Citizens of the Republic of Turkey must complete certain procedures when traveling abroad. One of these is the exit fee. This fee paid to the government can be confusing for first-time travelers. So, what is the exit fee, how and where is it paid, who is exempt?
In this article, we will discuss the current tuition fee, payment methods and all other details as of 2024. If you are planning to go abroad soon, read our article carefully to avoid any surprises regarding the exit fee!
What is the International Exit Tax?
Citizens of the Republic of Turkey traveling abroad have to pay a fee before passport control. The exit fee is a tax collected by the state and must be paid by each individual.
- As of January 1, 2025, the exit fee that citizens of the Republic of Turkey must pay when traveling abroad has been determined as 710 TL .
This fee is collected to contribute to the state's general budget and is evaluated especially within the scope of customs-related regulations. In order to avoid any problems during the process of going abroad, it is very important to know how and where to pay the fee.
How to Pay Exit Tax Abroad?
There are various methods and payment points to pay the exit fee. Here are the details on how and where to pay this fee:- Digital Tax Office : You can use the Digital Tax Office ( dijital.gib.gov.tr ) platform to easily pay your exit tax. This website is provided by the Revenue Administration and has a user-friendly interface to quickly make your tax payment. After logging in to the site, you can find the exit tax option and complete the payment process by filling in the necessary information.
- GİB Mobile Application : The official mobile application of the Revenue Administration allows you to pay your exit fee from abroad via smartphones. You can easily pay the fee by downloading and installing the application from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Internet/Mobile Branches of Contracted Banks : You can make your fee payments via the digital platforms of banks such as Ziraat Bank, Garanti BBVA, İş Bank. You can easily perform your transactions by accessing the "Government Fees" or "International Exit Fee" options through these applications.
- PTT : PTT branches and PTTmatik ATMs are another option for paying your exit fee. You can go to PTT branches and get help from the relevant staff or complete the payment transaction from PTTmatik ATMs. This method offers a convenient alternative for those who do not want to deal with banking transactions.
- Tax Offices : As an alternative payment method, you can also pay the exit tax at the tax offices. You can pay the tax by going to the relevant tax offices and submitting the necessary documents. However, if you prefer this method, be sure to complete your transaction before your travel date.
Who is exempt from the International Exit Tax?
The groups that are exempt from the departure tax cover a variety of situations that travelers may encounter. Here is information detailing who is exempt from paying the tax:- Children Under 18: Children under the age of 18 among citizens of the Republic of Turkey are exempt from the exit tax. In other words, there is no need to pay any tax for children traveling with their parents. This is a convenience provided to ease the travel expenses of families.
- Diplomatic Passport Holders: Individuals holding a diplomatic passport are also exempt from the international exit fee. Diplomatic passports are a special type of passport issued to state representatives and certain official officials. Holders of these passports do not have to pay any fees when they go abroad.
- Dual Citizens: People with dual citizenship can determine whether or not they will pay an exit fee depending on which passport they will use to exit the country. If they are exiting with a Turkish passport, they must pay the fee. However, if they exit using another country's passport, this fee will not be charged.
- Students, Business People and Special Circumstances: Students studying abroad with a student visa may be exempted from the exit fee in certain cases. In addition, business people traveling for business or those holding certain official positions may also benefit from exemptions. However, these situations must generally be proven with documents. Any special circumstances should be confirmed by consulting the relevant official authorities before traveling.
Can I Get Away Without Paying The Exit Tax?
For citizens of the Republic of Turkey who plan to travel abroad, paying the exit fee is an important step that must be completed before traveling. However, in some cases, it may be possible to skip the fee. Here are the details:Penalties That May Be Faced by Those Who Do Not Pay
Individuals who try to go abroad without paying the exit fee may encounter serious problems. If it is determined during the checks carried out at the airport that the fee has not been paid, the passengers' flights may be cancelled and they will not be allowed to go abroad. In addition, a certain penalty may be imposed by the Republic of Turkey on those who travel without paying the fee. Therefore, it is of great importance not to skip the fee payment.Solutions for Those Who Forgot to Get a Tax Stamp at the Airport
If you forget to collect the stamp duty when you go abroad, there is no possibility of payment at the airport. In this case, you may encounter a negative situation such as not being allowed to fly. However, if you can pay your fee quickly through digital channels, you may have a chance to complete your transaction and exit without delay. Therefore, you should definitely pay your fee before going to the airport.Advantages and Risks of Making Payments While Going Abroad
The advantage of paying the fee when going abroad is that all transactions are completed and your travel goes smoothly. However, if you are thinking of paying at the airport, you should keep in mind that you may encounter some risks such as waiting time. Therefore, you can prevent both loss of time and unnecessary stress by completing your fee payment before your travel.Is it possible to get a refund for the International Exit Tax?
While the exit fee is an important step in making travel plans, there are times when you may need to get a refund. Here’s what you need to know about getting an exit fee refund:Can People Who Make Payments But Cannot Travel Abroad Get a Refund?
Yes, people who have paid the exit fee but cannot go abroad for various reasons can request a refund. However, for this to be valid, the refund request must be made within a certain period of time from the date the fee was paid. The refund process can usually be done due to problems or unexpected events encountered during the payment of the exit fee.In what cases can the refund process be initiated?
The refund process for the exit tax can generally be initiated in the following cases:- Flight Cancellation : In case your flight is cancelled by the airline.
- Travel Bans : Travel bans are imposed due to extraordinary circumstances such as COVID-19.
- Passport Problems : Not being able to go abroad due to expired or lost passport.
- Other Unexpected Situations : Health problems or emergencies before the travel date.
How to Make a Request Through Tax Offices or Online Systems
A request for a refund of the exit tax can be made through the relevant tax offices or online systems. You can apply for an online request through the Digital Tax Office, which is the digital platform of the Revenue Administration. Here are the steps:- Log in to the Digital Tax Office website.
- Fill out the refund request form and attach the required documents (payment receipt, passport copy, etc.).
- After completing your application, wait for the refund process to be completed.