Car Shipping to Turkey from the UK: The Complete Guide

Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Turkey costs from approximately £645 by RoRo sea freight to Autoport Izmit, Turkey’s only dedicated automotive terminal near Istanbul. Transit takes 15–28 days depending on the port. A Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD), issued by the AA or RAC, is required for temporary import and allows your vehicle to remain in Turkey for up to 24 months. Electric vehicles must use a container; most standard cars travel by RoRo. Get a free quote from ShipCars for your vehicle and route.

Why People Ship a Car from the UK to Turkey 

Turkey ranks among the most popular overseas destinations for British expatriates, property buyers, and long-term visitors — particularly along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Yet flying and buying locally has a significant drawback: Turkey’s import tax structure makes purchasing a new car there substantially more expensive than in the UK. The combination of ÖTV (Special Consumption Tax) and KDV (VAT) routinely pushes local vehicle prices far above their UK equivalents.

The practical solution for many UK residents spending extended periods in Turkey is to ship their own UK-registered vehicle on a temporary import using a Carnet de Passages en Douanes — giving up to 24 months of personal use without paying Turkish import duties. This guide covers every stage of that process, from choosing a port to collecting your vehicle from customs.

For live Turkey route pricing, sailing schedules, and booking, visit our car shipping to Turkey service page.

Which Shipping Method Is Right for Your Car?  

Two main methods operate on the UK–Turkey route: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) sea freight and Full Container Load (FCL) container shipping. The right choice depends on your vehicle type, budget, and whether the vehicle is running.

Method Comparison

Electric Vehicles Cannot Travel by RoRo to Turkey

Turkish port regulations prohibit fully electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) on RoRo sailings due to high-voltage lithium battery safety requirements. If your vehicle is a BEV or PHEV, it must ship in a Full Container Load (FCL). A hazardous goods surcharge of approximately £295 applies. Standard non-plug-in hybrids are accepted on RoRo without restriction or surcharge.

For a detailed breakdown of both methods, see our guides to RoRo car shipping and container car shipping.

Which Turkish Port Should You Ship To?  

ShipCars operates to four Turkish arrival ports. The best choice depends on your final destination in Turkey — not solely on transit time or price.

Port Selector Table

All prices are indicative port-to-port sea freight for a small standard car (e.g. Ford Focus, VW Golf). Prices exclude Carnet de Passages fees, Turkish customs agency fees, terminal handling charges (typically USD 150–200), and any UK collection or delivery costs. Request a current quote for your specific vehicle.

Why Autoport Izmit Is Turkey’s Best Automotive Port

Autoport Izmit is Turkey’s first and only purpose-built dedicated automotive RoRo terminal, located on the Gulf of Izmit in Kocaeli Province — approximately 80 km east of Istanbul via the O-4 motorway. Unlike general cargo terminals, Autoport Izmit has:

• Dedicated RoRo berths and loading infrastructure
• Covered vehicle storage compounds
• A dedicated customs office within the terminal
• A vehicle management system designed specifically for automotive cargo

Temporary import clearance at Autoport Izmit typically takes approximately one working day — the fastest of Turkey’s four main port options. For anyone heading to Istanbul, Ankara, or north-west Turkey, this is the recommended arrival point. Full loading, clearance, and collection details are on our Autoport Izmit guide.

Izmir (Alsancak) — Gateway to the Aegean

Operated by Limak İzmir, Alsancak Port serves Turkey’s western coastline. If your destination is Bodrum, Kuşadası, Çeşme, or Izmir city itself, shipping to Alsancak avoids a lengthy overland drive from Izmit. Transit from the UK is approximately 21–24 days, and the port handles both RoRo and container shipments. Full details: Izmir shipping page.

Mersin — Southern Turkey and Beyond

The Port of Mersin on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is a major container hub serving Adana, Antalya, and south-eastern Turkey. It is also the key transit point for vehicles continuing to the Middle East and Central Asia. Mersin handles container shipments only — not RoRo — and transit from the UK is approximately 28 days. Full details: Mersin shipping page.

The Carnet de Passages en Douanes: Turkey’s Key Document  

This is the single most important document for shipping a UK vehicle to Turkey — and the one that most distinguishes Turkey from EU destinations. A Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is an internationally recognised customs document that acts as a guarantee to Turkish Customs that you will re-export the vehicle, and that if you do not, the relevant customs duties and taxes will be paid.

