Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Turkey
Drone Regulator in Turkey: Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure –General Directorate of State Airports Authority
Turkey Drone Registry and Information Page: SIVIL HAVACILIK
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Turkey
The Turkish agency responsible for drone safety, DGSAA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Turkey?
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Turkey:
It is legal to purchase and fly drones.
Certain UAVs may not be imported into Turkey without submitting a Letter of Application to the customs office.
The use of model aircraft and small UAVs under 4 kg, with speeds under 50 km/h and flight heights under 100m, is not regulated. Use is permitted in open areas for recreational and sports purposes.
It is required for pilots who intend to fly a UAS that weighs 500 gr or more on Turkish air space to be registered to the system and receive approval from the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Register at the site linked here.
More information has been provided online regarding the registration requirements and process. This information can be found online at the following links:
How to register a drone in Turkey (Turkish)
Information regarding Turkey Drone Requirements and Registration (English Translation)
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Turkey
You must follow the procedures outlined above, as well as those below.
You must not fly your drone higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
UAVs weighing less than 25 kilograms need no permit to be obtained from the government for uses besides commercial use, such as sports activities and amateur purposes. You are required to be registered, as stated above, and get flying permission.
Additional Note For Foreign Operators
In Turkey, for foreign UAV operations, according to “SHT-IHA Instructions,” you must fulfill these instructions below;
1) UAV flight request in Turkish airspace by foreign operators/actuators/pilots must be sent to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation via diplomatic channels 20 weekdays before the first flight day by filling UAV Flight Permit Request Form (The form is located in the DGCA official website)
– Form Link: http://web.shgm.gov.tr/tr/formlar/3910-index (Hava Seyrüsefer Daire Başkanlığı = > UAV Flight Permission Request Form (FR.23)).
In addition, you can’t register your UAV in Turkey because you are not a Turkish citizen. Although you do not have a UAV registration number, you can fill in the application form (FR.23) by leaving the UAV registration number section blank.
2) Insurance is mandatory for the drone. Therefore, you must insure your drone and send the insurance documents to the General Directorate. To find out how much insurance amount your drone requires, please check the legislation in the link; https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2017/07/20170727-2.htm
3) After receiving positive views from the civil and military institutions about the applications, these areas are to be announced with NOTAM to all airspace users. In case of receiving negative views from the institutions or from our General Directorate, the flight is not permitted.
4) In case of getting flight permission, obeying the provisions in Turkish AIP and other rules by operators/pilots/parties is compulsory.
5) A Turkish Republic citizen pilot who has at least IHA2 pilot license from our General Directorate supervises all flights.
6) If the area to fly is in the special permit area (red area), risk analysis is required for any purpose.
INFORMATIONS ABOUT CUSTOMS
If you bring your UAV which MTOW (maximum takeoff weight) is 500g or above in Turkey, customs may seize your drone and demand a technical conformity form (FR.03) that can be taken from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. To receive a technical confirmation form for your UAV, you must apply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation with application form FR.03 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Importation Technical Conformity Application and Control Form). The form can be found in the Forms sections on the main page of the DGCA official website.
– Form Link: http://web.shgm.gov.tr/tr/formlar/3910-index (İHA Sistemleri Koordinatörlüğü/ Kontrol Formları = > Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Importation Technical Conformity Application and Control Form (FR.03)).
In addition to the flight permit form, the criminal records must be sent to our General Directorate.
If you bring your UAV which MTOW is below 500g, that kind of UAV is out of the scope of our national regulation and does not require any technical conformity. For this reason, the General Directorate has no responsibility for the entry of UAVs under 500g into the country from customs.
If you have more questions about the technical confirmation form (FR.03) you can mail it to “ihadestek@shgm.gov.tr” e-mail address.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Turkey
Prior permission from authorities is required for commercial use.
Useful published information on flying drones in Turkey
Here is a useful video for those considering visiting Turkey with a Drone…
NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
Find out why we think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist and a Drone Post-flight checklist
Free Drone Flight Checklist PDF
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Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
NOW ITS YOUR TURN
Everyone says that the regulations are now liberal and you can fly a drone lighter than 500g, but doesn’t the insurance regulation say that the lightest drones must also have insurance? I mean, “500kg’a kadar” means “up to 500kg,” and that’s “not the same as from 500g to 500kg.”
