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So basically I will travel from Sofia, Bulgaria to UK, but I have a layover in Turkey. Previously I've flew the Bulgaria-UK route, but only within the EU borders.

Usually when I do so, I buy cigarettes from Bulgaria(in the bounds of 800 cigarettes, looking at this arrivals from EU countries UK regulation)

My concern is related to the arrivals from non-EU countries UK regulations as well as the turkish import regulations

Is there a problem if I enter Turkey with more than 200 cigarettes ? Is my travel considered from non-EU country when arriving in the UK ?

CMaster
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Phantomazi
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1 Answers1

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To avoid any problems, make sure you stay airside in Turkey otherwise you'll have to face Turkish customs and the UK will see you as arriving from a non-EU country.

Is there a problem if I enter Turkey with more than 200 cigarettes ?

If you enter Turkey, anything on top of the 200 cigarette limit is subject to a 57.6% duty1 rate2 and an 18% VAT and a special consumption tax.

Is my travel considered from non-EU country when arriving in the UK ?

The UK considers the originating flight to determine where you're coming from, so if you don't enter Turkey (that is, leave the EU) you're technically coming from an EU country as Turkey stamps on exit and entry, meaning the UK will know you've left the EU, however temporarily.




1 Select "Chapter 24", then "2402", then "2402.90.00.00.00"
2 Pay-walled, but you can make a one day free temporary account to see that page.

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blackbird
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