Leaving Turkey

[Appleyard]

According to the bumph,the Transit log should be surrendered when leaving Turkish waters (yes I know) .
Where do you do this? and what is the official procedure?
The reason I ask is that our T.L expires at the beginning of May and as we will probably cruise over to Greek waters about that time I thought that we may as well do it properly & renew it when we return to Turkey later in the year.

 

[Swagman]

Any port of entry / exit - check the pilot book

Unless I had a real reason (like a VAT reclaim), not sure I'd bother.
Ultimately it will be the harbourmaster who endorses the documentation but suggest with the often discussed 'new' procedures for Turkey, you consider an agent to get it done for you. In 2007 when we last did this, the agents in Durcha (sic) were charging around 30 euros.
Cheers
JOHN

 

[Appleyard]

Thanks for that..
The only prob. I can forsee with not bothering to officialy check out would be when we returned to Turkey, at which point we would have to obtain a new TL. Now that the system is "computerised" there would be a recorded gap in the continuation of the log which might lead to some questions.

 

[1bobt]

Thanks for that..
The only prob. I can forsee with not bothering to officialy check out would be when we returned to Turkey, at which point we would have to obtain a new TL. Now that the system is "computerised" there would be a recorded gap in the continuation of the log which might lead to some questions.

I think you have hit the nail on the head there. Big problems when you go back if you did not check out.
cheers bobt

 

[Squeaky]

Good afternoon:

I can think of several reasons to check out prior to going to Greece but of course, I have the benefit of hind sight.

Some years ago I arrived in Alanya after spending a few months in North Cyprus without clearing out of Turkey prior to leaving. My reasoning was that I didn't want a gap in the dates in my passport which I wouldn't be able to explain so I took a chance. When I returned to Turkey it was discovered that my transit log was out of date which led to the authorities discovering that I had left Turkey without clearing.

I was arrested or at least told not to leave Alanya until the matter was resolved. First I was told that I would appear in court in Antalya the next Monday then the next Thursday and so it went for over a month. Initially I was told to expect a fine which was equal to my monthly income but in the end, after a month of worry, was told to pay a small fine without actually appearing in court.

I can assure you that I wasted a lot of energy worrying and fretting while hanging around waiting and resolved never to mess with the border control authorities in future and haven't except for sneaking into a small Turkish harbour while officially in Greece. The worry and aggro is simply not worth it.

I know of one couple that have two complete sets of documents including passports so the clear into Greece and Turkey early in the season and then sail in and out as they please making sure they remember which set of documents to present when asked.

Personally I clear in and clear out.

Insofar as your question as to where and how does one clear out you should ask the marina office for details as where and how depends on where you are located.

Cheers

Squeaky

 

[Oliveoyl]

Two sets of documents

Had this last year. Chartered out of Marmaris, ( GR flagged boat registered in TR) cruised the Greek Dodecs, left the boat at Bodrum. Were prepared for lots of extra cost and admin hassle to do so. In the end, because it was the long end of Ramadan holiday, the TR base manager "slipped" us the GR docs for the boat.Left TR without checking out, entered GR in Symi showing GR docs, checked out of GR in Kos 10 days later (that was the biggest PITA), and slid back into Turkey. If it can be done for a charter boat, why not for a charter boat? At least for a short period of time?

 

[Squeaky]

Good evening Oliveoyl:

I'm afraid you answered your own question by stating "the TR base manager "slipped" us the GR docs for the boat"

If you had two sets of documents you were in a position similar to the couple I mentioned with two sets of documents.

How ever I don't think most yachtsmen will have the back up that you had but in any event it is a decision that each must make for themselves.

Because of my experience I worry so much that I'm going to be caught that I find it is easier to just follow the rules and enjoy the cruise.

Cheers

Squeaky

 

[Oliveoyl]

Hi Squeaky
While I'm horrified at your story of arrest / fines etc, I can imagine (and I know from friends' experience) that a foreign flagged boat can hop from GR to TR for short periods. RIP Lady Jessie of this parish did regular booze trips from TR to Symi, not even bothering with GR formalities.
However, remember well our first cruise in TR, with GR flagged boat, at anchor in Bozzukale, being "buzzed" by TR coast guards - they thought we were illegals - was very scared

 

[Appleyard]

Had this last year. Chartered out of Marmaris, ( GR flagged boat registered in TR) cruised the Greek Dodecs, left the boat at Bodrum. Were prepared for lots of extra cost and admin hassle to do so. In the end, because it was the long end of Ramadan holiday, the TR base manager "slipped" us the GR docs for the boat.Left TR without checking out, entered GR in Symi showing GR docs, checked out of GR in Kos 10 days later (that was the biggest PITA), and slid back into Turkey. If it can be done for a charter boat, why not for a charter boat? At least for a short period of time?

I don't think you understood my original query. While many people nip between Greece & Turkey on the QT for short periods., both countries seem to turn a blind eye to this practice.
My reason for asking about checking out of Turkey in this case is that my Turkish T.L would expire while we were in Greece for an extended period & I don't want to have a gap in the dates .
Also as t is our own boat & not chartered,I don't fancy running foul of the Turkish authorities.
The Greek Transit log is issued and only has to be renewed when the pages are all full of stamps. The Turkish TL lasts for 1 year at which point it has to be renewed.If leaving Turkey it should be surrendered,even if an early return is anticipated. I could of course renew it when it expires,but why waste money.
I presume that you made a typo when you said "If it can be done for a charter boat,why not for a charter boat"?

 

[Squeaky]

Good evening Jamesmar:

I don't know if I am understanding your concern correctly or not because of your comment: My reason for asking about checking out of Turkey in this case is that my Turkish T.L would expire while we were in Greece for an extended period & I don't want to have a gap in the dates .