Could someone familiar with the theory and practice of Turkish regulations verify this?
Hello, I am flying to Turkey in September and I would like to take my Mavic Air2 there, the drone is over 500g. I downloaded the documents from the website – FR.23 and FR.03. Where should I send these documents?? Because on the contact page ( https://web.shgm.gov.tr/en/kurumsal/6-contact-us ) there is only an address and telephone number, e-mail there aren’t.
Please help
Hi, I had the same email back containing the information listed in the bit for foreign visitors. However, I am very confused as my drone is the DJI Mini 2 which is below the 500gram.
So What I need to know is what actually is applicable to this drone.
I don’t mind registering it (if the forms allow me to) and i understand insurance (not sure if this is any insurance covering me in Turkey or a specialised one from Turkey).
Also, do I really need to get a Turkish citizen pilot to supervise any flights for this too?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Our understanding is that the drone under 500gram is not subject to the customs regulation. However, there does not appear to be an exemption for a foreigner operating that drone from the other requirements. Please check with the regulator for better clarification.
Hi guys,
We’re planning a job with our Alta X/Alta 8 in Turkey, we’re filling all the documents and we’re being helped by locals with all the paperwork.
Tips for customs will be much appreciate it,
Thanks !
Alejandro!
Am curious to know if this post was in regards to you filming from your Alta 8?
I only ask as I am DESPERATELY trying to get a Swiss pilot permitted for shooting on an FPV drone with very little lead time.
If my assumption with your Alta 8 was correct and you have any leads or advice what-so-ever, I would love to hear from you 🙏🏻
Hi Merlin,
I have a DJi Mini 2 which is less than 500g. Which forms required to be filled and submitted for me to bring my drone to Turkey
Plesae see link above under the section above titled INFORMATION ABOUT CUSTOMS
Hello, this also states that i must have insurance and be supervised by Turkish Citizen. Is this all true for the DJI Mini 2 249g drone? On holiday would i need to find someone to supervise me?
Please see our other reply
How about ROV Drones? Can you bring it to Turkey?
We do not cover ROV regulations on this website.
But as far as i understand, any drone under 500gr are a toy?
That means that i can fly my Dji mini 2 without any problems? 249gr
(i have had it here for 1 year already, and had a lot of flights without problems with polis)
Under 500g are unregulated and do not need to be registered under the current law, but you must follow the flight rules and limitations
Email that I recived today:
In Turkey for foreign UAV operations, according to “SHT-IHA Instructions” you must fulfill these instructions below;
1) UAV flight request in Turkish airspace by foreign operators/actuators/pilots must be sent to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation via diplomatic channels 20 weekdays before the first flight day by filling UAV Flight Permit Request Form (The form is located in the DGCA official website)
– Form Link: http://web.shgm.gov.tr/tr/formlar/3910-index (Hava Seyrüsefer Daire Başkanlığı = > UAV Flight Permission Request Form (FR.23)).
In addition, you can’t register your UAV in Turkey because of you are not a Turkish citizen. Although you do not have a UAV registration number, you can fill in the application form (FR.23) by leaving the UAV registration number section blank.
2) Insurance is mandatory for the drone. Therefore, you have to insure your drone and the insurance documents must be sent to the General Directorate. To find out how much insurance amount your drone required please check the legislation in the link; https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2017/07/20170727-2.htm
3) After receiving positive views from the civil and military institutions about the applications, these areas are to be announced with NOTAM to all airspace users. In case of receiving negative views from the institutions or from our General Directorate, flight is not permitted.
4) In case of getting the flight permission, it is compulsory to obey the provisions in Turkish AIP and other rules by operators/pilots/party.
5) A Turkish Republic citizen pilot who has at least IHA2 pilot license by our General Directorate supervises to all flights.
6) If the area to fly is in the special permit area (red area), risk analysis is required for any purpose.
INFORMATIONS ABOUT CUSTOMS
If you bring your UAV which MTOW (maximum takeoff weight) is 500g or above in Turkey, customs may seize your drones and demand technical conformity form (FR.03) that can be taken from Directorate General of Civil Aviation. To receive technical confirmation form for your UAV, you must apply to Directorate General of Civil Aviation with application form FR.03 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Importation Technical Conformity Application and Control Form). The form can be found in Forms sections on main page in the DGCA official web site.
– Form Link: http://web.shgm.gov.tr/tr/formlar/3910-index (İHA Sistemleri Koordinatörlüğü/ Kontrol Formları = > Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Importation Technical Conformity Application and Control Form (FR.03)).
In addition to the flight permit form, the criminal records must be sent to our General Directorate.
If you bring your UAV which MTOW is below 500g, that kind of UAV is out of the scope of our national regulation and is not required any technical conformity. For this reason, the General Directorate has no responsibility for the entry of UAVs under 500g into the country from customs.
If you have more questions about technical confirmation form (FR.03) you can mail to “ihadestek@shgm.gov.tr” e-mail address.
Thank you very much Cillian. Updated above
Hello
Two simple questions – do I have to be registered to fly my DJI Mini 2 (249 g of MTOW) and have insurance?
The regulations are full of logical holes.
Please reply urgently cause I’m going to Turkey on the 02.06.2022 (in two days) and I am anxious about taking my little drone with me.
I have same question!
“If you bring your UAVs MTOW below 500 gr., this UAV is out of the scope of our national regulation and is not required any technical conformity or out of the scope letter normally. For this reason, the General Directorate has no responsibility for the entry of UAVs under 500 grams into the country from customs”
https://iha.shgm.gov.tr/public/sss from question number 15 – you may need to translate this page.
In addition, please note the following:
“NOTE: For DJI Brand Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; A product catalog containing the technical specifications of the UAV and its systems and a declaration of conformity are not required.”
Hello Radek,
so did you bring your drone and flew it in Turkey without problems? Can you share your experience please in airport customs and on ground? Thanks mate!
What about ROVs?
Is it going to be a problem bringing an underwater drone from Norway to Turkey?
I’m unable to fly with it but it can dive 150m deep with a 200m cable.
Drone type: Chasing m2 pro
All information is totaly crazy… I try to fill aby form but website is not found. I get drone 249 grams but still probably i can’t use it. When i try to Ask DGCA they not answered… So if can’t bring this just give this information. Any drone is not good ! People stop bring and thinking about…
Mam ten sam problem. Jeśli masz jakieś rozwiązanie daj znać
From what I learned from the embassy of Turkey in Warsaw drones under 500 g are legal to take without any customs check on the airport. Although the thing I couldn’t confirm is the necessity of registering as an drone operator which is impossible for non Turkish citizens.
Z tego co ja się dowiedziałem z ambasady Tureckiej w Warszawie, drony poniżej 500 g można wwozić do Turcji bez weryfikacji straży granicznej (co by się potwierdzało z tym co tu pisze). Natomiast nie jestem w stanie zweryfikować kwestii rejestracji jako operator drona, co jest niemożliwe dla nie tureckiego obywatela.
Do dupy te przepisy prawa. Obawiam się latania na nielegalu dronem bo kary są ogromne. Hotel powiedział mi że w Turcji jest zakaz latania dronami
Hello,
Reading everything above is a bit confusing. I am flying from London, UK to Dalaman, Turkey.
I am a British Citizen, I am planning on taking my DJI Mavic Air – weight is less than 500g, and I will be flying it for personal use no where near any city and following the DNZ (https://www.dji.com/uk/flysafe/geo-map).
So for clarity and a peace of mind I would like to know the following:
1. Am I required to fill in the form FR-03 as mentioned above?
2. The form is in Turkish, I can’t understand it – Is there a way to do this form when I land?
3. Can a drone be put in checked/hold luggage? If so, do the first two questions still apply?
4. ‘Foreign nationality citizens cannot register as a drone pilot in Turkey. Moreover, your drone will be seized by customs unless you have received technical confirmation for your UAVs from the Turkish DGCA.’ – Some clarity on this is needed, If you cannot register then is your drone seized?
