How long can a foreign flagged boat stay in Türkiye?

A foreign flagged boat can be left for up to five years, without any further permit, at a marina or boatyard certified by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. For private yachts the Ministry can extend the stay by another five years.

What are the five years for?

The regulation grants them for wintering, maintenance and repair, afloat or ashore. The boat has to be kept at a certified sea tourism facility, such as a marina or a boatyard.

Can I leave the boat and go abroad?

Yes. If the owner, operator or captain is leaving Türkiye, the facility takes the boat under its responsibility and reports this to the customs office and the harbour master, to be entered on the transit log.

Who may use the boat meanwhile?

The owner, and people the owner has authorised in writing, may use it with a transit log for cruising, sport and leisure, as long as there is no commercial purpose. Turkish or foreign guests may come aboard if no payment is taken. A yacht with several owners may be used by up to four of them within a year; beyond that the Ministry charges a contribution.

What happens when the five years are up?

There are two ways: the boat clears out of Türkiye, or, for private yachts, a five year extension is requested from the Ministry. Which one suits you is best planned together before the period runs out.

Source: Sea Tourism Regulation (Deniz Turizmi Yönetmeliği), articles 46 and 47; Official Gazette 24.07.2009, No 27298, as amended on 19.10.2022. For information only. The binding text is the one published in the Official Gazette. Last checked: 6 October 2026.