Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at Turkey customs?

There is nothing to declare — firearms, ammunition and controlled knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in Turkey?

Under MADDE 12, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 5 and 12 years of imprisonment.

Can I take firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of Turkey?

Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Turkey limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü states it in 6136 sayılı Ateşli Silahlar ve Bıçaklar ile Diğer Aletler Hakkında Kanun, Madde 2. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Turkey compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring firearms, ammunition and controlled knives to Turkey?

Official classification: Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives

Prohibited

You cannot bring firearms, ammunition and controlled knives into Turkey.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

If you do not declare

Step 1: Criminal prosecution

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

6136 sayılı Ateşli Silahlar ve Bıçaklar ile Diğer Aletler Hakkında Kanun, Madde 2 Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (mevzuat.gov.tr), Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hukuk ve Mevzuat Genel Müdürlüğü
Ateşli Silahlar ve Bıçaklar ile Diğer Aletler Hakkında Kanun T.C. Adalet Bakanlığı

Questions about Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in Turkey

Can I bring firearms, ammunition and controlled knives to Turkey?: firearms, ammunition and controlled knives may not be brought into Turkey at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at Turkey customs?: There is nothing to declare — firearms, ammunition and controlled knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in Turkey?: Under MADDE 12, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 5 and 12 years of imprisonment.
Can I post or ship firearms, ammunition and controlled knives to Turkey instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of Turkey?: Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Turkey limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü states it in 6136 sayılı Ateşli Silahlar ve Bıçaklar ile Diğer Aletler Hakkında Kanun, Madde 2. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Turkey compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks