Turkey Drone Laws Explained updated for 2024

[@redboy_surfer5541]

Thank you for the specific explanation of the rules and regulations in Turkey. Greetings from Poland.

[@GergelyPázmány-u2d]

Let me share my experiences regarding using a dron in Istambul. So yes technically nobody blink an eye if you bring your mini, except the security guards will take it if you enter into the old-new palace ground or maybe in some other places too, however once you leave the premises they will give it back to you. According the turkish law, it is not allowed to use a dron within 50 meters from a building plus in the safe zones and above the archeological sites. So here is the tricky part as these safe zones are not declared anywhere, but around hagia sofia and the blue mosque there is definetly one, as the tourist police mentioned to me. All in all around the most famous locations the police and the security guards are not really amused if you are using a drone. The downtown area and the shoreline is also very crowded in this time of the year, so it is difficult to find a suitable location to get airborne. Imho, if you plan your sightseeing around your drone, and look for places that is not within the city limits or spots that is outside the crowded area, you might get a better chance to fly. But other than that, and if you want to be a concerned operator, it is not really a drone friendly area.

[@GlennSmith-o3q]

Very helpful thank you - simple and easy to understand my 249g zone is heading to Turkey :)

[@stevenangus99]

how was the experience, my friend?

[@jasonlee4267]

really appreciate the clear and concise information. It really pisses me off how a lot of countries are so slow and backward to their regulations regarding drones. I wish there was a standardised set of rules that ALL countries adopt to make it easier for travellers, but also for customs and security, a straight forward registration and ID process and you are good to go. Drones are not new technology, nor are the rules, get with the bloody program and standardise the rules for everyones benefit.

[@faisalalghamdi2722]

Thanks a lot for make it clear for all of us ❤

[@HertelKids]

Hi thank you so much for the detailed explanation. I'm visiting from Australia and was going to bring my Air 3 but now know not to. I'll just bring my mini instead. Thanks for taking the time to make this video ❤

[@GiorgiVardi]

Hi did u have any problems with customs? Nothing changed right?

[@Hassan_Hadi61]

that's very helpful, theank you for taking the time❤

[@alassafcam]

I just arrived Istanbul Thank you for the helpful video Is there any change in rules till now ?

[@Krishna2774926]

Good and informative vlog ... I'm going to travel this December from Dubai..this information will be very helpful... Thank you

[@archerman1]

You showed for a few sec footage of Hagia Sofia at the end. My understanding is that if you avoid flying directly over historical or archeological sites in Istanbul, you should be fine flying a DJI mini or Avata, correct? Thanks

[@geekwandering]

yes that's correct.

[@D08J12]

Thanks for your information. I am travelling to Turkey soon.

[@geekwandering]

Glad you found it helpful, enjoy Turkey its a beautiful country

[@lokmanboukhoulda4496]

Thanks, the video is very simple and helpful

[@shegocrazy]

I've got a dji mini 4 that I will be using in the UK. On the way back home to Australia I'll be staying in Istanbul for 2 days. I don't even intend to use it in Istanbul. Even though it is less that 250g, would I be safer just mail I', noting the drone back to my home address rather than the risk of having it confiscated in Türkiye customs? I'm not sure I trust customs officers to know the rules re 250g. I also thought that you can't fly ANY drone without a permission certificate which requires completing a Türkiye training course.

[@mckeagney8698]

Great video thank you! I was intending on buying a mavic mini to take with me to Perge & aspendos but there’s no point if historical sites aren’t allowed

[@juancarlosrodriguez3657]

Thanks a lot for the information! I was wondering the location of the clip you share at the end of the video?

[@m.maggionim]

Hi, thanks a lot for your video!. Your summary about flying rules is pretty clear, but still quite generic. I mean: what does it mean no flight over historical sistes? What is the radius around the site where flying is forbidden? Don't they have a no-fly zones map, where you can check your GPS position versus no-fly zones in order to be fully sure you are not making anything wrong? In Italy we have the d-flight app, which is absolutely great. Do they have anything similar in Turkey?

[@mayurpradhan6958]

Thank you 🙏

[@pedron69]

Genial, vídeo perfecto❤

[@benmuzz]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@dimitriskritharellis7033]

Thank you so much for thsi very informative video. I have a Mavic Air 2 which is 570g which means it will be confiscated? Do 70g make such a difference? How can they tell this is a model not compliant?

