Check the country before you fly
Choose a country.Check the basics.Fly prepared.
Check2Fly gives drone operators a quick summary of country rules, a simple pre-flight checklist, and official links for final verification.
What you get
The most important pre-flight information in one place
Altitude, registration, training, and local restrictions collected in a short format.
A short list of things to verify before takeoff so nothing gets missed.
Links to the authority and flight map to confirm current zones and restrictions.
Interactive map
Choose an available country
Pick a country from the map or list to open a short rule summary, pre-flight checklist, and official sources.
Local vector map
Click a supported country directly on the map
Countries available in Check2Fly are highlighted. Typing a name into search highlights the best match and moves the map closer to it.
Quick overview
Country overview
Albania
Albania applies rules based on EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945, in force since July 2022. Before flying, check the operation categories, the 120 m limit, the VLOS rule and the airspace restrictions published by the AAC and Albcontrol; if a flight does not fall within the open category, prior AAC approval in the specific category is required.
Andorra
Andorra updated its drone rules in September 2025, harmonising national rules with the European classification of classes and operation categories. Before each flight you must check not only the open category conditions but also local prohibited zones, drone identification requirements, third-party liability insurance and whether the planned flight requires authorisation from the ministry of transport.
Austria
Austria applies the common EASA rules but combines them with national Austro Control requirements and the obligation to check geographical zones in Dronespace before flying. In practice, particular attention is needed around airports, controlled zones, restricted areas and other places that require approval.
Belgium
Belgium applies the EASA rules but combines them with the national Drone Portal, mandatory checking of geozones in Droneguide and local access conditions for certain areas. In practice, before each flight you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also the requirements of the specific geozone.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a national, more restrictive BHDCA system for drones. Formally, operations are divided into OPEN, SPECIFIC and CERTIFIED, but even the basic OPEN category has a lower altitude limit than in many European countries and requires the drone to be entered in the BHDCA register.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on the national portal drones.caa.bg and the obligation to check the geographical zones for drones before each flight. In practice, before take-off you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also whether the flight location falls within a restricted zone or one requiring additional conditions.
Croatia
Croatia applies the common EASA rules but combines them with the national CCAA system and the obligation to check and authorise a flight via the AMC Portal. In practice, before each flight you must verify not only the open category conditions but also airspace restrictions and whether air traffic control approval is required.
Cyprus
Cyprus applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on the drones.gov.cy portal and the detailed UAS Geographical Zones. In practice, before each flight you must check not only the open category conditions but also the geo-zones, the geo-awareness update obligation and local rules for airports and military zones.
Czechia
The Czech Republic applies the common EASA rules but bases operational practice on UCL tools and the official DroneMap, which replaced DronView on 1 September 2025. In practice, before each flight you must verify not only the open category conditions but also local airspace restrictions, the obligation to mark the flight on the map and the requirements of the published UAS geographical zones.
Denmark
Denmark applies the EU EASA framework but also imposes practical national requirements regarding consent to fly over residential property and uninvolved people, checking zones in Dronezoner, mandatory insurance and a flight log for drones over 250 g.
Estonia
Estonia applies the EU EASA framework, but before each flight you must additionally check the restrictions on the Estonian EANS drone map, the geo-zone conditions and current NOTAMs. In practice, the key points are VLOS, the 120 m limit, operator registration in LOIS and appropriate pilot competency.
Finland
Finland applies the common EASA framework, but before flying you must additionally check the Finnish UAS zones, prohibited and restricted areas and the conditions published by Traficom. In practice, the key points are the 120 m limit, VLOS, operator registration and appropriate A1/A3 or A2 competency.
France
France applies the EU EASA framework but combines it with extensive national restrictions on airspace, cities, protected areas and privacy. In practice, before each flight you must check Geoportail, the AlphaTango requirements and whether the flight still falls within the open category.
Germany
Germany applies the common EASA framework but combines it with national geographical zones under § 21h LuftVO, mandatory liability insurance and practical flight control via the dipul platform. In practice, before each flight you must check the dipul map, the operator registration status with the LBA and the required A1/A3 or A2 qualifications.
Greece
Greece applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on the national DAGR Drone Aware system and additional Greek geo-zones. In practice, before each flight you must check not only the open category conditions but also restrictions for airports, military zones, archaeological areas and seasonal bans published by the HCAA.
