Turkey is one of the most visually stunning and strategically important countries in the world. From ancient cities and UNESCO heritage sites to major industrial zones and coastlines, it attracts thousands of drone enthusiasts and international companies every year.
However, obtaining a Turkey drone permit is not optional — it is a legal requirement in many situations.
If you are a foreign individual or company planning to operate a drone in Turkey, this guide explains everything you need to know about the Turkey drone permit process, restrictions, and legal consequences.
Who Regulates Drone Flights in Turkey?
All drone operations in Turkey are regulated by the
Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürlüğü – SHGM Türkiye
(Directorate General of Civil Aviation – DGCA of Turkey).
The DGCA controls:
- Airspace authorization
- Drone registration
- Pilot licensing
- Commercial drone approvals
- Restricted and prohibited zones
In most urban, historical, industrial, or strategic locations, a Turkey drone permit is required before flight.
Are Drones Under 249g Allowed Without a Turkey Drone Permit?
Many travelers assume that drones under 249 grams are completely exempt.
While lighter drones may have simplified registration requirements, this does NOT automatically mean they are free to operate anywhere.
In Turkey:
- Any drone equipped with a camera
- Any remotely controlled aerial device
- Any drone flying in urban areas
- Any drone used for photography or recording
may require a Turkey drone permit, depending on the location and purpose.
Weight alone does not guarantee legal operation.
Can Foreigners Obtain a Turkey Drone Permit for Commercial Flights?
Short answer: No.
Under Turkish aviation law:
- Foreign-registered drones cannot receive commercial authorization.
- Pilots holding foreign identification cannot conduct commercial drone operations in Turkey.
- Commercial drone operators must hold a Turkish ID number.
- The pilot must have a DGCA-approved commercial drone license.
- The drone must be officially registered in Turkey.
- The drone must carry valid Turkish insurance coverage.
This makes it practically impossible for a foreign individual or foreign company to independently obtain a Turkey drone permit for commercial purposes.
Hobby Drone Users: Be Extremely Careful
Turkey is home to world-famous destinations such as:
- Istanbul
- Cappadocia
- Pamukkale
- Ephesus
- Göbekli Tepe
Many of these locations are:
- Archaeological protected zones
- Military-sensitive areas
- Urban restricted airspace
- Governed by local governor approvals
Flying a drone in these areas without a valid Turkey drone permit can lead to serious legal consequences.
Tourists are often unaware that even recreational drone use may require authorization.
Penalties for Flying Without a Turkey Drone Permit
Unauthorized drone operations in Turkey may result in:
- Immediate confiscation of the drone
- Significant administrative fines
- Criminal investigation for airspace violation
- Possible imprisonment (depending on severity)
- Deportation for foreign nationals
Additionally:
- Operating an unregistered drone
- Flying without insurance
- Conducting commercial work without authorization
can trigger further penalties.
Turkish authorities take airspace security seriously, particularly near government buildings, military areas, border zones, ports, and historical landmarks.
Penalties for Unregistered Drones in Turkey
If a drone is not properly registered in the DGCA system:
- Administrative fines may apply
- The drone may be confiscated
- Future flight applications may be denied
- Legal proceedings may be initiated in repeated cases
A Turkey drone permit process always begins with proper registration and compliance.
How to Obtain a Turkey Drone Permit
The Turkey drone permit process typically includes:
- Drone registration in the DGCA system (SHGM)
- Pilot license validation
- Valid Turkish drone insurance
- Detailed flight plan submission
- Airspace risk assessment
- Coordination with local authorities (if required)
- Official DGCA approval (SHGM)
Depending on the location (urban areas, industrial zones, ports, historical sites), additional approvals may be required.
The Turkey drone permit procedure can take time and must be handled accurately to avoid rejection.
Why International Companies Need a Local Partner
For energy companies, mining firms, maritime operators, media agencies, and infrastructure developers, drone operations in Turkey often require:
- Commercial Turkey drone permit approval
- Industrial zone coordination
- Maritime corridor authorization
- Multi-city operational planning
Because foreign entities cannot directly obtain a commercial Turkey drone permit, working with a licensed Turkish operator is essential.
UAV Turkey: Your Official Drone Permit Solution Partner
UAV Turkey Drone Media
specializes in managing the Turkey drone permit process for contracted international clients.
We provide:
- Nationwide licensed pilot network
- Fully registered and insured enterprise drones
- Fast-track Turkey drone permit applications
- Energy, mining, mapping, and maritime operations
- Drone show authorization
- Search & rescue operation approvals
- Sports and stadium flight permits
- Industrial and infrastructure drone compliance
We operate across all provinces and districts of Turkey.
For companies requiring professional drone services, we secure the necessary Turkey drone permit approvals efficiently and legally.
Final Thoughts: Do Not Risk Unauthorized Flights
Operating a drone in Turkey without proper authorization can result in severe financial and legal consequences.
Even if your drone is small.
Even if the flight is short.
Even if it is for social media.
A Turkey drone permit may still be required.
Before planning any drone operation in Turkey — whether recreational or commercial — ensure full compliance with national aviation law.
If you are an international company seeking safe, legal, and professional drone operations in Turkey, partnering with an authorized local operator is the only reliable path.
