Innocent Passage in the Bosphorus

[SeaCow]

I used to live in Turkey, and overall I enjoyed it and aside from isolated incidents with the occasional bureaucrat had no issues.

BUT I did have some issues. I used to live in Cyprus before Turkey, and after. In case you don't know - the two dont recognize each other. They get along better than Israel and Gaza, but only a bit better.

I want to pass through the Bosphorus from the Black Sea to Greek waters. The Bosphorus is deemed an international passage and subject to innocent passage of commercial vessels. I assume this applies to personal vessels as well? Can I pass directly through without dealing with customs if I don't stop in Turkey?

When I lived in Turkey I renewed my passport before I went so it was clean - but a few trips I've been back and once they see the Cyprus stamps and residence status its not always a clean entry..... I'd really like to avoid such possibilities again.... And I think I might have left a few unpaid parking tickets when I left Turkey as well...

[barnakiel]

It is the same innocent passage to all. Unless you are a warship.

If worried, put on fake Ray Bans and fly US flag.

b.

[SeaCow]

Thanks. Chances are it'd be fine. Turkish people I found to be very friendly. The immigration officers were *always* very pleasant to me and I traveled several times a week in and out of Turkey. Customs was usually ok.. but they often got a bit overzealous if they caught wind of my Cyprus ties.... Just wanted to avoid that with a big expensive boat.. Boat is not flagged in Cyprus... that would be a definite problem!

[barnakiel]

If the boat is not flagged in Cyprus and if you do not go ashore/anchor in territorial waters then you are actually 'invisible' to them.

b.