Are Russian driver's licenses valid in Turkey?

A Russian Federation driver's license can be used in Turkey, but with some restrictions.

Short-term travel

If you come to Turkey as a tourist, your Russian driver's license will be valid for 6 months from the date of entry. This period is sufficient for renting a car and traveling around the country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required in this case.

Long-term stay

If you plan to live in Turkey for a long period of time (for example, in case of obtaining a residence permit), after 6 months Russian driver's license must be exchanged for a Turkish one. To do this, you will need to go through the procedure of identity confirmation and license verification in local authorities.

It is important to note that when renting a car, most local companies accept Russian driver's licenses without the need for an international license. However, for long-term residence and driving, especially if you plan to change citizenship or stay for a long period of time, exchanging your license is inevitable.