Turkey to Block Foreign Accommodation Platforms That Fail to Obtain a Licence

A bill regulating foreign digital accommodation platforms has been approved by the Turkish Parliament’s Public Works, Zoning, Transport and Tourism Commission. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.

Under the proposed rules:

• Mandatory licence: Foreign platforms must obtain a licence from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The initial fee will be TRY 5 million, subject to annual increases.
• Local representation: Platforms must appoint an authorised representative in Turkey and provide a local address for official notifications.
• Scope of services: Licensed platforms may directly sell accommodation at officially certified tourism establishments and authorised short-term rental properties, as well as airline tickets. Certain travel agency and car rental services must be provided through appropriately authorised businesses.
• Commission cap: Fees charged on domestic accommodation sales must not exceed 17% of the sale price, excluding taxes.
• Fines: Violations may result in substantial administrative fines, including penalties of ten times the unlawfully collected amount in certain cases. Repeated violations can lead to licence cancellation.
• Access blocking: Platforms operating without a licence, or whose licences have expired or been cancelled, may face access restrictions in Turkey.

Existing platforms operating in Turkey will have three months from the legislation’s entry into force to apply for a licence. The bill also provides for an annual tourism contribution of 0.075% of the relevant digital services tax base.

What happens next? The proposal has passed the parliamentary commission, but this does not by itself mean it has become law. Its final legislative status and publication must be confirmed before treating the measures as legally effective.