Can you bring a walkie-talkie, modem or Starlink into Turkey?
Rules for walkie-talkies, two-way radios, modems, routers, antennas and satellite terminals such as Starlink. Customs applies the 430 EUR allowance; what really matters is the usage and type-approval regime of Turkey's telecoms authority (BTK).
Bringing it with you
Customs has no separate exemption line; the 430 EUR gift allowance applies. The decisive factor is that radio and communication devices are subject to the usage and type-approval regime run by BTK.
Example: on goods worth 800 EUR, the first 430 EUR is exempt. On the remaining 370 EUR the flat-rate duty is 30% (111 EUR) for goods coming directly from the EU and 60% (222 EUR) from other countries. For travellers under 15 the allowance is 150 EUR; a single item worth more than 1,500 EUR is subject to the normal import duties.
Documents
- Passport / ID
- Invoice
- BTK permit / type approval if required
Good to know
- Transmitting radio devices require a usage permit and type approval; devices without a permit may be seized.
- Using and importing signal jammers is prohibited.
- Satellite communication terminals (Starlink etc.) require separate authorisation.
- Ordinary home modems and routers usually cause no problem, but type approval may be requested.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 61 · Electronic Communications Law No. 5809 · BTK regulations
Sending it by post or courier
It can arrive by courier; there is no exemption and import duties are payable. BTK type approval and product safety inspection also apply.
Documents
- Invoice
- BTK permit / type approval if required
Good to know
- Transmitting devices without type approval are stopped at customs.
- Signal jammer shipments are held and legal proceedings may be started.
- Above 30 kg gross the courier cannot file the declaration; you must file it yourself.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 126 · Law No. 5809
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a radio or modem into Turkey as a passenger?
Yes, with conditions. Customs has no separate exemption line; the 430 EUR gift allowance applies. The decisive factor is that radio and communication devices are subject to the usage and type-approval regime run by BTK.
Can a radio or modem be sent to Turkey by post or courier?
Yes, with conditions. It can arrive by courier; there is no exemption and import duties are payable. BTK type approval and product safety inspection also apply.
How much customs duty do I pay on a radio or modem?
As a passenger, there is no duty up to 430 EUR (150 EUR for travellers under 15). Above that, up to 1,500 EUR, a flat-rate duty applies: 30% for goods coming directly from the EU, 60% from other countries. By post or courier there has been no value exemption since 6 February 2026; customs duty and VAT (and special consumption tax where applicable) are calculated according to the item's tariff code.
What documents do I need for a radio or modem?
As a passenger: Passport / ID, Invoice, BTK permit / type approval if required. By post or courier: Invoice, BTK permit / type approval if required.
Brands covered by this rule
TP-Link, NETGEAR, Ubiquiti, MikroTik, Zyxel, Baofeng, Midland, Yaesu, Icom, Huawei
Related topics
Rules as of · for information only, not a substitute for the legislation · official information: Turkish Ministry of Trade, call 175 · Türkçe sürüm