[@geekwandering]

the rules are the rules, ask yourself is one km over speed limit is a big deal? probably not but you still get a speeding fine. I am also sure if the customs officer will inspect your drone they are capable of checking technical information to know the weight of it.

[@dimitriskritharellis7033]

@geekwandering makes sense. Once again thank you for taking the time ♥️

[@jaydagade7633]

Thank God Your Video is here! It made some doubts clear Would you please please help me with the following questions. I even tried to call the official authorities and even they were not clear. I just ordered Mini 4 Pro. Doubt 1 - I am traveling from Abu Dhabi to Ankara ? Do I need any documentation for AUH Customs? Will Ankara allow me to get a drone through their customs? Doubt 2 - Wizz Air Says drones are not allowed in flight both in carry on or Inside checked baggage ? what should I do here? Doubt 3 - I am returning from Istanbul to Sharjah ? what are the rules for Sharjah ? They authority doesn't have a clear answer when I ask them I really don't know what to do. Please help me through it.

[@geekwandering]

HI Thanks for your comment Here are the comments for your Doubts 1) No need for any drone paperwork to exit AUH Since the drone you ordered is less then 250g It does not fall under Turkish customs scope so you can bring it into Turkey with no issues. 2) I am not sure regarding wizair as I have not flown with them. I guess you can call them and double check their policy alternatively have a look at this reddit discussion on the topic www.reddit.com/r/dji/comments/n36oxh/wizzair_drone_policy/ 3) When returning to UAE you will need your drone registered with UAE authorities. You basically will need an LOC (letter of conformity ) From UAE authorities, I have made a video few month ago on this process kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y57Yl6ugdq6cedU (UAE Drone Law Explained) also after watching the video if you still have questions you can go thorough comments as they will answer most of the questions or post your comment there thank you hope this helps

[@ΕΛΕΝΑΤΣΟΥΜΠΡΑ]

Hi So ,if you have mini 3 pro you can fly without registration in Turkey except cappadocia ? And in the airports it’s ok if you take it with you in flights for cappadocia or may I have problem ? We flight from saw airport in Turkey to cappadocia

[@geekwandering]

yes that's correct just avoid restricted areas, how you carry it on flights it depends on airline you travel with also when you fly domestic there is no customs so you will be fine, providing you follow airline regulations

[@mehdibahri17]

is it possible start flying from a boat while saling in Bosphorus lake ?

[@playedswag2763]

Is there a different rule for drones under 500 grams that are selfbuild (fpv drones) so have no manual/stand alone company?

[@geekwandering]

Hi, I am not aware of such rules, as far as I know the same rules apply to all drones under 500 grams

[@arifazhar4432]

Hi sir, just wondering if im bringing my mini 4 pro to turkiye, are the customs gonna confiscated it?

[@geekwandering]

drones under 500g are not subject to customs regulations

[@k4media685]

Thanks for the amazing video! I auve a dji mini 2 which is 250grams. I think i will be happy to take it to antalya now to get some pictures videos of the area. Please confirm if i can take it as hand luggage OR should i hav eit in checked luggage.

[@geekwandering]

Hi, carrying the drone on the planes are subject to airlines rules, different airlines have different rules on transporting the drone. So you should contact the airline you flying with and ask them what are their regulations regarding drones.

[@sidharthzach]

Hi, very informative video thank you. Can I take my mini 3 pro to Turkey from the Uk? I am worried about the customs at both airports. Also , while returning as I dont have a flyer license yet.

[@geekwandering]

HI, yes you can take it to Turkey and you will be fine in turkish customs as mini 3 pro under the weight limit of customs concern. I have traveled to Turkey many times with my mini3 pro. I am not sure about UK as I am not familiar with UK drone rules

[@_uk_Trivian]

Hi @sidharthzach did you come across with any problems while you were carrying mini 3 pro? please give me a reply as we are travelling in few days 😢Quite worried 😢

[@sidharthzach]

@@_uk_Trivianhappy to say no issues at all. They( manchester airport) didnt even ask me to get the electronics outside my handbag. Few things to note: - Batteries to be kept seperated from the drone in ziplocks or small packets, they give that at manchester airport. I put a cello-tape over the conductor to show Im careful. -Put everything in carry bag only. - Turkish airport also went through scanner with no problem. - Hope your drone is a mini, anything over 500grams is a big no for turkey. - Lot of seagulls in Istanbul, be careful, I couldnt fly for more than a minute- tried near the Pier.

