Can you… in Istanbul? Photos, drones, insults, antiquities: fines and bans

Most of Istanbul's prohibitions fit in a few lines: do not photograph military installations, do not fly a drone without permission, never insult Atatürk, the flag or the president, and do not take antiquities home. Many travellers ask the same questions ("can I photograph people?", "can I use a drone?", "can I drink in the street?"); this guide answers them at a glance and points to the detailed pages. Fine amounts change every year: we give figures only when they are officially published. Rules as observed in October 2026.

Photos

Monuments, streets, landscapes: free, unless a sign says otherwise. In museums, flash, tripods and sometimes any photography are banned in certain rooms: follow the signs.
People: ask permission before photographing a face, especially women and children. A Turkish law protects personal data and privacy.
Military and official installations: do not photograph barracks, police posts, official buildings or convoys. British authorities expressly advise against it.
Mosques: see the rules and etiquette; do not photograph worshippers at prayer.

Drones

The drone is the trickiest point. Drones over 500 g must be registered with the civil aviation authority (SHGM), which normally asks for a Turkish identity number. For a foreign visitor, bringing in and flying a drone requires a permit to be requested well in advance from the SHGM. The Bosphorus, historic sites, official buildings and military zones are no-fly areas, and an undeclared drone can be seized by customs or the police. The simplest option is to leave the drone at home; for views from above, see the Bosphorus cruise and the Galata Tower.

Insults and speech

Insulting Atatürk, the flag, the nation, the president, the security forces or religious feelings is an offence, including online, even if the post is old or was made abroad. The penalties range from six months to three years in prison, according to British travel advice. Do not tear or trample a flag, and do not joke about these subjects.

Alcohol, tobacco, drugs

Alcohol: sale banned from 10 pm to 6 am; see alcohol in Istanbul.
Tobacco: banned in enclosed public places; see smoking in Istanbul.
Drugs: possession and use are heavily punished, even for cannabis; see drugs and cannabis in Istanbul.

Antiquities and souvenirs

Exporting old objects (coins, ceramics, archaeological fragments) without a museum's permission is forbidden. Buy only copies declared as such, with an invoice, and do not pick up anything at archaeological sites. For antique carpets, ask for a certificate. See also scams and safety in Istanbul.

At a glance

Can you…	Answer
Photograph monuments	Yes, unless a sign says otherwise
Photograph military installations	No
Photograph strangers	With their consent
Fly a drone	Not without prior permission; Bosphorus and historic sites banned
Insult Atatürk or the flag	No: prison sentence
Take antiquities home	Not without a permit
Buy alcohol at 11 pm	No, not in shops