Turkey

Turkish law enforcement is very aggressive in combating illegal drugs — penalties for possession, use, or trafficking are very strict, including heavy fines and jail sentences between four and 20 years.

Heavy fines and jail sentences of 4–20 years (US State Dept).

Cannabis in any amount is an illegal drug in Türkiye — expect a long prison sentence of 4 to 24 years and heavy fines for possessing, using, or smuggling it, including when transiting through airports.

Prison sentence of 4–24 years plus heavy fines (FCDO); transit passengers' baggage is scanned.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Türkiye that it is legal before you go — always carry it in original packaging with your doctor's prescription, and bring enough for your whole trip, since some medications are unavailable in Türkiye.

If a medication counts as an illegal substance in Türkiye, drug penalties are severe — heavy fines and 4–20 years in jail.

Türkiye has strict antiquities laws — it is a crime to take antiquities (old cultural or historic items) out of the country; buy only from authorized dealers and keep a museum certificate and receipt.

Without proper papers you could be arrested and sent to jail.

Türkiye limits cash entry and exit to 25,000 Turkish lira, or 10,000 euros (or foreign-currency equivalent).

Amounts above the limit may be subject to declaration and seizure.

Turkey defines 'antiquities' broadly and makes it a crime to remove any from the country; buy only from authorized dealers and keep museum certificates, or risk arrest at departure.

Arrest and jail time

Do not photograph or video Turkish military operations or enter military installations; Mount Ararat is a special military zone requiring advance permission.

Arrest and prosecution

Same-sex relations are not criminalized, but LGB individuals are not protected by anti-discrimination laws and authorities have used 'offenses against public morality' provisions against them.

No direct criminal penalty, but provisions misused against LGB individuals

It is illegal to disrespect the name or image of Atatürk, or to insult the Turkish government, flag, President, or security forces — including on social media. Delete controversial content from devices before entry.

Criminal charges possible