Plan
Drone rules: Türkiye
Last checked: October 5, 2026
Allowed with conditions
Flying is allowed, but with conditions you need to know before you travel.
Drones under 500 g are outside the drone regulation SHT-İHA. From 500 g, foreign pilots need a permit applied for via diplomatic channels at least 20 working days in advance, plus a licensed Turkish pilot supervising.
From 500 g registration with the aviation authority SHGM; below that the regulation does not apply.
Mandatory for any commercial use and for drones over 25 kg.
Depending on drone weight
- From 500 gPermit required· Registration: RequiredFrom 500 g SHGM registration, a permit via diplomatic channels and supervision by a Turkish pilot.
For tourists
With a drone under 500 g Turkey is doable for tourists – still keep away from military and security areas. With a heavier drone the effort is hardly realistic for a holiday.
Further rules
- In Türkiye, you must register your drone from 500 grams with the aviation authority SHGM – via the portal iha.shgm.gov.tr. You must register drones bought abroad or brought with you yourself within three days of entering the country.
- In Türkiye, third-party liability insurance is mandatory for drones over 25 kilograms and for any commercial use, regardless of weight.
- Important for a holiday in Türkiye: as a foreign pilot, you need a permit for drone flights, which must be applied for through diplomatic channels at least 20 working days in advance, and you must be accompanied by a licensed Turkish pilot. Plan this early, or your drone will stay in your suitcase.
- In the open category, the maximum flight altitude is 120 metres above ground level, with a maximum visual range of 500 metres from the pilot.
- Keep at least 50 metres away from people and buildings.
- According to the SHGM, foreigners can only register for recreational flights with a Turkish identity number (T.C.) or a residence permit; as a tourist without either, registering a drone from 500 g is therefore practically impossible.
Sources
This overview is not legal advice and not an official statement — laws change, and we cannot guarantee that every entry is fully up to date. Before your flight, please also check the official source or the local civil aviation authority.