Thanks
You will need the approval of DGCA to take your drone to Turkey, whether checked luggage or carry-on. Unfortunately, the regulations do not make it easy for foreigners to fly in Turkey.
Hi Merlin,
Thank you for your reponse, and according to the Official Website, any drone less than 500 grams does NOT require any registration.
“If you bring your UAVs MTOW below 500 gr., this UAV is out of the scope of our national regulation and is not required any technical conformity or out of the scope letter normally. For this reason, the General Directorate has no responsibility for the entry of UAVs under 500 grams into the country from customs”
https://iha.shgm.gov.tr/public/sss from question number 15 – you may need to translate this page.
In addition, please note the following:
“NOTE: For DJI Brand Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; A product catalog containing the technical specifications of the UAV and its systems and a declaration of conformity are not required.”
https://iha.shgm.gov.tr/public/duyurular.html?ID=723316
Thanks.
Thanks for the update Mez.
hi iam a turkish citizen i live in australia i wanted to bring my mavic 2 dji on my holidays .what do i have to do iam bit confused with all these laws
Please follow the link in the above text to: Import Permit Information.
Hi,
So after Registering the drone, where do apply for a permit to fly ?
Please check with DGSAA
Has anyone been able tos submit the form 3? The information they are asking is literally impossible to find
If your drone is a DJI you dont have to answer the first 4 parts
I want to fly my DJI Mavic 3 Cine and i want to register it the links for the registration does not work at all.
Please follow the drone registry link above. It works for us
Damn this is still completely blurred and unclear after 1 year.
Hi. I’m still confused after reading everything on this page and links.
I’m planning to travel to Turkey in a few weeks from the UK with DJI Mini 2. As it only weighs 149 grams and I’m not flying commercially, is there any permits, permissions or registering i need to do? Thanks
Marcus, our understanding is that small drone does not need to be registered. However, you may be required to get import approval to bring the drone into Turkey.
I am coming to turkey in coming days .
And I’m planning to bring my drone dji mavic mini to turkey .
Is there any permission we have to take for bringing drone !
Assuming you are not a Turkish citizen, please see additional notes for foreign operators section above.
Hi I have Drone Mavic air 2 and I try to register the form online and I couldn’t register for it, the link doesn’t work at all.
I’m going to travel to Turkey tomorrow or do you have paper or anything for that when I’m arrived?
James, the DGSAA sites have provided links, some of which are not always working. Please contact them directly by following the link to their site above
https://iha.shgm.gov.tr/public/register
I’m a foreigner. and will carry the DJI mavic pro drone. I brought a drone and wanted to fly the drone for personal use.
when I want to register, it always says to enter “TR Citizen” while I am not a citizen in Turkey. Do I just enter my passport number?
Dilla
That link is for Turkish citizens only. As a foreigner, you will be required to get an import permit to bring the drone to Turkey. The form that is required is called the Technical Compliance Form (see the section on Additional notes for foreign operators). The form listed on that page does not work, but you can download the FR-03 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Importation Technical Conformity Application and Control Form at this page: https://iha.shgm.gov.tr/public/formlar
if I have already filled out form FR-03, what else should I do?
Dilla, you are required to fill the form FR-03 and submit it and all the other required documents listed on that document to SHGM (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Contact information can be found here: http://web.shgm.gov.tr/en/kurumsal/6-contact-us
This form is in Turkish, where could I find one in English to fill in. I’m taking my drone along with me and my flight is today. Please help. I’m a foreigner travelling from London to turkey for holiday.
Mannikersh, unfortunately, the Turkish authorities have only published that form online. You may have to get permission when you arrive in Turkey
I am a foreigner in turkey, i bring my drone here in turkey in checked baggage , no porblem i had to face and i fly couple of time without any permit or registering it, my drone was mavic air 2
Ali, thank you for sharing your experience.
We recommend drone flyers follow the regulations as published by the DGSAA and outlined above.
Foreigners do not have to register a drone if it is under 500g, right? The only thing you might need is a permit to fly, I think.
Foreign drone operators will certainly need a permit. Suggest you clarify the registration requirement when requesting a permit.