Do You Need a Permit for Drone Filming in Antalya? The 2026 Rules

Yes, commercial drone filming is subject to rules. Under the new UAV instruction of Türkiye's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), which entered into force on 30 July 2026, the pilot must hold a P1 license for a commercial flight; if the area where the flight will take place is not a green zone, a separate permit must also be obtained.

Last updated: · Nitec Agency
00

In short

  • The new instruction (SHT-İHA) entered into force on 30 July 2026.
  • Flight authorization now depends on the pilot's license level: P0 amateur, P1 commercial, P2 advanced.
  • In areas marked as green zones on the map, no separate permit is needed as long as the announced altitude and flight conditions are followed.
  • Holders of existing certificates have a transition period until 31 July 2027.
  • Ask the team you hire for the shoot to show its license and UAV registration.
01

What changed

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) redrafted the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Instruction (SHT-İHA); the new instruction entered into force on 30 July 2026. According to SHGM's statement, the regulation concerns more than 90 thousand registered UAVs and about 2 million pilots.

The most important change is that flight authorization is determined not only by the weight of the aircraft but by the pilot's license level and the zone to be flown in. The practice of preparing a separate risk analysis for every flight has also been removed.

02

License levels

  1. 1

    P0: amateur

    For hobby flights. Former İHA0 certificates are treated at this level; certificate holders need to take adaptation training.

  2. 2

    P1: commercial

    Filming done for a fee falls under this level. Former İHA1 certificates count as P1.

  3. 3

    P2: advanced

    For higher-risk and advanced operations; a medical certificate is required. Former İHA2 and İHA3 certificates count as P2.

03

Where you need a permit and where you do not

In the new system, flight zones are shown on a map. In areas designated as green zones, no separate permit is obtained, provided that the announced altitude and flight conditions are followed.

Restricted zones require a permit. The surroundings of airports come first among these; in Antalya, in the hotel areas close to the airport and in some parts of the city center, it is essential to check the status of the zone before the shoot.

Registration, flight notification and permit procedures are planned to be carried out through the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Tracking and Traffic Management System (İHATTYS). Until the system is put into operation, transitional provisions apply.

04

What to check when you hire a drone shoot

  • Does the pilot hold a license suitable for commercial flight?
  • Is the UAV that will be used registered?
  • Which zone is the location in; if a permit is needed, who will apply for it and how long will it take?
  • What happens if the shoot is postponed because of wind or rain?
  • What has been planned to keep people and neighboring properties out of the footage?
05

This article is not legal advice

The information here is based on SHGM's statements dated July 2026 and is for general information purposes. The rules and transitional provisions may be updated; before flying, check the current status in SHGM's official announcements.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to fly a drone in Antalya?

No, but it is subject to rules. In green zones you can fly without a separate permit as long as the conditions are followed; restricted zones require a permit.

What license do I need for commercial drone filming in Türkiye?

Under the new instruction, commercial flights fall under the P1 license level. Former İHA1 certificates are treated as P1.

Do we need a permit to film our hotel with a drone?

It depends on the zone the hotel is in. A permit may be required in areas close to the airport; the status of the zone is checked before the shoot.

Do small drones need to be registered too?

Simple toy-type UAVs that meet the technical specifications set in the instruction are exempt from the license and registration requirements. The aircraft used in professional filming do not fall within this scope.

Is my old UAV certificate still valid?

Acquired rights are protected and a transition period is granted until 31 July 2027. İHA0 certificates are treated at P0 level, İHA1 certificates at P1, and İHA2 and İHA3 certificates at P2.

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