Turkey

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Turkey, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Turkey

Capital

Ankara

Main Cities

Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Konya

Local Languages

Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Climate

Diverse

General Visa Requirements:

e-Visa Application: Complete an online application, with payment made via credit or debit card. Approved e-Visas are sent by email.

Required Documents:

Passport valid for at least six months
Passport-sized photograph
Each crew member’s biopage
Flight details and hotel booking confirmation
Medical certificate (including a Yellow Fever card if applicable)

Visa Application Process:

Application Link: visa.org.tr

Processing Time:

Most applications are processed within 1 day.

Cost:

$50 - $500 depending on nationality

Accreditation Requirements:

General Requirements: No formal crew accreditation is needed.
Documentation Required: A film permit and insurance are mandatory for all productions.

Required Documents:

Issuing Authority: Film permits are issued by the City Municipality of Culture and Tourism, Police, or Prefecture, depending on the location. Specialized permits for restricted locations, such as museums, are issued by the relevant ministry.

Processing Time:

General film permits take up to 5 working days. The entire process, including security clearances, may take up to 10 working days.

Cost:

The cost of film permits varies by location.

Issuing Organization:

The City Municipality of Culture and Tourism, Police, Prefecture issues the permits Should the location be specialised, for example Museums, etc. a specialised permit will be required, a permit will then be issued by the relevant ministry.

Required Documents:

A detailed shooting synopsis
Crew identification cards
Passport and biopage copies
A detailed equipment list (with serial numbers)
Filming locations
Estimated budget for the project

Processing Time:

General Filming Permit process may take up to 5 working days, once the permit is received, there is a time frame for policy and local security

Cost:

The cost depends on the location.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

A local fixer will negotiate the filming arrangement with private property owners. Costs vary depending on the location and the scope of the project.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Determined by negotiation with the property owner, facilitated by the local fixer.

Drone Regulations:

Approval is required before all commercial drone flights.
Maximum flight altitude: 120 meters.
Maximum drone weight for private/personal flights: 4 kilograms.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Foreign nationals cannot register as drone pilots in Turkey.
Foreign drones will be seized by customs unless technical confirmation for UAVs has been obtained from the Turkish DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
In practice, foreign drone operators cannot fly drones in Turkey due to lack of licensing and insurance requirements.

Permit Issuance:

Turkey Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Timing:

Minimum of 15 working days for approvals.

Cost:

Cost depends on the relevant ministry of the city where the drone will be operated.
Fees vary depending on location and area restrictions.

Carnet Status:

Turkey is an ATA Carnet country.
Film crews from Carnet-member countries can temporarily import/export filming equipment using an ATA Carnet.

Required Documents:

If your country does not issue ATA Carnets, a Turkish company must be invoiced for the equipment.
A deposit is required, payable to the Customhouse as a guarantee.
Once the project concludes and the equipment is re-exported, the deposit will be refunded.

Issuing Organization:

Turkey Airport Customs Department

Timing:

Approximately 10 working days (2 weeks)

Cost:

Calculated based on the market value of the equipment.

General Overview:

Turkey has a well-developed infrastructure, but it is essential to remain aware of your surroundings and stay updated with local media reports. Follow the advice of local authorities, especially in sensitive border areas.

Security Requirements:

Private security officers are recommended to safeguard filming equipment and crew members.
A medic should be available on set to assist with any medical emergencies.