Is it possible that you have misunderstood the use of the transit log? It is completely different than what you refer to as your Greek TL by which I think you mean the document that was originally issued to record movement between harbours.

The Turkish Transit Log is basically permission to have a foreign vessel in Turkey without payment of any taxes or import charges - sort of like a visa for your yacht. Other than the aggro of actually physically clearing I can think of no reason why one would not do so nor any reason for not having a gap if there was to be a gap in your presence in Turkey. It is a one shot authority/permission to bring your yacht into Turkey tax free and valid for it to be there up to one year and must be cleared when you leave - sort of sign in and sign out. Of course, if you want to stay longer you must re-new the permission (transit log) at the end of the one year period.

If you do not "clear out" before leaving Turkey it will mean that your transit log is still "open" giving the authorities to believe that your yacht is still in the country. Additionally your passport will indicate that you have not cleared out which will also be cause for concern to the authorities as I would think your visa would be out of date by the time you attempt to "clear in" on return.

When you later re-enter Turkey and attempt to "clear in" and obtain permission to bring your yacht into the country and get your passport stamped and a new visa, I feel quite sure that the authorities (and their computer) will become aware you left without clearing which will give them cause to believe you had an ulterior motive i.e people smuggling.

I also wonder if you haven't gotten the wrong impression from the actions of others who reportedly "nip" between Greece and Turkey. Yes, this happens but I don't think it is correct to believe that the authorities turn a blind eye to the practice. I think it is better to say that they have not been caught.

There are a few ports where one MIGHT get away with this such as Symi but I won't try it with Rhodes or Kos or other major ports. I also know many who visit Symi illegally but I think and hope they do it knowing full well that it is illegal but are willing to take a chance on not being detected.

Sorry if it appears I am trying to "teach you how to suck eggs" as they say because I misunderstand your concern.

Cheers

Squeaky

 

[grumpygit]

Arrest warrant issued

A friend of ours skippers a Greek registered yacht for it's Swiss owners. At the end of the summer cruise around Turkey last year he went to the relevant authority to check out (I can't remember which port he was leaving from). As he wasn't leaving until 5am the next morning, his request was refused and he was told to come back the next day prior to departure at 5am, the office would be open and they would complete the paperwork then.

Typically, the office wasn't open the next day at 4.30 - 5am as he was assured it would be, so he had no choice but to leave without completing the formalities.

He cannot go back to Turkey this year as there is now a warrant for his arrest. His visa ran out and he is classed as an illegal immigrant!

The situation is currently in the hands of lawyers, with no sign of an early settlement.

I for one would not leave Turkey without completing the entry/exit procedures correctly.

 

[Squeaky]

Good afternoon:

Don't want to "hog" this thread but I must say that I am not at all surprised at the reaction of the authorities taking the matter very seriously when they discover that someone had illegally left the country. I think the same reaction would be seen if they discovered someone in the country without having cleared in correctly.

Think those who "nip" in and out of Greece or Turkey should take heed and be prepared for all sorts of trouble if detected.

Cheers

Squeaky

 

[Appleyard]

Good evening Jamesmar:

I don't know if I am understanding your concern correctly or not because of your comment: My reason for asking about checking out of Turkey in this case is that my Turkish T.L would expire while we were in Greece for an extended period & I don't want to have a gap in the dates .

Is it possible that you have misunderstood the use of the transit log? It is completely different than what you refer to as your Greek TL by which I think you mean the document that was originally issued to record movement between harbours.

The Turkish Transit Log is basically permission to have a foreign vessel in Turkey without payment of any taxes or import charges - sort of like a visa for your yacht. Other than the aggro of actually physically clearing I can think of no reason why one would not do so nor any reason for not having a gap if there was to be a gap in your presence in Turkey. It is a one shot authority/permission to bring your yacht into Turkey tax free and valid for it to be there up to one year and must be cleared when you leave - sort of sign in and sign out. Of course, if you want to stay longer you must re-new the permission (transit log) at the end of the one year period.

If you do not "clear out" before leaving Turkey it will mean that your transit log is still "open" giving the authorities to believe that your yacht is still in the country. Additionally your passport will indicate that you have not cleared out which will also be cause for concern to the authorities as I would think your visa would be out of date by the time you attempt to "clear in" on return.

When you later re-enter Turkey and attempt to "clear in" and obtain permission to bring your yacht into the country and get your passport stamped and a new visa, I feel quite sure that the authorities (and their computer) will become aware you left without clearing which will give them cause to believe you had an ulterior motive i.e people smuggling.

I also wonder if you haven't gotten the wrong impression from the actions of others who reportedly "nip" between Greece and Turkey. Yes, this happens but I don't think it is correct to believe that the authorities turn a blind eye to the practice. I think it is better to say that they have not been caught.

There are a few ports where one MIGHT get away with this such as Symi but I won't try it with Rhodes or Kos or other major ports. I also know many who visit Symi illegally but I think and hope they do it knowing full well that it is illegal but are willing to take a chance on not being detected.

Sorry if it appears I am trying to "teach you how to suck eggs" as they say because I misunderstand your concern.

Cheers

Squeaky

Morning Squeaky..
My description of the Turkish document as a "Transit log" is as you say a bit misleading.,and thanks for your very clear & concise summary of its function..some useful information there.
My original query was how to physically "check out" of Turkey,as we have no intention of sampling Turkish prison food.
We don't keep the boat in a marina,so would have to go via the local harbourmaster/agent wherever we were at the point of leaving.
As \for teaching me to "suck eggs" ...no prob. ...the more info. the better.