General Rules for Flying a Drone in Turkey
Flying drones in Turkey is legal but regulated. Here are the key rules you should know:
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Registration is mandatory for all drones weighing more than 500 grams.
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Prior approval is required for all commercial drone flights.
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The maximum allowed altitude is 120 meters (394 feet).
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Drones over 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) are not allowed for personal/recreational use.
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Flying near airports, military zones, and crowds is strictly prohibited.
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Applications for flight permits should be submitted at least 15 days in advance through the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (SHGM).
📡 Nationwide Professional Drone Services in Turkey
At UAV Turkey Drone Media, we operate in all major cities and regions across Turkey with a fleet of state-of-the-art drones and a team of licensed professional drone pilots.
We provide tailored drone solutions in the following sectors:
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🎥 Media & Film Production
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🚁 Search and Rescue Operations
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🌾 Agricultural Spraying & Monitoring
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⛏ Mining & Industrial Inspection
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🛰 LiDAR & 3D Mapping
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🗺 Geospatial Surveying
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🏥 Medical & Emergency Logistics
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🔭 Wildlife & Environmental Observation
We manage all legal permits, flight plans, and safety procedures in full compliance with Turkish aviation regulations. Whether you need aerial cinematography, mapping, or inspection, our expert operators deliver high-quality results across Turkey—from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir to remote rural zones.
Rules & Penalties for Foreigners Flying Drones Commercially in Turkey
According to the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), foreign nationals are not allowed to conduct commercial drone operations within the borders of Turkey without prior official authorization.
Under Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920, and the related drone regulations:
📌 Legal Restrictions
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Foreign nationals must obtain official permits from SHGM before performing any commercial drone flights in Turkey.
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Any commercial activity (media production, mapping, industrial inspection, etc.) without legal clearance is considered illegal.
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Tourists or foreign drone operators cannot legally fly drones for business purposes unless they have special permissions obtained in advance.
💸 Updated Fines in 2024
As of 2024, the following administrative fines apply for unauthorized drone operations in Turkey:
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Minimum Fine: 8,328 TRY (~250 USD)
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Maximum Fine: 167,487 TRY (~5,000 USD)
(Source: Anadolu Agency – SHGM 2024 Fines)
Fines may increase depending on the nature of the violation and the drone’s weight, location, and purpose of flight.
⚖️ Criminal Liability
In certain cases, unauthorized drone flights may also trigger criminal investigations, especially when:
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Flying near airports, military zones, or government buildings
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Violating privacy laws or capturing sensitive infrastructure
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Endangering public safety or airspace regulations
Penalties could include temporary detention, confiscation of equipment, and legal action under Turkish Penal Code.
✅ Recommendation for Foreign Drone Operators
If you are a foreign national planning to fly drones for commercial purposes in Turkey, you must:
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Apply for permission at least 15 days in advance through SHGM
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Work in coordination with a licensed Turkish drone operator
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Ensure your drone is registered and flight plan is approved
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Avoid all restricted and no-fly zones
Flying commercially without proper authorization in Turkey is illegal and could result in heavy fines or even legal prosecution. For legal, professional drone services across Turkey, contact registered operators who meet SHGM’s regulatory standards.