Turkey strictly controls narcotics, psychotropics, and certain strong painkillers/sleeping pills, even with a prescription, requiring special authorization and documentation (doctor's letter detailing dosage/need) for controlled substances like Tramadol, Codeine, Diazepam, Fentanyl, or Ritalin; British prescriptions aren't valid, so check with the Turkish embassy or consulate well in advance for your specific meds, as even common OTC items might be restricted.
Up to February 2015, the Government of Turkey has reported the control of 340 NPS. In 2016, several benzodiazepines such as adinazolam, deschloroetizolam, diclazepam, flubromazepam, flubromazolam, meclonazepam, and pyrazolam, have also been added to the list of controlled drugs (see here).
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Turkey to ensure the medication is legal in Turkey. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor's prescription. Some medications may be unavailable in Turkey.
It is important to take care not to say anything offensive about the Turkish nation or the Turkish flag or to write such things on social media. It is also a criminal offence to deface or tear up Turkish currency. The penalty for these crimes is from 6 months up to 3 years imprisonment.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead.
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Do I have to declare medication in a suitcase?
If you need to bring medication with you, please pack it in your cabin bag wherever possible. A letter from your healthcare practitioner is only required If you are bringing any of the following items on board: Liquids that exceed 100ml. Sharp objects such as needles.
Turkey has a stringent stance against drug offenses. The nation's zero-tolerance policy towards the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal substances is codified in its laws. Even the possession of small amounts of drugs, which some might consider "personal use", can lead to a prison sentence.
You must not take Turkish lira worth more than 5000 US dollars out of the country. If you have other currency worth more than 5000 US dollars to take out of Turkey, you must declare it to Turkish Customs. You may need to demonstrate where the currency came from.
While these drugs or devices may be legal somewhere else, if the FDA has not approved them for use in the United States, they may not legally enter the country and will be confiscated, even if they are prescribed by a foreign physician.
The reported use of illicit substances among the general population in Turkey remains low. In 2017, cannabis was the most common illicit drug used by adults aged 15-64 years, followed by MDMA/ecstasy and cocaine. The highest rates of illicit drug use were reported among young males aged 15-34 years.
At Turkish beaches, anything goes. Most women wear clothing as they would in Europe or their home countries. Shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops or bare feet are perfectly fine.
Do you have to declare prescription drugs at customs in Turkey?
A document (e.g., medical report, doctor's prescription) must be presented to customs to confirm the necessity of the medication during their stay. A reasonable quantity of medication will be allowed based on the duration of stay.
Turkey customs regulations prevent you from bringing drugs, weapons, firearms and radioactive substances into Turkey. What food can you take into Turkey and what can't you take to Turkey? There are some Turkey prohibited items such as fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, dairy products.
According to 2020 data, Dr. Berat Dağ noted that the most frequently committed crimes in Türkiye were intentional injury (40,445 convicts) and theft (39,279 convicts). He added: “The 2020 data reveal that nearly 8,500 young people aged 15–17 entered prison due to theft, assault, and drug-related crimes.”
Medications containing certain narcotics or psychotropics are strictly restricted in Turkey. Controlled substances include painkillers, anxiety medication, and sleeping pills like tramadol and acetaminophen. Even with a proper prescription, these medications need extra authorisation from the Turkish Ministry of Health.
What is the most strict country in the world for drugs?
Singapore has some of the strictest drug-related laws in the world, mandating the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking more than 15 grams of diamorphine (heroin), 250 grams of methamphetamine, or 500 grams of cannabis.
What happens if you get caught with drugs in Turkey?
So, what happens if you are caught with drugs in Turkey as a tourist or expat? Beyond possible jail time for drug possession in Turkey, you may also be banned from re-entering Turkey for several years or permanently, depending on the severity of the crime and whether you're considered a threat to public order.
Do dress modestly; women may be asked to cover their heads and shoulders. Don't visit a mosque during prayer times, especially the main Friday noon Jumu'ah prayer. Don't talk or laugh loudly in a mosque. Don't obstruct or walk in front of a person who is praying.
Do I need a letter from my doctor to take medication abroad?
Medications that are 'controlled' in the UK are likely to be 'controlled' abroad. You will need a letter from your doctor to carry controlled drugs into or out of the UK. This will confirm your name, address, date of birth, dates of travel, destination and medication details including dose and total amounts.
The numbers, letters, or other text that you see on a pill are its “imprint code,” a feature that helps you identify it. The FDA requires most OTC and prescription drug tablets and capsules to have an imprint.
