Do you want to take your drone with you on a trip? Always check the local rules first. Some countries prohibit drones entirely. Other countries allow people to fly, but with strict restrictions or clearly defined no-fly zones.
So before you leave, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed.
In some countries, the possession, import, or use of drones is completely prohibited for private individuals.
If you do bring a drone with you, it may be be confiscated. In certain countries, you also risk a hefty fine or legal trouble.
This type of ban is most common in countries where security and control are major priorities.
Other countries allow drones, but only with a special permit. Often, you must apply for it in advance with the aviation authorities or the Department of Defense.
Such an application process can take weeks and often requires additional documents, such as insurance or a flight plan. Spontaneous taking off at your vacation destination is therefore not option.
Flying without permission? You could face heavy fines.
In many countries, drones are generally permitted, but there are clear no-fly zones. These are specific areas where it is prohibited or restricted to fly.
Consider:
So even in countries where drones are perfectly legal, you are not allowed to not automatically fly them everywhere. You must always check whether your location is within a permitted zone.
Several countries around the world have a complete ban on drones or the regulations are so strict that it is virtually impossible for travelers to fly legally. Below is a selection of countries where this is the case.
Please note: In some of these countries, it is not literally prohibited to fly, but the licensing, registration, or approval processes are so complex that it is not realistic for tourists.
Rules also change regularly. Therefore, always check with the official aviation authority before departure or contact the embassy of your destination country. This will help you avoid having your drone detained upon arrival.
You can find official drone maps for each country through the national aviation authority.
Before you leave:
Do you want to set up no-fly zones by country ? In “Traveling with Your Drone,” you’ll find a direct link to the official drone map.
Within Europe, the same rules largely apply today the same basic rules apply to drones. That hasn’t always been the case. In the past, each country set its own legislation, which made it complicated for anyone who wanted to fly across borders.
With the introduction of the European drone legislation , that changed. The rules regarding registration, categories, and the drone license are now the same in all EU member states. If you obtain your drone license in Belgium, it is valid in other EU countries.
However, this harmonization does not mean that you are free to take off anywhere. Each country operates with its own geographic UAS zones and local restrictions. National authorities may designate additional no-fly zones, for example around airports, nature reserves, or critical infrastructure.
Civil liability insurance for your drone covers damage to third parties, such as property damage or personal injury resulting from a crash.
If you’re flying abroad, it’s important to check the following:
In some countries, authorities actively check for valid insurance.
Standard travel insurance does not automatically cover your drone.
Damage, loss, or theft of your device is often covered by baggage coverage, but not every policy considers drones to be standard travel luggage. Sometimes lower maximum coverage amounts or additional conditions apply.
Therefore, please check the following in advance:
First, check whether drones are permitted in the country you’re traveling to. Don’t just check whether you can fly; also make sure:
Always consult the official aviation authority of the country in question.
Check to see if you have liability insurance is valid abroad. Some policies have territorial restrictions.
See also:
If you fly without valid insurance, you risk heavy fines if you’re inspected.
Drone batteries are lithium batteries, and strict rules apply to them.
Also check the maximum allowable watt-hours (Wh). Most consumer drones are below the limit, but it’s still a good idea to double-check.
Use a sturdy carrying case or protective case. This will help prevent damage during transport.
Proper preparation will save you from arguments at the airport and damage to your gear.
Morocco has a very strict policy regarding drones. The import of drones is prohibited without prior official permission from the competent authorities.
In practice, drones are often seized at the airport if you cannot present a special permit. In principle, recreational use is not permitted without a formal permit.
In France, you are allowed to fly a drone, provided that you comply with the European and French regulations . France follows the European drone regulation (EASA). This means that, as a Belgian pilot with a valid European drone license, you are generally permitted to fly in France.
You must:
In addition, additional rules may apply in urban areas or nature reserves.
Read more: Traveling with your drone in France.
In the open category, you may use a length of up to a maximum of 120 meters fly in altitude.
Additional restrictions may apply in controlled airspace or in specific geographic areas (for example, near airports, military bases, or nature reserves). In some cases, an exception may be possible, but this requires specific authorization.
Read more: drone rules in Belgium.
Yes, in most cases, you’re allowed to bring your drone on a plane. However, there are clear rules regarding the batteries. Lithium batteries must always be carried in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked luggage. There’s often also a limit on the number of Batteries and the maximum capacity (Wh).
Therefore, always check the your airline’s policies. Some airlines require that you pack the Batterij separately or cover the contacts.
Taking a drone on a trip requires preparation. One missed rule can make your vacation expensive. Do you want to be sure your drone is in good working order and complies with the law? Contact us for personalized advice. That way, you’ll be well prepared for your trip.
Do you want to fly your drone in Belgium? Then it’s a good idea to check the local rules first. Within the European Union, the drone laws are largely the same, but each country interprets them slightly differently. In Belgium, , for example, there are specific rules regarding altitude, registration, and no-fly zones that you […]
Do you want to fly your drone in the Netherlands? Then it’s a good idea to check the local rules first. Within the European Union, the drone laws are largely the same, but each country implements them slightly differently. In the Netherlands , for example, there are specific rules regarding altitude, registration, and no-fly zones […]
Do you want to fly your drone in France? Then it’s a good idea to check the local rules first. Within the European Union, the drone laws are largely the same, but each country implements them slightly differently. In France , for example, there are specific rules regarding altitude, registration, and no-fly zones that you […]
Do you want to fly your drone in Germany? Then it’s a good idea to check the local rules first. Within the European Union, the drone laws are largely the same, but each country implements them slightly differently. In Germany, , for example, there are specific rules regarding altitude, registration, and no-fly zones that you […]
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