What the Carnet Achieves

The CPD allows your UK-registered vehicle to be temporarily imported into Turkey for personal use without paying Turkish import duties — which can be very substantial (see the Customs section below). Turkish Customs stamps the Carnet on your vehicle’s arrival and again on departure. It is your legal record of entry and re-export.

How to Obtain a Carnet de Passages in the UK

In the United Kingdom, Carnets are issued exclusively by two motoring organisations:

• The AA — via their Carnet de Passages service
• The RAC — via the RAC Carnet service (details on the RAC website)

The process requires: a completed application form, proof of vehicle ownership (V5C), an issuing fee, and a security deposit or bond (typically linked to vehicle value and Turkey’s duty rates). Allow 2–4 weeks for issue — do not leave this until the week before your shipping date.

Critical CPD Rules for Turkey

• The Carnet must be in the name of the person who will drive the vehicle in Turkey
• All details must exactly match the V5C logbook (registration, make, model, chassis/VIN number)
• The vehicle may remain in Turkey for a maximum of 24 months from the entry stamp date
• This 24-month period cannot generally be extended
• The vehicle cannot be sold, loaned, hired, or used commercially within Turkey
• The Carnet must be discharged on re-export — Turkish Customs stamps it again when you leave
• If the vehicle is not re-exported in time, you become liable for full Turkish import duties and substantial penalties

Do not leave the Carnet inside your vehicle during shipping. The Carnet, V5C, and your passport must travel with you — not inside the vehicle. These documents are required for Turkish customs clearance on collection, and access to a sealed container or RoRo hold is not possible once the vessel has sailed.

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

The sea freight quoted by ShipCars is only one component of the total cost. Understanding the full picture avoids surprises at the Turkish port.

Full Cost Breakdown (Indicative)

For a personalised breakdown covering your vehicle, route, and UK collection postcode, use our instant quote tool or speak with the ShipCars team. For a broader overview of international costs, see our international car shipping costs guide.

Documents Required to Ship a Car to Turkey from the UK 

• V5C logbook (original) — keep with you; do not send inside the vehicle
• Carnet de Passages en Douanes (original) — obtain from AA or RAC; must match V5C exactly
• Passport — must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Turkey
• International Driving Permit (IDP) — required for driving in Turkey on a UK licence; available from the Post Office (~£5.50)
• Proof of Turkish vehicle insurance — UK insurance does not extend to Turkey; arrange before your vehicle arrives at port
• Bill of Lading — provided by ShipCars after your vehicle is loaded; required for vehicle release at the Turkish port

Documents ShipCars Prepares on Your Behalf

• UK Export Entry (customs export declaration) — required for all vehicle exports from Great Britain
• Bill of Lading — the shipping contract and cargo receipt
• Packing list / cargo manifest

DVLA Notification for Temporary Export

If you are temporarily exporting your vehicle (intending to return it to the UK), you do not need to notify DVLA or complete a permanent export notification (V5C/4 slip). You retain your UK registration and V5C. Permanent export notification is only required if you are selling or permanently registering the vehicle abroad.

For guidance on vehicle export from the UK, refer to GOV.UK — taking a vehicle out of the UK.

Turkish Customs: Temporary Import vs. Permanent Import  

Turkey is not an EU member state, which means the post-Brexit UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) zero-duty arrangements that apply to UK vehicle exports to EU countries do not apply here. Understanding the distinction between temporary and permanent import is critical before shipping.

Temporary Import (Carnet de Passages) — The Standard Route

The vast majority of UK-to-Turkey car shipments use the temporary import route. Under a Carnet de Passages, customs duties and taxes are deferred — not waived — for up to 24 months of personal use. The Carnet acts as a guarantee; if the vehicle leaves Turkey as planned, no duties are payable.

Customs clearance for temporary imports is handled at the arrival port. At Autoport Izmit this typically takes approximately 1 working day. The customs officer stamps the arrival folio of your Carnet and returns it to you. When you re-export the vehicle, Turkish Customs at the exit point stamps the re-exportation folio, discharging your obligation.

Permanent Import — Only for Specific Circumstances

If you intend to permanently import and register your vehicle in Turkey (for example, you are changing residency), the duty and tax picture is very different. Turkey levies:

• ÖTV (Özel Tüketim Vergisi — Special Consumption Tax): Calculated on engine capacity, power output, and CO₂ emissions. For many UK vehicles it can exceed 150% of the vehicle’s customs value, making permanent private import economically prohibitive for most buyers.
• KDV (Katma Değer Vergisi — VAT): Currently 20%, applied after ÖTV is added to the customs value.
• Customs duty: Rate varies by country of origin and vehicle category.

