to ship personal effects alongside your vehicle, ask ShipCars about container options where different rules apply.

What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Turkey?

On the UK side: V5C logbook, passport, valid driving licence, International Driving Permit (IDP), Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD), and proof of Turkish insurance. The export declaration is handled by ShipCars. On the Turkish side: CPD (presented to customs), passport with entry stamp, bill of lading, V5C, and Turkish third-party insurance.

How long can I keep my car in Turkey on a temporary import?

Under the Carnet de Passages en Douanes scheme, a vehicle may be temporarily imported into Turkey for a maximum of 24 months. The period cannot be extended. The vehicle must be exported before the Carnet expires, and Turkish customs must formally discharge the Carnet at exit. Failure to re-export on time may result in duties, KDV, and penalties being assessed.

Ship Your Car to Turkey with Ship Cars

ShipCars handles the full UK-to-Turkey shipping process — from collection at your UK address, through RoRo or container sea freight, to arrival at your chosen Turkish port. We can advise on documentation, connect you with marine insurance, and help you prepare for Turkish customs.

Get a free car shipping quote for Turkey →

Related Guides

• RoRo car shipping explained →
• Container car shipping explained →
• How to photograph your car before shipping →
• How to avoid demurrage charges →
• Get a free shipping quote →