Hungary
Hungary applies the common EASA rules but combines them with the national mydronespace system and separate requirements for the segregated eseti légtér airspace. In practice, before every flight you must check not only the open-category conditions but also No Drone Zones, CTR/MCTR, TIZ, TRA, and whether a flight over a built-up area does not require prior segregation of eseti légtér.
Iceland
Iceland has implemented EASA-compliant rules through Regulation 1360/2024, but combines them with local restrictions arising from Icelandic law, the eAIP and temporary bans published by Isavia. In practice, before each flight you must check not only the open category conditions but also active restrictions near airports, sensitive areas and protected sites.
Ireland
Ireland applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on IAA requirements, UAS geographical zones and the obligation to correctly configure Remote ID. In practice, before each flight you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also local restricted zones, environmental requirements and any conditions for specific operations.
Italy
Italy applies the common EASA rules but combines them with the national requirements of ENAC and the obligation to check geographical zones in d-flight before every flight. In practice, planning a flight in Italy requires particular attention around cities, monuments, the coast, islands and in controlled airspace, because compliance with the open category alone is not enough if the d-flight map shows local restrictions.
Kosovo
Kosovo still applies the national CAAK model, but from 2026 on the basis of the new Regulation (CAA) No. 01/2026. This is still not a simple open-category model without formalities: most drones require registration and a separate operational approval, although drones with a foreign registration do not always have to be re-entered locally.
Latvia
Latvia applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on the CAA services portal, the official geo-zone map airspace.lv/drones and, since 1 January 2025, on submitting notifications and applications via the BGKIS / UASIS system. In practice, before each flight you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also local geo-zones, the AIP, NOTAMs and whether the given zone requires electronic coordination.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein applies Swiss law in civil aviation, so the drone rules are effectively linked to the FOCA/BAZL system and the Swiss dLIS, but local flight bans and data protection rules also apply. In practice, before each flight you must check not only the open category conditions but also the FOCA map and the current restrictions published for the airspace.
Lithuania
Lithuania applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on operator registration in the national system and checking geo-zones via Oro navigacija before each flight. In practice, before take-off you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also local airspace restrictions, time-based zones, NOTAMs and whether the flight fits the process available via utm.ans.lt or requires separate approval.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on the DAC portal, registration via MyGuichet and checking geo-zones in Geoportail before each flight. In practice, before take-off you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also access to the geographical zones, local formalities and the new national rules in force since the end of 2025.
Malta
Malta applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice is locally more procedural than in many other EU countries: all flights take place in controlled airspace and require authorisation via TM-CAD iDronect. In practice, before each flight you must check not only the open category conditions but also airport zones, restrictions for military areas and whether the flight qualifies for automatic approval or requires an additional risk assessment.
Moldova
Moldova applies a national drone oversight system run by the AAC, in which operations are divided into the open, specific and certified categories. In the official guide, the open category is described more narrowly than in the EASA model: it covers non-commercial flights, for personal use and in uncontrolled airspace. At the same time, the AAC's public materials still point to mandatory written authorisation of operations, so before each flight you must assume a formal consent model.
Monaco
Monaco does not work like a typical EASA country for civil drone flights. Apart from very light recreational models under 100 g, practically every drone flight first requires an annual agrément issued by the Direction de l'Aviation Civile, and then a separate authorisation before each flight via the FlySafe system.
Montenegro
Montenegro has applied a new national rulebook close to the European model since 1 January 2024: open, special and certified, with operator registration and online exams through the dron.caa.me portal. In practice, however, before each flight you must additionally check the requirements for CTR Podgorica and CTR Tivat, because approval from AMC Montenegro is needed near airports.
Netherlands
The Netherlands applies the common EASA framework but combines it with very dense airspace restrictions, local bans for the open category and practical flight planning via GoDrone. In practice, before each flight you must check the GoDrone or Aeret Kaartviewer map, the operator registration status in the RDW and the required pilot qualifications.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia moved to a new regulatory model for drones on 1 January 2025, based directly on the EU UAS framework and EASA rules. In practice, however, before each flight you must check both the new UAS regulation and the local operational rules still published by the CAA, as well as the obligation to report flights via the national drone application.
