Planning to ship a car to Turkey from the UK? It sounds simple, but every year, hundreds of vehicle owners get caught out by avoidable mistakes that cost them time, money, and a great deal of stress.
At Ascope Shipping, we have spent over 15 years helping people transport cars from the UK to Turkey safely, affordably, and without drama. We have seen it all like wrong paperwork, surprise tax bills, damaged vehicles, missed sailings, and customs hold-ups that could have been avoided with a little preparation.
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car to Turkey
Mistake 1: Not Understanding Turkey’s Full Tax and Duty
This is the biggest shock for first-time shippers. People budget for the shipping cost, arrive at the Turkish port, and then discover a tax bill they never saw coming.
Turkey applies three separate layers of import tax on vehicles. First, there is a standard customs duty of around 10% on most passenger vehicles. On top of that sits Turkey’s Special Consumption Tax known as ÖTV which ranges from 45% all the way up to 220% depending on your car’s engine size. Then 20% VAT is applied to the combined total. For a large-engine vehicle, the overall tax burden can genuinely exceed the car’s original purchase price.
If you are shipping a car to Turkey permanently, get a proper tax estimate before you commit. If you are importing temporarily under a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), the duties are deferred but only if the vehicle leaves Turkey within the permitted period, currently up to 24 months.
Mistake 2: Getting the Documents Wrong or Incomplete
Missing or incorrect paperwork is the number one reason vehicles get stuck at Turkish customs. It does not matter how well your car is packed or how experienced your shipping company is, one missing document can hold everything up for days.
For car shipping from the UK to Turkey, you will need your UK V5C (vehicle registration document), a valid passport, proof of insurance valid for Turkey, a Bill of Lading issued by your shipping company, and a purchase invoice if the car has been sold. For temporary imports, you will also need the Carnet de Passages en Douanes, available through the AA or RAC in the UK.
Start gathering documents at least four to six weeks before your sailing date. The last thing you want is to be chasing a replacement V5C from the DVLA the week before departure.
Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method for Your Vehicle
Not all cars should travel the same way. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is the most affordable method for car shipping UK to Turkey vehicles are driven onto the vessel, secured, and driven off on arrival. It is ideal for standard, roadworthy cars and keeps costs low, with RoRo prices starting from around £650 for a saloon car.
However, RoRo is not right for every vehicle. Classic cars, high-value cars, electric vehicles, and non-running cars need container shipping for proper protection. In a container, your car is fully enclosed, shielded from sea air and salt, and far more secure. Choosing RoRo for a vehicle that really needs container shipping is a costly mistake not just financially, but potentially in terms of damage you will not discover until arrival.
At Ascope Shipping, we advise every customer on the right method for their specific vehicle before they book. It takes five minutes and saves a great deal of regret.
Mistake 4: Leaving Personal Belongings Inside the Car
This surprises many people, but it is a firm rule, especially for RoRo transport cars from the UK to Turkey. Customs authorities in Turkey can inspect any vehicle, and personal items found inside can be seized, taxed, or cause your vehicle to be held.
For container shipping, a limited amount of personal effects may be permitted, but even then, you must declare everything. Undeclared items are a red flag for customs officials everywhere. Remove all personal items, check under seats, in the boot, and in the glove box before your vehicle is collected.
Mistake 5: Shipping Marine Insurance
Some people skip marine insurance to save money. This is a false economy that can turn into a genuine financial disaster.
During international vehicle shipping, whether RoRo or container, your car can be exposed to rough seas, port handling incidents, and unforeseen delays. Without adequate marine insurance for your car shipping, you have no financial protection if something goes wrong. A comprehensive marine insurance policy costs a fraction of the car’s value and covers you for total loss, fire, water damage, and more.
When you book vehicle shipping from UK to Turkey through Ascope Shipping, we make it easy to arrange the right level of cover before your sailing date.
Mistake 6: Not Notifying the DVLA Before Export
Many UK residents have no idea they need to tell the DVLA when permanently exporting a vehicle. If you are shipping your car to Turkey as a permanent export, you must notify the DVLA using the yellow section of your V5C and retain the green portion as your certificate of export.
Failing to do this means your car remains registered in the UK system, which creates complications with road tax, insurance, and can even attract fines. This is a five-minute task that many people forget entirely because they are focused on the logistics of getting the car to the port.
