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Europe–Türkiye Customs & Documents Guide 2026

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At customs on the drive to Türkiye you usually need a passport or ID, driving licence, vehicle registration and a green card (international insurance). If you drive someone else’s car, a notarised authorisation letter may be required. Rules change; confirm official requirements with the relevant customs authority.

What documents do you need at customs?

On the Europe–Türkiye drive, border and customs checks usually ask for: a valid passport or ID card, driving licence, vehicle registration and the international motor insurance known as a green card.

This is a general guide, not an official source. Requirements vary by country, citizenship and vehicle; confirm current rules with the relevant customs authority and your insurer before you travel.

What is a green card (international insurance)?

A green card is an international motor insurance document valid in the countries your car passes through abroad. Coverage matters for countries on the route such as Serbia and Türkiye.

Make sure your green card covers every country on your route; some must be explicitly marked on the card. Check coverage with your insurer.

Driving someone else’s car: authorisation letter

If you are not the owner of the car (e.g. a spouse, relative or rental), a notarised authorisation letter may be requested at the border to show you are permitted to drive it.

Whether it is required varies by country; carry a translation in English or the relevant language if needed.

How does the border process work?

At the crossing you usually pass the exit country’s passport and customs control first, then the entry country’s. Foreign-plate vehicles may have an entry-exit record kept.

Wait times vary by crossing and congestion. SilaWay shows live waits for Kapıkule and other crossings to help you plan the best time.

Preparation in 5 steps

  1. 1

    Prepare ID and driving documents

    Make sure your passport or ID and driving licence are valid and will not expire during the trip.

  2. 2

    Check registration and insurance

    Have the vehicle registration and green card ready; verify the green card covers every country on your route.

  3. 3

    Get an authorisation letter if needed

    If the car is not registered in your name, obtain a notarised authorisation letter and a translation.

  4. 4

    Confirm official requirements

    Before leaving, confirm current document and vehicle-entry rules with the relevant customs authority and your insurer.

  5. 5

    Plan around border congestion

    Use SilaWay’s live border wait times to pick the best time and crossing for customs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated:

Can I drive someone else’s car on the trip?+

Usually yes, but if the car is not registered in your name a notarised authorisation letter may be requested at the border. Requirements vary by country; confirm in advance.

Is a green card mandatory?+

For many countries on the route a green card (international insurance) is required in practice. Verify with your insurer that it covers every country on your route.

Do children need extra documents?+

In some cases a child’s passport/ID and a consent or custody document may be required, especially when travelling with one parent. Confirm official requirements with the authorities.