Foreign press in Turkey: accreditation, permits and logistics

Press accreditation

Foreign journalists working in Turkey apply for a press card through the Directorate of Communications. Short assignments are usually covered by a temporary accreditation; resident correspondents hold an annual card.

Start the paperwork before you travel. Applications typically require an assignment letter from your outlet, passport details, and the dates and subject of the shoot. Processing is not instant, so allow lead time.

Filming permits and public space

News gathering in the street is common, but specific locations have their own rules: museums and historic sites, airports, ports, hospitals, courts, schools and military areas all require prior permission.

Istanbul landmarks under the culture ministry (Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, city walls) need a permit for anything beyond handheld news coverage. Municipalities can also require notification for larger setups that block pavement or traffic.

A local fixer is usually the fastest route through this — they know which office issues what, and how long it takes.

Drone filming

Drones are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). Aircraft above the smallest weight class must be registered, the operator must be licensed, and flights need airspace clearance.

Cities have extensive no-fly zones — around airports, government buildings and military installations — and security services do respond to unauthorised flights. Book a licensed local operator rather than bringing an unregistered drone through customs.

Equipment and customs

Professional kit entering the country temporarily is normally handled with an ATA carnet. Without one, expect questions and possible deposits at customs.

Many teams avoid the issue entirely by hiring local crew who bring their own cameras, lighting and audio — which is also faster if the story breaks the day before.

Regional access

Coverage in the southeast and along the Syrian and Iraqi borders can require additional clearance from the local governorate, and conditions change. Check current status locally before you commit to a schedule.

Earthquake zones, disaster areas and large protests are also areas where access is managed by authorities on the day.

Working with a fixer

A good fixer is not a translator with a car. They open doors to sources, read the risk on the ground, handle permissions, and keep the day on schedule.

Brief them properly: the angle of the story, who you need on camera, what you cannot show, and your deadline. The more they know, the better the access.