Georgia and Turkey share a busy border crossing, and Georgian-plate vehicles are a common sight in eastern Turkey and increasingly in Istanbul. If you’re driving a Georgian-registered car in Turkey, here’s what you need to know about insurance.
Does my Georgian insurance cover me in Turkey?
Georgian third-party insurance (MTPL) is not automatically valid in Turkey. Georgia is not part of the multilateral Green Card system that would allow your Georgian policy to satisfy Turkish legal requirements.
You need a Turkish foreign plate insurance policy to drive legally in Turkey.
What policy do Georgian drivers need?
A Turkish foreign plate insurance policy providing:
- Third-party liability cover (the legal minimum in Turkey)
- A Green Card valid for the Schengen area and neighbouring countries
What documents do I need?
- Georgian vehicle registration certificate (registration card)
- Your passport (Georgian or other nationality)
- Turkish residence permit (if you have one)
We accept scanned or photographed documents and can issue cover remotely.
How long can a Georgian-plate car stay in Turkey?
Under Turkish customs rules, a foreign-plate vehicle may remain in Turkey for up to 24 months. After this period:
- The vehicle must be exported, or
- Customs duties must be paid (import), or
- You apply for a customs extension (in limited circumstances)
Can I cross into other countries with Turkish foreign plate insurance?
Yes — your policy includes a Green Card that’s valid in Europe and neighbouring countries. The Green Card is your proof of insurance for international border crossings.
What if I plan to stay in Turkey long-term?
If you’re relocating permanently or spending several years in Turkey, it may make financial sense to transfer the vehicle to Turkish registration. This would:
- Subject the vehicle to Turkish customs duties
- Change your insurance requirement to Turkish traffic insurance + kasko
- Allow you to renew vehicle registration through the Turkish system
Our team can advise on this transition.