Mistake 7: Trying to Ship a Car That Is Still on Finance
This is a serious legal issue. If your car is still subject to a finance agreement, you do not have the legal right to export it without your lender’s written permission. Attempting to ship a financed car to Turkey without lender consent could constitute fraud.
Before you book car shipping to Turkey, check whether your vehicle is subject to any outstanding finance, and if it is, contact your lender in writing. Some lenders will grant consent for export; others will require the finance to be settled first. Either way, get it in writing and keep that letter with your shipping documents.
Mistake 8: Choosing the Wrong Turkish Port for Your Destination
Turkey has several major ports for vehicle imports: Izmit Autoport (near Istanbul), Izmir on the Aegean coast, and Mersin on the Mediterranean. The right port depends entirely on where in Turkey your vehicle is heading.
Picking the nearest port on a map without checking for port charges and additional haulage costs is a mistake that can add unexpected expense. Mersin, for example, can carry higher port handling charges than Autoport for some vehicle types. Your shipping agent should help you select the right port based on your final destination, not just the cheapest headline rate.
Ascope Shipping offers weekly sailings to Izmit Autoport, Izmir, and Mersin and our team will always recommend the right port for your specific situation.
Mistake 9: Not Preparing the Vehicle Properly Before Collection
A surprising number of problems arise not at the port or at customs, but simply because the vehicle was not properly prepared before collection. Common issues include low battery charge (meaning the car cannot be driven onto the vessel), leaking fluids flagged by port staff, a fuel tank that is too full (most shipping lines require no more than a quarter tank), and no photographic record of the vehicle’s pre-shipping condition.
Before your car leaves for the port, take detailed photographs of every panel, the interior, and all four tyres. Check the battery, ensure the handbrake works, and reduce the fuel level. These steps protect you if any damage claim arises later.
Mistake 10: Booking with an Unverified or Inexperienced Shipping Company
The cheapest quote is not always the best quote. There are brokers in the market who will take your money and outsource your shipment to an unvetted third party, leaving you with no accountability if something goes wrong.
When you are arranging international car shipping services for a vehicle worth thousands of pounds, you need a company with a proven track record, transparent pricing, real customer reviews, and direct control over the process. At Ascope Shipping, we have been handling personal car export UK to Turkey and worldwide routes for over 15 years. We are a registered UK company (Company Number: 08560381) based in Hull, with verified Trustpilot reviews and a dedicated team that manages every step, from collection at your door to customs clearance at the Turkish port.
A reliable vehicle shipping company should never hide fees, rush your questions, or fail to explain the process clearly. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Quick Pre-Shipping Checklist
Before you ship your car to Turkey from the UK, run through these essentials:
- V5C document ready and complete
- DVLA notified (permanent exports)
- Finance clearance confirmed in writing (if applicable)
- Carnet de Passages obtained (temporary imports)
- Vehicle photographed from all angles
- Fuel reduced to quarter tank or less
- Personal belongings fully removed
- Marine insurance arranged
- Turkey tax estimate confirmed with your shipping agent
- Correct Turkish port confirmed for your destination
How much does it cost to ship a car to Turkey from the UK?
RoRo car shipping from the UK to Turkey starts from around £650 for a standard saloon. Larger vehicles, SUVs, and container shipping cost more. The total cost also depends on your chosen UK port, destination port in Turkey, and whether you need door-to-port or port-to-port service. Contact Ascope Shipping for a free, transparent quote.
How long does car shipping from the UK to Turkey take?
The typical UK to Turkey car shipping time is 14 to 21 days by sea, depending on your departure port and destination in Turkey. Ascope Shipping offers weekly sailings, so you are never waiting long for the next available vessel.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from the UK to Turkey?
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is the most affordable option for roadworthy vehicles, with prices starting from £650. For non-running vehicles, classic cars, or high-value cars requiring extra protection, container shipping is the right choice and well worth the additional cost.
Ship Your Car to Turkey the Right Way With Ascope Shipping
Avoiding these mistakes does not require expert knowledge. It just requires working with the right people from the start. At Ascope Shipping, our team handles everything: the paperwork, the port bookings, the customs documentation, and the advice on Turkish import rules.
We offer both door-to-port and port-to-port car shipping to Turkey, with weekly sailings and completely transparent pricing. Get your free quote today by using the contact form or call us on 01482 228366.