[@JoaoSkylifePT]

Hello. So, there is no need to register anything and no need of authorizations to fly a DJI Mini series drone in Turkey (apart from Capadoccia)?

[@geekwandering]

drones under 250g do not require registration and are not subject to customs. Cappadocia has its own specific rules and requires permissions and registrations.

[@mariamhusni9110]

Thank you for your video - if I cant fly it in Cappadocia - am I still allowed to take it into Cappadocia throughthe Cappadociaairport customs? Because I want to fly it in other parts of Turkey

[@geekwandering]

yes you can bring it in, providing it complies with customs rules

[@OpticNoir]

Thanks for this video

[@irtizakazi7547]

Hi. Can we take the dji mini 2 to antalya with 3 batteries

[@geekwandering]

as per regulations it will not be subject to customs rules" make sure you check with airline you flying with regarding their drone policy

[@LoneGRoEnt]

Can a person make a layover in Turkey without having to register 500+ drone?

[@marcogianfreda9383]

If I arrive by plane in cappadocia they will sequestered my DJI mini 4k? I understand that cannot flight but can I bring with me? After cappadocia I will continue the travel in other place of turkey thanks

[@geekwandering]

hi, drones under 500g are not subject to customs regulations so you will be fine bringing the drone into turkey.

[@whotshisface]

Hi. The more i read the less i understand😂 So i have a mini pro 3. Everyone agrees no problem to bring into the country. The area of contention, seems to be around this: 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 Sites seen to be split on whether foreign recreational operators, with drones under 500g need this prior permission to fight. I'm staying in Marmaras in a few weeks. Do i need this prior permission from gov? Or is it just for specific areas? Thanks for your video!

[@geekwandering]

HI, In my understanding of the law and being in Turkey many times with the drone, last time I was there was in end of July. Drones under 500 g do not need registration and do not need flight permission if used for recreational purpose. For commercial usage or to fly in restricted areas you will need a permission. So providing you not using your drone for commercial purpose then you do not need registration or flight approval. Please also make sure when flying in turkey not to fly over any military or security installations. I normally check with the locals if there are any military in the area. I hope this helps. thanks.

[@whotshisface]

@@geekwandering the annoying thing is people just want to do the right thing. I filled in the fr.23 last night. Will see how good Google translate is I guess😆

[@geekwandering]

totally understand, I travel with the drone all over the world and some countries make it so confusing. Good luck with the form. If you don't mind let me know the response you get. thanks

[@whotshisface]

@@geekwandering so I sent the fr23 to the above email address and received a further response just now: Hello After you come to Turkey, you must apply to SHGM Everything they write contradicts themselves. And I thought drone laws were a mess here in the UK. Going to spend the next month trying to decide if I'm prepared to just take the risk with the drone. I've given up on doing things legitimately - it's an impossibility when nobody there seems to agree on the rules.. What chance do foreigners have?

[@geekwandering]

Hmm, to be honest I am not surprised with the response from them. At the end of the day you need to make decision on what you going to do. I have flown drone across turkey without any issues. But look at this this way you don't need registration or customs documents to bring the drone into Turkey. So you can always take it with you (legally) and then decide if you want to fly it or not. Best of luck in Turkey.

[@raviidixit1297]

Any details to hire freelancers from Istanbul to fly drone for me?

[@MidDecemberVlogs]

Thanks for making it

[@singh.amritpal]

Hi, thanks for the clear and concise video. I'm travelling to Turkiye soon, can I fly my mini pro 3 near Blue Mosque/Hagia Sofia or any prime location in Istanbul? Kindly clarify the "historical sites" in this case. Thanks much!

[@geekwandering]

I would be very careful flying near Blue Mosque apparently there is an unmarked police compound somewhere close and I know of some people who were taken to police for few hours to have their drone footage reviewed. For historical sites I personally what are considered World heritage sites. As a side not you need to be careful when Flying in Istanbul as there are a lot of security/police locations which are not marked.

