Obtaining a filming permit in Turkey can be a little challenging especially if your crew is not speaking Turkish. You'll often have to deal with the language barrier while getting the consent of local authorities and doing some necessary paperwork.
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about filming permits for Turkey. We provide full spectrum production services including help with permits and location support so feel free to get in touch with us. Who should apply for a filming permit?
Film and video production:
Production companies, TV networks or individuals visiting Turkey for filming a feature/short film, commercial, documentary, TV Show, music or corporate video as well as all other online content need to apply for a general filming permit in Turkey as a first step. So this guide is for you. Journalists: If you are a foreign journalist visiting Turkey for news coverage, you should apply for a temporary press accreditation instead. Stills Photography: If you are visiting Turkey for stills photography production, the permits will be obtained directly through "Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism" offices. Each city in Turkey has their own office; so finding right contacts will require local help, please contact us and we will be happy to support you. 
What do I need before applying for a filming permit?
First thing to do before applying for a general filming permit is to get in touch with a local fixer or production company to assist and accompany you with your filming in Turkey. Turkish Cinema Department states that "it is obligatory to have at least one host who is a citizen of the Turkish Republic" to apply for a filming permission.
The local fixer deals with the authorities on your behalf, provides production services such as researching, scouting and securing locations, sourcing local crew, cast, equipment, transportation or accommodation. Once you have a local fixer, you should prepare the necessary documents for the application. The main documents you need for your application are: - Passport copies and personal information: Copy of passports and basic personal information for each crew member traveling to Turkey. - Synopsis: A single page pdf document that clearly states the purpose and the content of the project. This document should be available both in English and Turkish. The authorities will pay utmost attention on your projects intentions so this document is key for faster proccessing of your application. - Film script: Only Required if you are shooting a feature/short film or scripted TV series. If you shoot is unscripted, you can just use the synopsis. - Equipment list: If you are bringing your equipment into Turkey, you will need to provide a kit list. It does not have to be very precise like an ATA Carnet, so it does not have to include serial numbers, or exact make/models of your gear. As long as you include general idea of the kit that you are planning to bring along, you can make last minute changes with no issues. - Documents of your local production partner/fixer: These documents must include job status certificate, Turkish ID copy as well as your fixer's previous work experience with international productions. How can I submit my general filming permit application?
Please keep in mind that the general filming permit does not directly grant you filming access on location in Turkey. It is just the first step before taking the application to the local city authorities where your shoot will take place.
Starting from January 2019, all applications will be submitted online through this platform.
However, we strongly recommend your local production partner or fixer to submit this form on behalf of your company and do all the necessary follow up. This approach is also advised by the film office.
How much does it cost to obtain filming permits in Turkey?
General filming permit is free of charge. But, location fees may apply depending on the particular location of your shoot.
Even though most public locations in Turkey are free of charge to film, locations such as below will require location fees: - Iconic and touristic areas of Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya. - All ancient sites, landmarks, museums or national parks in Turkey - Filming inside public transportations and stations - All private locations such as shopping malls, restaurants, villas etc. We have long time experience dealing and securing locations for you, so let us know if you need help. How long does it take to obtain film permits?
With our help, it usually takes between 5 to 8 days to receive the general filming permit. However, we always recommend applying 2 to 3 weeks in advance of filming; since obtaining general filming permit does not grant access to start filming right away.
There will be at least second or sometimes third layer of local authorities to give their consent depending on your particular filming locations. These local applications cannot be submitted online so they have to be made manually by your fixer. So we will deal with the particular locations and local authorities on your behalf. 
Do I need film visa for Turkey?
Once your project receives a general film permit, the foreign production crew can apply for filming visa through the nearest embassy or consulate of Turkey in their home country.
Keep in mind that this is only obligatory for citizens of countries who require a visa for Turkey. If your crew is from a visa free country (such as EU, UK, USA citizens) your crew do not have to apply for a filming visa and can film in Turkey as long as you have the necessary film permits and the ATA Carnet for the kit (if any) you are bringing into the country. Filming visa for Turkey is a special class visa application which is only issued through the embassies or consulates of Turkey. This class of visa can not be issued at the airports or borders of Turkey. As of December 2024, the documents necessary to apply film visa are: - Copy of general filming permit - Original passport of the crew member(s) - Passport sized photo - Visa application form - Bank receipt of visa application fee's (the payment methods may change depending on the country of application) The required documents to apply for a filming visa may change depending on the applicants country, so we advise you to call the nearest Turkish embassy before your visa application. We recommend to prepare the visa documents and get an appointment even before your filming permit is issued, since you will most likely run into a tight schedule. 
How can I bring my filming equipment into Turkey?
Any professional filming equipment that you are bringing into Turkey should be declared at the Turkish customs office of your arrival and departure airports.
Turkey is a member of ATA Carnet system, a document that allows you to temporarily bring filming equipment into the country, tax and duty free. All international airports in Turkey have a customs office to help you with the ATA Carnet, however in some domestic airports, the nearest ATA Carnet location may be in a town near you. If you are looking to bring the minimum, we can always assist you to hire filming equipment in Turkey. 
Is Turkey film friendly?
Generally speaking, local people are very warm and generous, and they enjoy contributing or getting filmed. But they will be a little hesitant to sign a personal release form as this is not a very common practice in Turkey.
Local authorities on site are also pretty helpful as long as you have the required paperwork. They will take their time to offer any help during your shoot. For touristic areas of Istanbul, some shop owners might be a little too money oriented as they are tired of cameras pointing to them during their work hours, so please get their consent before filming them. Keep travel times in mind!
When planning your production, especially in cities like Istanbul or Izmir, allow more travel time than suggested by Google Maps.
Traffic and parking are pretty problematic, so use drivers or production vans, or opt for public transport if you are a small crew with light gear. When selecting crew hotels, avoid options in old towns (e.g., Sultanahmet Square) due to narrow roads and heavy traffic. Consider the weather
Turkey has a diverse climate. It's a common misconception that Turkey is always hot, but in reality, the climate varies significantly depending on the season and region.
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