Taking a Turkish flagged boat to the Greek islands and back

Turkish flagged private boats cruise between Turkish ports without a transit log. If you are heading for a Greek island such as Symi, Rhodes or Kos, that changes: you leave and come back through a sea port of entry, on a transit log.

Where do I clear out?

Leaving and entering Türkiye is only possible through sea border gates. According to the Directorate General of Security’s list, Marmaris, Datça, Bodrum, Turgutreis, Yalıkavak and Fethiye are permanent gates in Muğla, while Bozburun, Datça Körmen Yacht Harbour and Göcek are temporary ones. If you plan to use a temporary gate, ask first whether it is open.

Transit log and cost

On departure a transit log is issued with the details of the boat, crew and passengers, and passport control, customs, health and the harbour master do their part on it. Turkish flagged yachts pay one third of the charge plus a 900 TL document fee; for an 8 metre boat, for example, the 2026 charge is 513.57 TL.

Who may skipper the boat?

Boats up to 10 metres overall need a skipper with at least ADB 10 or a seaman’s certificate; boats up to 24 metres hull length need at least ADB 24 or an able seaman’s certificate or higher. The regulation sets no area, distance or time limit for these certificates. If someone other than the owner skippers the boat, the Annex 1 authorisation letter is needed too.

Which papers must be on board?

The mooring register licence or the ship registry certificate must be on board while under way and shown on inspection; if it can be checked online, the paper copy is not required. The transit log also stays on board for the whole voyage.

The Greek side

Entry and exit formalities, visas and port rules on the Greek islands are a matter for the Greek authorities; check the rules of the island you are going to before you leave. On the way back you clear in again at a Turkish sea port of entry.

Sources: Sea Tourism Regulation (Deniz Turizmi Yönetmeliği), articles 40, 41 and 42; Official Gazette 24.07.2009, No 27298, as amended on 19.10.2022; Regulation on the equipment of private boats and the competence of their users, article 5 (Official Gazette 17.01.2026, No 33140, as amended on 03.07.2026); Fees Law No 492, tariff (7), item 10; Directorate General of Security, list of sea border gates. For information only. The binding text is the one published in the Official Gazette. Last checked: 26 October 2026.