The Turkish Departure Tax 2025 is 1000 TL and must be paid by Turkish citizens before every international trip. In this guide, you will find all details about the updated fee, who is required to pay, exemptions, and payment methods.
What Is the Turkish Departure Tax and Who Must Pay?
The Turkish Departure Tax is a mandatory fee that every Turkish citizen must pay for each departure abroad. The purpose of travel (holiday, business, education, etc.) does not matter. If you are a Turkish citizen and not covered by an exemption, you are obligated to pay this tax.
Mandatory for Each Departure: This is not a one-time payment. The tax must be paid every time you travel abroad.
How Much Is the Departure Tax in 2025?
For 2025, the Turkish Departure Tax is set at 1000 TL. This amount is updated annually based on the revaluation rate determined under the Tax Procedure Law.
Important Information: If the payment is made at the end of the previous year and the departure takes place until January 10, the old year’s fee applies, and no difference is charged. However, for departures after January 10, the new year’s amount must be paid.
Who Is Exempt from the Turkish Departure Tax?
In some cases, exemptions are provided. The following are not required to pay the departure tax:
- Citizens holding a valid residence permit abroad as of the departure date,
- Children under 7 years old,
- Those traveling with a “pasavan” or similar documents,
- Those traveling to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with only an ID card,
- Crew members of commercial land, sea, air, or railway vehicles operating international trips.
Apart from the exemptions listed above, all Turkish citizens—including students—must pay the tax before traveling abroad.
Where Can the Turkish Departure Tax Be Paid?
The tax must be paid before travel through the following channels:
- Digital Channels: Digital Tax Office and GIB Mobile app,
- Banks: Authorized bank branches, internet and mobile banking,
- Official Institutions: Tax offices, revenue offices, customs cashier offices, and PTT branches.
Important Notice: As of January 1, 2025, the physical “tax stamp” (harç pulu) has been completely abolished.
How Are Payments and Exemptions Checked?
At border gates, police officers verify both the payment status and exemption eligibility. Payments made via digital channels are checked instantly through the system, while physical payments require presenting the official receipt.
Is a Refund Possible?
Yes. In some cases, you can request a refund of the fee paid.
- Refund Conditions: If you paid the tax but did not travel abroad, or if the fee was collected despite being exempt.
- Refund Application: Applications can be submitted to the tax office where the payment was made or electronically via the Digital Tax Office.
To remain informed about future legislative updates and changes, you can benefit from our Legislation Tracking and Notification Service.
The Turkish Departure Tax Does Not Apply to Foreigners – Beware of Scams!
If you are a foreign national, you are NOT required to pay this tax. It applies only to Turkish citizens.
⚠️ Beware: Some individuals or websites may attempt to trick international travelers into paying this fee. If you are not a Turkish citizen, any request for this payment is fraudulent.
Protect Yourself:
- You are exempt—do not pay this fee as a foreigner.
- The old “tax stamp” system was abolished on January 1, 2025—anyone selling stamps is a scammer.
- Official payment channels (banks, Digital Tax Office) are only for Turkish citizens.
- Never share your credit card or personal details with unofficial sources.
By knowing these facts, you can avoid scams and travel safely without unexpected costs.