Can you fly a drone in Turkey and Alanya
Drone shots — turquoise water, a yacht from above, the castle at sunset — make holiday photos and videos truly spectacular. But many tourists don’t know that Turkey has strict drone rules. Let’s see whether you can bring your own drone and how to get aerial footage without trouble.
Who regulates drone flights in Turkey
Drone flights in Turkey are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation — SHGM (Sivil Havacılık Genel Müdürlüğü). The drone (İHA) rules have changed several times in recent years, and in 2026 SHGM is preparing and introducing a new version of the instruction with a transition period. So check the official SHGM website before any flight.
The main drone rules
- Registration. Drones with a camera, as well as models from 500 g, must be registered in the SHGM system. Registration usually requires a Turkish identification number, which makes it difficult for tourists.
- Foreign drones. To fly a drone registered abroad you need to obtain permission in advance — usually at least 20 days before.
- Altitude — no more than 120 m above the ground.
- Visual line of sight — the drone must stay in the pilot’s view at all times.
- Daytime only — night flights without special permission are prohibited.
- No-fly zones: the surroundings of airports, military facilities, government buildings and crowds of people.
- Privacy: you may not film people without their consent.
Violations are punished with fines under Civil Aviation Law No. 2920, and the drone may be confiscated.
Specifics of Alanya
Gazipaşa-Alanya airport is close to Alanya, and Antalya has a large international airport, so part of the coast falls into restricted zones. Crowded beaches in high season are not a good place for flying either. Check the zone map in the SHGM system before take-off.
Can a tourist bring their own drone
You can bring a drone into the country, but flying it legally as a tourist is not easy: you need registration and permission, which take time and documents. Small drones under 250 g raise the fewest questions, but no-fly zones and privacy rules apply to them too. If you don’t want to deal with paperwork, it is easier to book a local operator.
How to get drone footage without hassle
The simplest way is to book drone filming together with a photo or video shoot. Packages start from €250 for 60 minutes; video processing and colour correction are included, editing is extra. Before booking with any operator, ask whether the drone is registered and whether the pilot has the required permit.
A drone is especially good for a yacht shoot, a wedding and a celebration at a villa or on the beach.
FAQ
Can a tourist fly a drone in Turkey?
Formally yes, but you need SHGM registration and flight permission, and for foreign drones the permission must be obtained in advance. Without it the flight is a violation.
Do I need to register a small drone under 250 g?
The rules for light drones are changing in 2026: drones with a camera generally have to be registered. Check the current requirements on the SHGM website.
What is the fine for flying without permission?
Fines are imposed under Civil Aviation Law No. 2920 and are adjusted every year; the drone may be confiscated.
How much does drone filming in Alanya cost?
From €250 for 60 minutes. Video processing and colour correction are included, editing is extra.
Let’s film Alanya from above
Tell me what you want to film — a yacht, a wedding, a party or a love story — and we will choose the drone filming format.
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