Turkey

The country

Turkey links Europe and Asia. The country has two straits, the Dardanelles and the Bosporus, and access to three seas, the Mediterranean, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Boasting a coastline over approx. 8,333 km long, Turkey is the ideal destination for a boating holiday. Its shores offer a diversity of cruising grounds with secluded beaches, rugged bays and crystal clear water.

Winds

While tidal rise and fall are minor in Turkey, currents may be strong under certain conditions of wind and be reinforced by the jet effect produced by islands. When going around a cape, bear in mind that wind direction may change by up to 180° and that the wind may pick up or abate. This cruising ground is known for downbursts close to the shore; in offshore winds, they occur wherever there are high mountains close to the shore.

Announce your arrival at a port via VHF radio: an inflatable boat will be waiting for you to escort you to your berth. The working channel is indicated at the entrance to the marina.

Safety equipment

All yachts must be equipped with a holding and sewage tank. Respect the national legislation and do not empty the tanks within 3nm from the outer coastline including off-lying islands.

Under their duty of care, skippers are required to carry on board rescue equipment in quantities commensurate with the vessel’s size. For valuable information on the adequate safety equipment, please refer to the recommended minimum equipment for pleasure boats and yachts.

Do not forget to hoist the Turkish flag between 08.00 hours and sunset.

Insurance

Boats liability insurance is not mandatory, but highly recommended.

Skipper qualifications

Non-national skippers must hold a certificate of competence entitling them to navigate comparable waters in their home countries. The Turkish authorities accept the non-national skipper licences and certificates of competence.

Ship’s papers

You need to carry the registration required in your home country. If no registration is needed in your country we recommend nonetheless to register the craft. This might facilitate dealings with local harbour and other authorities.Entering Turkey by sea, you must approach the nearest port of entry.

Vehicle papers

Driving licence and vehicle registration papers. International Green Card recommended (this applies to the European part; if you plan to travel to the Asian part, bring a confirmation letter from your motor vehicle insurer or take out short-term insurance).

Pets

Pets EU pet passport documenting a valid rabies vaccination (additional vaccinations required for dogs: parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis, at least 15 days before arrival) and health certificate. Identification of the pet by a microchip (mandatory for pets first microchipped after 3 July 2011) or tattoo.

Speed limits

For vehicle-trailer combinations: 50kph in built-up areas, 80kph outside built-up areas, 110kph on motorways.

Vehicle-trailer combinations

Vehicle-trailer combinations Car plus trailer must not exceed 2.55m in width and 18.75 m in length. Drawbar trailers: 2,55 m x 12 m.

Vehicle-trailer combinations and RVs whose dimensions exceed the allowed limits require special authorisation of the Ministry for the Environment and Urban Planning:

Cevre Ve Sehircilik Bakanligi
Vekaletler Cad. No. 1
Bakanliklar / Ankara
Turkey
Tel.: +90 312 4 10 10 00
www.csb.gov.tr

Rules of the Road

In the case of an accident that results in injury or severe property damage, call the police (to leave the country, vehicles whose body is obviously damaged require a police certificate confirming the damage). Get a copy of the police report for claims adjustment purposes. If you use a third-party vehicle, get the owner’s authorisation.

Blood alcohol limit

0.5‰ limit for drivers of cars not pulling a trailer. 0.0‰ with trailer.

Roadside assistance

Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu (TTOK)
Huzur Mah. Fazıl Kaftanoğlu Cad. No:2 Seyrantepe
34485 Sariyer/İstanbul
Turkey
Tel.: +90 212 282 81 40
Fax: +90 212 282 80 42
turing@turing.org.tr
http://www.turing.org.tr

Emergency numbers

Police 155, accidents/emergency doctor 112

Distress calls: VHF channel 16

Country code

+90

VAT

VAT is 18%.

Currency

Currency 1 Turkish lira =€0.17 (last update: February 2019)

Travel advice

Please also note the foreign office’s travel advice.