Verify permanent import costs before making any irreversible decision. The combined tax burden on permanent vehicle import into Turkey is significant. Always obtain a written customs duty calculation from a licensed Turkish customs broker before shipping with the intention to permanently register a vehicle there. Tax rates and calculation bases change. Verify current rates directly with the Turkish Customs and Trade Ministry.

For full details on our customs clearance services, visit our customs clearance guide.

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

The following process applies to a temporary import via Carnet de Passages — the most common scenario for UK customers shipping to Turkey.

Step 1 — Obtain a Carnet de Passages en Douanes
Apply to the AA or RAC — allow 2–4 weeks for processing. The Carnet must be in your name and match your V5C exactly. You will also need to lodge a security deposit or bond.

Step 2 — Arrange Turkish vehicle insurance
Your UK policy does not cover Turkey. Arrange Turkish third-party liability insurance before the vehicle arrives at the Turkish port — this is checked on collection.

Step 3 — Get an IDP (International Driving Permit)
A UK driving licence alone is not sufficient for driving in Turkey. An IDP costs around £5.50 from the Post Office and is valid for 12 months.

Step 4 — Book your shipment with ShipCars and arrange UK collection
ShipCars will confirm your sailing date, arrange a trade plate driver or enclosed transporter to collect your vehicle, and manage the UK export customs declaration. Primary UK departure port for Turkey RoRo: Portbury, Bristol.

Step 5 — Keep all documents with you — not in the vehicle
Original Carnet, V5C, passport, IDP, and Bill of Lading (provided by ShipCars after loading). These must be presented to Turkish Customs at the arrival port.

Step 6 — Turkish Customs clearance on arrival
Present your documents to the Turkish customs office at the arrival port. The Carnet arrival folio is stamped, creating the official record of your vehicle’s entry. At Autoport Izmit, temporary import clearance takes approximately 1 working day.

Step 7 — Collect your vehicle and drive in Turkey
Present your vehicle release paperwork to the terminal. Your vehicle can be driven anywhere in Turkey for personal use for up to 24 months from the entry stamp date.

Shipping Classic, Non-Running, and High-Value Cars to Turkey  

Turkey is an increasingly popular destination for classic car owners attending rallies and events along the Aegean and Marmara coastlines.

Container Shipping for Classics and Non-Runners

All non-running vehicles and collector cars requiring additional protection must be shipped in a Full Container Load (FCL). Sole-use containers prevent your vehicle from being near other cargo, and low-loading ramps at specialist terminals ensure safe loading without ground clearance issues. Visit our classic car shipping service page for details on how we handle valuable vehicles.

Right-Hand-Drive Vehicles

Turkey drives on the right, but RHD vehicles are legal to use there under a temporary import — there is no restriction. Some drivers fit a beam deflector to headlamps to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic at night on Turkish roads.

Non-Running Vehicles

Vehicles not in running order must ship in a container. A low-boy trailer is used for loading at the UK end. Inform ShipCars at the point of booking — loading a non-runner onto a RoRo vessel is not possible.

Marine Insurance and Turkish Vehicle Insurance: What You Need  

Marine (Transit) Insurance

All vehicles shipped by ShipCars are covered by basic carrier liability during transit. However, this carrier liability is limited in value and does not provide comprehensive coverage equivalent to a dedicated insurance policy. We strongly recommend taking out a dedicated marine insurance policy covering the full market value of your vehicle for the duration of the sea voyage. Ask your ShipCars quote coordinator about transit insurance options.

Turkish Vehicle Insurance (Mandatory)

UK motor insurance policies do not automatically extend to Turkey, regardless of any EU coverage provisions in your policy. You must arrange a separate Turkish traffic insurance (trafik sigortası) — the Turkish equivalent of third-party liability — before your vehicle enters Turkey. This is separate from your Carnet de Passages and is checked when you collect your vehicle at the port.

