Turkey Hikes Exit Fee to 1000 TL as Travel Becomes Luxury

Traveling abroad from Turkey has become significantly more expensive following a steep increase in mandatory fees. According to the Official Gazette, the exit fee (yurt dışı çıkış harcı) was raised by 40.8%, bringing the cost to 1000 TL.

The increase marks yet another step in the steady rise of departure fees. When first introduced in 2007, the fee was just 15 TL. Over the last 18 years, it has climbed 66.7 times, with the sharpest increase recorded last year at 42%.

Passport Fees Add to Burden

The higher exit fee comes on top of rising passport charges. Based on the latest schedule:

• 3-year passport (including fees and booklet): 9,135 TL

• 10-year passport (including fees and booklet): 12,409 TL

For many travelers, these upfront costs mean that even before purchasing a plane ticket, a simple international trip is now a costly undertaking.

Total Travel Costs Skyrocket

When combined with the exit fee, the total cost of preparing documents for a 3-year passport exceeds 10,000 TL. For those traveling to Europe under the Schengen visa system, additional costs push this figure closer to 15,000 TL.

For a 10-year passport, the total expense for EU destinations can reach 18,709 TL. Once airfare is included, even short-distance Schengen trips can surpass 20,000 TL.

This growing financial burden has sparked criticism, particularly among students, families, and frequent travelers who say international mobility is being priced beyond reach.

More Increases Expected in 2025

The pressure is unlikely to ease anytime soon. With the government setting the 2025 revaluation rate at 43.99%, both passport and exit fees are expected to rise again next year.

Analysts warn that the compounding effect of inflation, currency fluctuations, and administrative adjustments could further strain households and discourage international travel.

Historical Perspective

Turkey’s exit fee system was first implemented to collect funds for state revenues linked to travel. However, the sharp increases in recent years have turned what was once a symbolic fee into a major expense.

From 15 TL in 2007 to 1000 TL in 2025, the hike reflects both broader inflationary pressures and the government’s growing reliance on administrative fees to boost fiscal resources.

Broader Economic Context

The hikes come at a time when Turkey faces high inflation, a widening budget deficit, and increasing pressure to generate revenue. Authorities see fees on passports, visas, and exits as a relatively simple way to raise funds.

But critics argue that the rising costs hinder education abroad, tourism, and business travel, effectively creating a barrier for middle-class families.

International Travel Becoming a Luxury

With the exit fee now set at 1000 TL, and passport charges continuing to climb, the cost of international travel for Turkish citizens has reached unprecedented levels.

For many, what was once a modest administrative cost has now become a major financial barrier. Unless policy changes are made, travel abroad may increasingly be seen as a luxury rather than a basic right of mobility.