Foreign-registered yachts may obtain tax-free diesel fuel subject to the conditions set out below:
1. Tax-free fuel will be available for use only in foreign yachts and will be obtainable only from marinas and shipyards licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism.
2. The owner of the yachts may be Turkish or foreign but must be a person having a permanent place of residence outside of Turkey.
3. The yacht may be brought to Turkey with the owner or may be brought two months earlier or later than the owner’s arrival in Turkey.
4. The yacht may receive tax-free fuel only in the presence of the owner.
USE OF VEHICLES BY FOREIGN YACHTSMEN
1 .Foreign yachtsmen are allowed to use their foreign-registered vehicles in Turkey for 6 months in any one year. At the end of 6 months their vehicles must be taken out of the country.
2. If the yacht owner or captain takes over the yacht, their vehicles must be put into the marina customs bond under the responsibility of the marina.
3. The vehicles may be left in bond for up to 4 months. Before expiry, an application may be made to the chief customs authorities of the district for an extension of this period for a further 2 months.
4. Regulation No. 120 dated July 12, 1985 states that foreign yacht owners cannot keep their yachts and their vehicles on their passports at the same time. It is advisable that on entering Turkey, the yacht owner’s wife or friends have the vehicle recorded in their passport.
STAYING IN TURKEY FOR FOREIGN YACHTSMEN
Regulations for foreign yachtsmen wishing to stay in Turkey differ depending upon the nationality involved. Yachtsmen may obtain a visa from the Turkish embassy or consulate in their country, or upon entry to Turkey.
Yachtsmen who enter Turkey without a visa:
1 .If they are from South Africa, a 21-day visa is obtainable for tourism purposes free of charge.
2. If they are from England (5 pounds), Ireland (5 pounds), Austria (150 Sch.), Italy ($5 U.S.), visas are valid for 3 months (a 3-month visa wiII be given on entry).
3. From other Western European and North American countries yachtsmen will be issued a 3-month visa free of charge.
Yachtsmen who wish to stay in Turkey for more than 3 months, should apply for renewal of their visa to the district center office before the expiry date of their visa. If a renewal is required for longer than 3 months, the district center office will have to obtain confirmation from Ankara before it can be issued. (There may be a delay of up to 2 months to receive this renewal). If yachtsmen leave Turkey for a foreign port and later return, a 3-month visa will automatically be issued.
UNDERWATER DIVING
Diving for purposes of sport, with proper equipment and in non-restricted areas, is permitted. Foreign divers should have official documentation of their specifics, training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide. The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. For educational purposes, this limit is extended to 42 meters. Dives exceeding 30 meters must be done with proper diving and medical equipment. In order to protect Turkish archaeological and cultural values, it is strictly forbidden to transport Turkish antiquities or natural specimens. Although this information is believed to be correct at the time of this writing, the marina does not accept any liability for errors, omissions, or changes made by the authorities without prior notification.
