Turkey: Complete Guide to Importing Your Pet and Car

Migration to a new country is an exciting chapter full of fresh opportunities in life. Turkey, with its rich culture, eventful history, and unparalleled nature, is an attractive destination for many immigrants and investors. At istaProperty, we understand that on this major journey, you want to bring all aspects of your life with you, including your loyal companions and the convenience of using your personal vehicle.

Bringing pets and a personal vehicle to Turkey may seem like a complex process full of rules and regulations at first glance. But don't worry. With accurate information, proper planning, and following the right steps, this process will turn into a smooth and stress-free experience. This guide thoroughly details all the steps, required documents, and key points for importing pets and cars into Turkey so that you and your companions can start your new life in this beautiful country with complete peace of mind.

Section 1: Comprehensive Guide to Bringing Pets to Turkey (Checklist and Titer Test Rules)

Pets are not merely animals to their owners; they are members of the family, a source of unconditional love, and companions through our joys and sorrows. For this reason, the thought of being separated from them during migration is unimaginable. Fortunately, Turkish law allows you to bring these beloved family members with you. Turkish authorities permit each passenger to import a maximum of two pets (such as cats, dogs, or ornamental birds) duty-free. However, strict adherence to a set of national and international regulations is mandatory to protect public health and prevent the spread of diseases.

1. Foundational Requirements and Essential Documents: Your Pet's Health Checklist

Preparing documents and adhering to health requirements is the most critical part of the process. Any deficiency at this stage can lead to delays, additional costs, or even quarantine for your pet.

A) Microchip: Your Pet's Electronic Identity

The first and most fundamental step is microchip implantation. This is an unavoidable requirement for all dogs and cats entering Turkey.

• Microchip Standard: The microchip must comply with the international standard ISO 11784/11785. This standard includes a 15-digit non-encrypted code that is readable worldwide.
• Timing: The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the rabies vaccine was administered before the microchip was implanted, the pet must be re-vaccinated after implantation.
• Important Note: The microchip number must be accurately recorded in all subsequent documents for the pet, including the health certificate and customs forms. If your pet has a microchip that does not comply with the ISO standard, you are obliged to bring a compatible scanner upon entry.

B) Rabies Vaccination: A Barrier Against a Dangerous Disease

The rabies vaccine is mandatory for all dogs and cats. This vaccine must be administered and recorded by an authorized veterinarian.

• Validity Period: The vaccine must have been administered within a period of at least 30 days and a maximum of 12 months before the date of entry into Turkey.
• Key Point: Turkey does not recognize 3-year validity rabies vaccines. Even if your pet lives in a country where these vaccines are valid, it must have received a 1-year validity vaccine for entry into Turkey.

C) Rabies Titer Test / FAVN: Proof of Immunity

This test, which often causes confusion, is one of the most important steps. It measures the level of anti-rabies antibodies in your pet's blood and proves that the vaccine has worked correctly, and the pet is immune to the disease.

• Precise Timing:
  1. A blood sample must be taken from the pet at least 30 days after the last rabies vaccine.
  2. The blood sample must be sent for analysis to an EU-approved laboratory. The list of these laboratories is available online.
  3. Your pet is only allowed to enter Turkey after a minimum of 3 months (90 days) has passed from the date of the acceptable blood sampling result.
• Importance of Timing: This mandatory three-month waiting period has no exceptions. Failure to comply with this law can lead to your pet being quarantined for 3 to 4 months upon arrival in Turkey, which is stressful for the pet and costly for you. Therefore, you must start this step at least 4 to 5 months before your trip.

D) Veterinary Health Certificate: Final Confirmation

This official document confirms your pet's health for travel.

• Issuance: The certificate must be issued by an official and authorized veterinarian in the country of origin.
• Contents: This certificate must include the full owner information, pet details (breed, gender, age), microchip number, rabies vaccination date, and rabies titer test details.
• Final Endorsement: The most critical part is that the issued certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinary authority in the country of origin (usually the Ministry of Agriculture or Veterinary Organization) within 48 hours before the flight. This final stamp provides international validity to the document.

E) Pet Passport and F) Internal and External Parasite Treatment

The term "Pet Passport" refers to a collection of the above documents gathered in a booklet or folder. This collection includes medical history, vaccination records, microchip number, blood test results, and the health certificate.

Your pet must undergo treatment for common parasites such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms before the trip. This treatment must be performed by a veterinarian and recorded in the health certificate or pet passport.

2. Choosing the Travel Route: Air and Land Travel Rules for Pets

A) Air Travel: The Fastest Way to the New Home

Air travel is the most common method for transporting pets to Turkey. Airlines have specific rules for this purpose.

• In-Cabin Carriage:
  • Permitted Animals: Small dogs, cats, and small ornamental birds (like canaries) are usually allowed to travel in the cabin.
  • Weight Limit: The most important restriction is weight. The total weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
  • Carrier Dimensions: The carrier must be small enough to fit easily under the seat in front of you.
• Cargo Hold Carriage:
  • Conditions: If your pet weighs more than 8 kg or its carrier dimensions exceed the cabin limit, it must be transported in the aircraft's cargo area.
  • IATA Standards: The carrier must comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards (sufficient size, strength, ventilation from at least three sides, and secure lock).

