What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in Turkey?

Under Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü Genelge 2020/7, page 2: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are destroyed. Under Gümrük Kanunu 4458, Madde 235/3, if the goods are found without being declared: duty is charged at 2 times the normal rate and the goods are released once it is paid; the goods are confiscated. Under Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu 5607, Madde 3/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 1 and 5 years of imprisonment; the goods are confiscated.

Where does this rule come from?

Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü states it in Yolcu Muafiyetleri - Sıkça Sorulan Sorular. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “8- Kişisel kullanıma mahsus kitap veya benzeri basılı yayın”

How does Turkey compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. Turkey is among the more permissive.

How much Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into Turkey?

Allowed

You can bring Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions into Turkey without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Yolcu Muafiyetleri - Sıkça Sorulan Sorular T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı (Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye)

Questions about Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in Turkey

Do I have to declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions at Turkey customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in Turkey?: Under Gümrükler Genel Müdürlüğü Genelge 2020/7, page 2: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are destroyed. Under Gümrük Kanunu 4458, Madde 235/3, if the goods are found without being declared: duty is charged at 2 times the normal rate and the goods are released once it is paid; the goods are confiscated. Under Kaçakçılıkla Mücadele Kanunu 5607, Madde 3/1, if it is treated as smuggling: it carries between 1 and 5 years of imprisonment; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out of Turkey?: Turkey publishes no separate rule for taking printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Turkey limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 Yolcu Muafiyetleri - Sıkça Sorulan Sorular. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “8- Kişisel kullanıma mahsus kitap veya benzeri basılı yayın”
How does Turkey compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. Turkey is among the more permissive.

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