Can you bring a drone into Turkey?
Rules for bringing a DJI Mini, Mavic, FPV or any other drone into Turkey. Customs has no separate ban, but under the new drone instruction of Turkey's civil aviation authority (SHGM), in force since 30 July 2026, every drone except toy-class ones must be registered — including those under 500 grams — and drones brought from abroad must have a compliance software module.
Bringing it with you
Customs has no separate ban; the 430 EUR allowance applies, and flat-rate duty above it. However, under the SHGM drone instruction in force since 30 July 2026, everyone who operates a drone other than a toy-class “simple UAV” must register in the SHGM registration system; drones under 500 grams that are not simple UAVs are also subject to the M0 class rules.
Example: on goods worth 800 EUR, the first 430 EUR is exempt. On the remaining 370 EUR the flat-rate duty is 30% (111 EUR) for goods coming directly from the EU and 60% (222 EUR) from other countries. For travellers under 15 the allowance is 150 EUR; a single item worth more than 1,500 EUR is subject to the normal import duties.
Documents
- Passport / ID
- Invoice
- SHGM user registration (except simple UAVs)
Good to know
- For drones brought from abroad with a passenger or by individual means, the compliance software module required by SHGM must be present; until this condition is met the drone cannot be registered and cannot be flown in Turkish airspace.
- For a drone acquired after the instruction came into force, the registration obligation starts on the date the drone is acquired.
- Classes: M0 500 g – 4 kg, M1 4 – 25 kg, M2 25 – 150 kg, M3 150 kg and above. A toy-class simple UAV that cannot leave a flight envelope of 10 m horizontally and 20 m vertically is exempt from registration and licensing.
- Until the İHATTYS system is launched and announced, registration follows the previous rules; the transition period for the operational rules runs until 31.07.2027.
- Lithium batteries must be carried in cabin baggage during the flight.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 61 · SHT-İHA (SHGM, 30.7.2026) Art. 8, 11, 24/4, 25/7, provisional Art. 1
Sending it by post or courier
There is no customs exemption by courier; import duties are payable. The registration and compliance software requirements of the SHGM drone instruction and product safety inspection also apply.
Documents
- Invoice
- SHGM user registration (except simple UAVs)
Good to know
- For drones brought from abroad by individual means, the compliance software module is required; without it the drone cannot be registered or flown.
- Because of product safety inspections, individual shipments are often held at customs.
- Above 30 kg gross the courier cannot file the declaration; you must file it yourself.
Legal basis: Decision 2009/15481, Art. 126 · SHT-İHA (SHGM, 30.7.2026) Art. 24/4
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a drone into Turkey as a passenger?
Yes, with conditions. Customs has no separate ban; the 430 EUR allowance applies, and flat-rate duty above it. However, under the SHGM drone instruction in force since 30 July 2026, everyone who operates a drone other than a toy-class “simple UAV” must register in the SHGM registration system; drones under 500 grams that are not simple UAVs are also subject to the M0 class rules.
Can a drone be sent to Turkey by post or courier?
Yes, with conditions. There is no customs exemption by courier; import duties are payable. The registration and compliance software requirements of the SHGM drone instruction and product safety inspection also apply.
How much customs duty do I pay on a drone?
As a passenger, there is no duty up to 430 EUR (150 EUR for travellers under 15). Above that, up to 1,500 EUR, a flat-rate duty applies: 30% for goods coming directly from the EU, 60% from other countries. By post or courier there has been no value exemption since 6 February 2026; customs duty and VAT (and special consumption tax where applicable) are calculated according to the item's tariff code.
What documents do I need for a drone?
As a passenger: Passport / ID, Invoice, SHGM user registration (except simple UAVs). By post or courier: Invoice, SHGM user registration (except simple UAVs).
Do I need to register a 250 g drone like a DJI Mini in Turkey?
Under the new SHGM instruction (30.07.2026), only a toy-class simple UAV that cannot leave a flight envelope of 10 metres horizontally and 20 metres vertically is exempt. Drones under 500 grams that do not meet this definition are subject to the M0 class rules, and everyone operating a drone other than a simple UAV must register in the SHGM registration system.
Can I fly the drone I bring from abroad in Turkey?
For drones brought from abroad with a passenger or by individual means, the compliance software module required by SHGM must be present. Until this condition is met the drone cannot be registered and cannot be flown in Turkish airspace. The registration obligation starts on the date the drone is acquired.
Brands covered by this rule
Autel, Parrot, Skydio, FIMI, Hubsan, Holy Stone
Rules as of · for information only, not a substitute for the legislation · official information: Turkish Ministry of Trade, call 175 · Türkçe sürüm