B) Land Travel: A Different Experience

• Personal Vehicle: This option offers high flexibility but requires planning for crossing multiple borders. You must present all mentioned documents at the Turkish border crossings.
• Bus: According to Turkish road transport laws, carrying pets inside the passenger cabin is prohibited. Transport in the bus's cargo area is not recommended for long distances due to high stress.

3. Special Rules, Age Restrictions, and Banned Breeds in Turkey

• Age Limit: Puppies and kittens imported from Iran into Turkey must be at least 7 months old to ensure the completion of the vaccination course and titer test.
• Owner Presence: You, as the owner, must be personally present at customs or have a legal representative with an official power of attorney.
• Banned Breeds: The importation of dog breeds classified as "dangerous breeds" or their mixes is strictly prohibited in Turkey. This list includes the Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and others.

Section 2: Complete Guide to Car Importation and Temporary Plates (730 Days) in Turkey

Using a personal vehicle, especially in the initial stages of residency in a new country, can provide significant independence and convenience. The process of car importation into Turkey is divided into two main categories: Temporary Importation for short-term stays and Permanent Importation for those planning permanent residency.

1. Temporary Car Importation: The Blue Plate Solution (MA-MZ Plate)

This method, also known as the **"Blue Plate"** or **"MA-MZ Plate"** system, is the most common and cost-effective option for foreigners living in Turkey with a residency permit.

• Duration: You can keep your vehicle in Turkey for a maximum of **730 days (two years)**. After this period, the vehicle must be taken out of the country.
• Eligibility:
  1. Foreigners holding a valid residency permit (work, student, retirement).
  2. The vehicle must be registered in the importer's name in the country of origin.
  3. The applicant must have lived outside of Turkey for at least **185 days** of the previous year.
• Customs Deposit (Turing Carnet): To ensure the vehicle leaves the country after two years, you must pay a sum as a **deposit** to the "Turkish Automobile and Touring Club" (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu). This deposit is refundable upon legal exit of the vehicle from Turkey.
• Key Note: A temporarily imported vehicle **cannot be sold in Turkey**, and only the owner or their first-degree family members are authorized to drive it.

2. Permanent Car Importation: A Costly and Complex Process

Permanent importation of a vehicle into Turkey, especially for used cars, is generally not recommended and is very rare due to heavy taxation.

• Heavy Taxes: The main challenge is the taxes:
  • Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV): This tax can range from **45% to 220%** of the vehicle's value, depending on engine volume.
  • Value Added Tax (KDV): This tax is **18%** and is applied to the total value of the vehicle plus the ÖTV tax.
• Standards: The vehicle must comply with Turkish safety and emission standards (usually Euro standards), which can be a major obstacle for non-European vehicles.

3. Final Inspection and Registration at TÜVTÜRK

Whether you import your car temporarily or permanently, after completing the customs procedures, you must take it to an accredited TÜVTÜRK center for a technical inspection. This inspection includes checking safety, brakes, lights, emission levels, and other technical aspects. After passing this inspection, you can proceed with receiving your license plates and final registration of your vehicle.

Comparative Table: Pet Importation vs. Car Importation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pet and Car Importation

Questions Regarding Pets:

Can I submit the Rabies Titer Test result slightly later than 3 months before entry?

No. The mandatory 90-day (3-month) waiting period from the date of blood sampling is strictly enforced. Any discrepancy can lead to your pet being quarantined at the airport.

My dog’s breed is not on the banned list, but it looks similar. Could I face an issue?

Yes, there is a possibility. The final decision rests with the veterinary officer at customs. It is highly recommended to obtain official documentation from your veterinarian confirming your dog's exact breed to prevent any misunderstanding.

My pet's microchip does not comply with the ISO 11784 standard. What should I do?

In this case, you are responsible for carrying a Microchip Reader that can read your pet's microchip and presenting it to the authorities upon arrival at customs.

Can I bring more than two pets?

Yes, but for the third pet and beyond, the process will be treated as commercial importation, subject to customs duties and more complex regulations.

Questions Regarding Cars:

Can I sell a vehicle that I imported temporarily in Turkey?

No, this is strictly illegal. The temporarily imported vehicle must be taken out of the country by the same person who imported it. Selling it carries severe penalties.

What happens if the 730-day limit on my car expires and I do not take it out?

You will face heavy daily fines, and your vehicle may be seized by customs. You will also lose the deposit you placed with Turing.

I am a Turkish citizen living abroad. Can I also import my car temporarily?

Yes, Turkish citizens who have spent at least 185 days abroad in the past year can also use this law to temporarily import a vehicle for two years.

Final Conclusion: Planning is Your Key to Migration Success

As you have seen, bringing pets and a personal vehicle to Turkey is entirely possible but requires precision, patience, and meticulous planning. Starting the process early, especially for preparing your pet's health documents, prevents any last-minute stress and complications.

At istaProperty, we are by your side to assist you through all stages of your relocation and settlement in Turkey, from finding your dream home to offering consultation for adapting to your new life. We hope this guide illuminates your path on this exciting journey, and we look forward to seeing you and your loyal companions enjoying life in Turkey soon. Welcome to your new home!