How Much It Costs to Clear Customs for an iPhone

In Northern Cyprus, the rule is: after three months of using a local SIM card, an unregistered phone is blocked. To restore connectivity, it is necessary to complete the device registration (or customs clearance) procedure and pay the fee.

The fee amount depends on the phone model, memory capacity, and current exchange rate. Registration is mandatory for all foreign devices, regardless of the owner’s citizenship.

• Phone Registration Rules
• iPhone Registration Costs
• Phone Registration for Students
• Frequently Asked Questions

Phone Registration Rules

Within 90 days of your arrival in Northern Cyprus, any phone not registered in the local regulator BTHK (Bilgi Teknolojileri ve Haberleşme Kurumu) database will be blocked from working with local SIM cards.

Device registration is conducted at official BTHK offices. You will need:

• passport,
• valid visa or residence permit,
• the phone itself,
• receipt of customs fee payment,
• for students — a document confirming enrollment at a local university.

After registration, the device receives a unique IMEI number, and the block is lifted. The procedure usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

Important: if you use two SIM cards, both must be registered under the same owner, otherwise the system may not recognize the device as registered.

iPhone Registration Costs

As of end of 2025, the registration costs for popular iPhone models are:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max 256 GB — $356.4
• iPhone 17 Pro Max 256 GB — $495

For reference, below is a table of phone customs clearance costs for 2023 (prices in Turkish lira):

Note: the fee is paid in Turkish lira at the Central Bank of TRNC rate on the day of document submission. Payment can be made on-site during BTHK registration.

Phone Registration Costs for Students

For students studying at universities in Northern Cyprus who are not TRNC citizens, a reduced fixed rate applies: 4000 Turkish lira regardless of the phone model.

But it is important to know:

• To use this discount, you must provide a certificate from your university (student certificate). Without proof of student status, the standard rate applies.
• The discount can be used no more than once every 2 years.
• Phones can be registered under the student rate no earlier than 6 months after the official release of the model. For example, an iPhone 17 officially released on 19.09.2025 can be registered with the student discount no earlier than 19.03.2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Wi-Fi without registration?
Yes, the block applies only to the GSM network. Internet via Wi-Fi, as well as messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.), continues to work without restrictions.

Where can I pay the fee?
You can pay at the BTHK office during phone registration. Detailed instructions are available in our article on phone registration.

Can I register a phone under someone else’s name?
Yes, it is possible. However, the SIM card inserted in the phone must be registered under the same person as the IMEI.

What happens if I do not register on time?
The phone will stop making and receiving calls and connecting to mobile internet. Unlocking is only possible after completing the registration procedure and paying the fee.

BTHK Contacts:
Phone: +90 392 600 90 00