Pre-Shipment Checklist

Before your car leaves the UK, confirm each of the following:

•  Carnet de Passages obtained from AA or RAC — details match V5C exactly
• Valid passport confirmed (check expiry — Turkey requires validity throughout your stay)
• International Driving Permit obtained from Post Office
• Turkish third-party insurance arranged
• Marine (transit) insurance in place for the shipping voyage
• Vehicle fully serviced before shipping
• Fuel below a quarter tank (RoRo requirement)
• Personal items, valuables, and non-fixed accessories removed from the vehicle
• All documents removed from the vehicle and kept with you
• Photographic record of vehicle condition (all angles, close-ups of any existing damage)
• Alarm system deactivated or manufacturer-coded to prevent accidental triggering
• Spare tyre, jack, and wheel brace confirmed present (required in Turkey)
• First aid kit and warning triangle confirmed present (legally required in Turkey)

Frequently Asked Questions  

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

RoRo shipping to Autoport Izmit (Istanbul region) starts from approximately £645 for a small car. Izmir starts from approximately £981. Container shipping to Mersin starts from approximately £1,385. These are indicative port-to-port sea freight prices and exclude the Carnet de Passages fee, Turkish terminal handling charges (typically USD 150–200), Turkish customs agency fees, and any UK collection costs. Request a current personalised quote from ShipCars for your vehicle.

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

At sea: Autoport Izmit approximately 15 days, Istanbul (Yenikoy) 18–22 days, Izmir 21–24 days, Mersin approximately 28 days. Total time from booking to driving your vehicle in Turkey — including UK collection, export documentation, Turkish customs clearance, and port release — is typically 3–6 weeks.

Do I need a Carnet de Passages to ship a car to Turkey?

Yes. A Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is the legal document required for temporary vehicle import into Turkey. It must be obtained from the AA or RAC in the UK before your vehicle sails. Allow 2–4 weeks for issue. Turkish Customs stamps it on arrival and again on re-export to discharge your obligation.

How long can I keep a UK-registered car in Turkey?

A UK vehicle may remain in Turkey under a Carnet de Passages temporary import for up to 24 months from the date of the entry stamp. This period cannot generally be extended. If the vehicle is not re-exported in time, substantial penalties and the previously deferred import duties become payable to Turkish Customs.

Can I ship an electric car to Turkey?

Electric vehicles (BEV and PHEV) cannot travel on RoRo sailings to Turkey. They must be shipped in a Full Container Load (FCL). A hazardous goods surcharge of approximately £295 applies. Standard non-plug-in hybrids are accepted on RoRo without restriction or surcharge.

Which is the best Turkish port for shipping a car from the UK?

Autoport Izmit is the recommended port for most shipments. It is Turkey’s only purpose-built dedicated automotive RoRo terminal, located approximately 80 km east of Istanbul, with a dedicated customs office and the fastest temporary import clearance at approximately 1 working day. For the Aegean coast, use Izmir (Alsancak Port). For southern and eastern Turkey, use Mersin (container only).

Does my UK car insurance cover me in Turkey?

No. UK motor insurance policies do not extend to Turkey regardless of EU coverage provisions. You must arrange separate Turkish third-party liability insurance (trafik sigortası) before your vehicle arrives at the Turkish port. This is a legal requirement and is checked on collection.

What taxes apply to permanently importing a car into Turkey?

Permanent vehicle import into Turkey attracts ÖTV (Special Consumption Tax — potentially exceeding 150% of vehicle value for many engine sizes), KDV (VAT at 20%), and customs duty. These costs make private permanent import prohibitively expensive in most cases. Most UK-to-Turkey shipments are temporary imports under a Carnet. Always verify current rates with the Turkish Customs Directorate before committing to a permanent import.

What documents do I need at the Turkish port to collect my car?

You need: the original Carnet de Passages en Douanes, your original V5C logbook, a valid passport, your International Driving Permit, Bill of Lading (provided by ShipCars), proof of Turkish vehicle insurance, and payment for terminal handling charges and customs agency fees. Keep all documents with you — not inside the vehicle — during the voyage.

What is Autoport Izmit?

Autoport Izmit is Turkey’s first and only purpose-built dedicated automotive RoRo terminal, located on the Gulf of Izmit in Kocaeli Province, approximately 80 km east of Istanbul. It has dedicated RoRo berths, covered vehicle storage, and a dedicated customs office — delivering the fastest temporary import clearance of Turkey’s four main ports at approximately 1 working day.

Get Your Free Car Shipping Quote

Ready to ship your car from the UK to Turkey? Get an instant quote from ShipCars — tell us your vehicle details, UK collection postcode, and preferred Turkish arrival port. No commitment required.

Published: 21 October 2026  |  Last updated: 21 October 2026  |  Reviewed by: Navdeep Singh, Director, ShipCars Ltd