Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at Turkey customs?

There is nothing to declare — narcotics and psychotropic substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances in Turkey?

Under MADDE 188/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 20 and 30 years of imprisonment.

Can I post or ship narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Turkey?

No. Taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Turkey is prohibited.

Does the Turkey limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 5237 sayılı Türk Ceza Kanunu, Madde 188 (1). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Turkey compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the strictest.

How much Narcotics and psychotropic substances can I bring into Turkey?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Narcotics and psychotropic substances into Turkey.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

Post or courier prohibited

What you need to know

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

5237 sayılı Türk Ceza Kanunu, Madde 188 (1) Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi (mevzuat.gov.tr), Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hukuk ve Mevzuat Genel Müdürlüğü

Questions about Narcotics and psychotropic substances in Turkey

How many narcotics and psychotropic substances can I bring into Turkey?: narcotics and psychotropic substances may not be brought into Turkey at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at Turkey customs?: There is nothing to declare — narcotics and psychotropic substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances in Turkey?: Under MADDE 188/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 20 and 30 years of imprisonment.
Can I post or ship narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Turkey?: No. Taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Turkey is prohibited.
Does the Turkey limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 5237 sayılı Türk Ceza Kanunu, Madde 188 (1). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Turkey compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. Turkey is among the strictest.

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