Securing a Permit for Foreigners to Climb Mountains in Turkey

Securing a Permit for Foreigners to Climbing mountains in Turkey can be a breathtaking experience, but before embarking on this adventure, it is important to understand the process of securing a permit. As a foreign individual, navigating the permit process can be challenging and confusing. However, in this article, we will guide you through the steps required to obtain a permit to climb mountains in Turkey, making the process much easier to understand and follow. With a focus on the importance of obtaining a permit for both safety and environmental reasons, this step-by-step guide will ensure that your mountain climbing experience in Turkey is both safe and enjoyable.

Securing a Permit for Foreigners Protocol for Climbing Mountains in Military Forbidden and Security Areas for Tourism and Sports Purposes

The climbing of mountains within the scope of the Military Forbidden and Security Areas and the 2565 Act by foreign nationals in our country is subject to permission based on the principles and procedures stated in Article 9 of the Regulation on Military Forbidden and Security Areas.

How to Apply for a Permit to Climb Mountains in Turkey as a Foreign National

When foreign nationals apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through our overseas representations or their own representations in the country, the receiving entity shall forward the applications, along with its own opinion, to the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, the Presidency of the National Intelligence Organization, and the Governorship of Ağrı and Iğdır.

Obtaining a Permit for Foreigners to Climb Mount Ararat through Travel Agencies

In case travel agencies want to take foreigners to Mount Ararat for tourism and sports purposes as part of a tour, their requests shall be transmitted to the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, the Presidency of the National Intelligence Organization, and the Governorship of Ağrı and Iğdır through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Requirements for Organizations to Climb Mountains in Turkey: Permission and Prohibitions

The request for an organization that will be organized by real and legal entities shall be notified to the Governorship of Ağrı and Iğdır. Climbing will be allowed after the request for permission is found to be appropriate. Climbing without permission is prohibited.

For the smooth conclusion of the applications specified in the above paragraphs, individuals and organizations must make the request for permission at least 30 days prior to the event if the event is abroad or at least 15 days prior if the event is within the country, and obtain a visa appropriate to the purpose. Foreign nationals who have a valid residency permit in Turkey for at least 6 months are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a visa appropriate to the purpose.

Climbing Mount Ararat

a) Climbing Mount Ararat:

(1) Can be done from the Doğubeyazıt/Topçatan village-Eli farm or (2) The Iğdır/Korhan meadow-Küp Lake route.

b) Only the South-West route is used for climbing Little Ararat. Climbing from the East side is not allowed.

c) These restrictions do not apply to citizens of the Turkish Republic, except in extraordinary cases. Citizens of the Turkish Republic can also climb the mountain from within the borders of Iğdır province, but only the route specified above is used for Little Ararat.

The local authorities responsible for completing the climbing procedures are closed on weekends and holidays, excluding extraordinary circumstances.