[@singh.amritpal]

@@geekwandering Thanks so much, appreciate your response

[@GaziPelit]

I allow myself to contribute as someone who has traveled and recorded drone videos and photos in Turkey. I’ve had good experiences with approaching police officers or other security personnel "on site" and asking if it’s okay to fly and record with a small drone for 10-15 minutes. It gives them a sense that you’re not up to mischief, but simply a tourist - and in 3 out of 4 instances, I’ve been granted permission. :)

[@singh.amritpal]

@@GaziPelit Thank you buddy, I tried and the same and was denied every time. Not to mention weird attention from the cops afterwards lol

[@j0rzeh]

So I can defiantly take my Mini 3 Pro into Turkey with me then or has anything been updated before this May 2024 the last thing I want it is taken off me I've only done 30 mins of flight with it.

[@geekwandering]

drones under 500 grams are not subject to customs.

[@j0rzeh]

@@geekwandering Thank you, you’re awesome.

[@maarifhaque2948]

Hi @j0rzeh did you have any difficulty in carrying drone into Turkey? I am travelling later this month.

[@j0rzeh]

@@maarifhaque2948 going in no problems but coming out they was asking what the battery is for as they was separate from the drone, I had to show them it inside of the drone and they were okay, at the moment we have more checks coming back into the uk, they want to look at your carry on luggage but it was okay just a pain, they checked us out 3 times and swobs etc even on shoes. So no problems just afew extra steps is all but that’s more a uk government thing going to the UK.

[@nonyabeezwax193]

Hey, so im travelling to antalya next week. I've got the dji avata 2 i actually bought it to come to turkey to get some shots of the beautiful country, will it be safe for me to bring it ? Its mtom is around 394 grams. I dont want to risk it getting converscated from me as it was alot of money.

[@geekwandering]

drones below 500g are not subject to customs.

[@Krishna2774926]

Thanks bro for the information... I'm planning to go turkey this month end and planning to bring DJI mini 3 pro drone...which is under 250 gram.. Can you please let me know if any law change or still same as per your video... Thank you in advance..

[@geekwandering]

From what I can see there was no changes

[@h9mian]

Hi Krishna! I hope you're doing well. How did the process is good for you? Did you come across any problems? Also, were you able to fly in Istanbul without any permission or license?

[@TravAlligator]

Krishna, did you get your drone into Türkiye without problem?

[@lukecresante]

Great stuff! Seems like I can bring my Avata at 410 grams or buy a mini to be really certain

[@definitionxmk]

Nice, I have Avata 1, 2, and mini 3 pro so I should be good to go

[@baswiltink9522]

not alowed to fly in and near historic sites, and yet the video ends with drone footage of hagia sophia :P It IS alowed there? I was about to buy a 300 gram drone just for that puropse..

[@MeijaJanis]

There are many KZbinrs who publish videos, from Turkey, these videos are high end, from drones over 500g. so how do they get in country? I have been in many countries, never had any issues on customs, this is something new

[@geekwandering]

well you can get it registered with a help of Turkish local, you you can try to take it in illegally and face the consequences when you get caught.

[@MeijaJanis]

@@geekwandering what's the worst that can happened? they will take it away or will there be fine? I have dji air 2s, 575g, I could use an upgrade to newer model. but yeah I have been trough lots of airports with it no issues whatsoever

[@geekwandering]

Customs will seize it. Police if found flying unregistered confiscation and fine or jail.

[@MeijaJanis]

@@geekwandering have you been there yourself?

[@geekwandering]

many times

[@user-ov6xn5xy7n]

So has anyone else travel to turkey with drone above 500g recently,I’m sure in the past people used go to turkey with mavic 2 pro with no problem,

[@MatthiasMalek]

I just arrived less than a week ago. I brought my mavic 3. Watching this today😄. Planning to buy mini 4 pro

[@youssefkarmous6227]

@@MatthiasMalekdid you get any issues at the customs ? I’m flying today with my air 3 and I’m not sure if I should take it

[@TFai9al]

@@youssefkarmous6227 any update?!😅

[@phildawe7172]

How did you guys go with the mavic 2 and air 3

[@user-ov6xn5xy7n]

Traveled to Bodrum from Gatwick,honestly no one care about drone ,on the way back there is few check points but no issue

[@MelGetmanova]

Of course, they wouldn’t return them because they’re getting free drones this way I’m angry I just need to fly through Istanbul to go to Russia

[@dronetheworld4k67]

I lived there 2 years and had experience with drones....