Norway
Norway applies EASA-compliant rules, but flight practice relies on the flydrone.no platform and the national Luftfartstilsynet pages on no-drone zones. In practice, before each flight you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also restrictions near airports, protected areas, embassies, prisons and temporary zones published in NOTAMs.
Poland
Poland applies the EU EASA framework but combines it with the obligation to report every UAV flight via the PANSA system and with very practical operation planning through DroneTower and PansaUTM. In practice, before each flight you must check the open category, the distance limits and the current airspace situation.
Portugal
Portugal applies the common EASA framework but combines it with additional ANAC restrictions for airport zones, heliports and other geographical zones. In practice, before each flight you must check the ANAC UAS platform, the local conditions and whether the flight still falls within the open category.
Romania
Romania applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on the AACR platform for operators and pilots and on checking the nationally published airspace restrictions. In practice, before each flight you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also local restrictions and any coordination requirements.
San Marino
San Marino allows RPAS flights but applies its own formal model based on notifying the flight to the CAA and on pilot competency and insurance. In practice, before each flight you must assume contact with the authority, not just a self-assessment based on the European rules.
Serbia
In practice, Serbia still applies a national, formal model for drone flights based on CAD RS approval, rather than a simple system of free operations in the open category without contacting the authority. From 30 June 2026 new rules 117/25, close to the EU model, do apply, but the current CAD RS guidance still points to a flight authorisation requirement and non-recognition of foreign pilot certificates.
Slovakia
Slovakia applies the common EASA rules, but bases flight practice on the requirements of the Dopravný úrad (Transport Authority), national Geo-Zones and a formal approach to exams and specific-category operations. In practice, before every flight you must check not only the open-category conditions but also the current geographical zones, AUP/UUP, the AIP SR and local conditions.
Slovenia
Slovenia applies the common EASA rules but combines them with the national UAS Repository portal and additional geographical restrictions. In practice, before every flight you must check not only the open-category conditions but also the special rules for built-up areas, geo-zones and the required flight announcements.
Spain
Spain applies the common EASA framework but combines it with extensive national restrictions on controlled airspace, urban areas, nature zones and the coast. In practice, before each flight you must check ENAIRE Drones, the AESA requirements and whether the flight still falls within the open category.
Sweden
Sweden applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice is based on the tools of Transportstyrelsen, the Drönarsidan and the LFV Dronechart map. In practice, before every flight you must check not only the open-category conditions but also local airspace restrictions, the requirements for network ID and the separate rules for publishing aerial photographs.
Switzerland
Switzerland has implemented EASA-aligned rules but combines them with national FOCA requirements, the dLIS platform, the official flight-restriction map and additional conditions for privacy, insurance and the publication of aeronautical data. In practice, before every flight you must check not only the open-category conditions but also the restrictions on the FOCA map and in DABS.
Türkiye
Turkey does not apply the EU EASA system for civilian drone flights, only the national SHGM rules based on the SHT-IHA instruction and the IHA Kayıt Sistemi portal. In practice, before every flight you must check the drone's mass, the IHA0-IHA3 classifications, the green-zone status, the required flight permission and any local bans imposed by the local administration or security services.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has its own CAA system for drones after Brexit, based on the Flyer ID, Operator ID, the Drone and Model Aircraft Code and the split into Open Category and Specific Category. From 1 January 2026 new national classes UK0-UK6 apply there, and transitionally until 31 December 2027 the European classes C0-C4 are also recognised in the corresponding British subcategories.
Vatican City
The Vatican is an area practically closed to civilian drone flights. The Vatican's official rules provide for penalties for unauthorised overflight of the state's territory, including with a drone controlled from outside its borders, so without explicit, individual authorisation you should not plan a flight over the Vatican.
Frequently asked questions
Key questions before flying a drone abroad
These are the questions travellers ask most often before taking a drone abroad. Expand an answer for a quick overview, then open a country page for details and official links.
Can you fly a drone in a given country?+
In many European countries, flying a drone is possible, but a traveller should not assume the rules are the same as in their home country. Before flying, check the rules for the specific country, local geographical zones, requirements for the planned flight scenario, and restrictions in tourist areas, cities, or near airports. Check2Fly gathers that summary and points you to official sources.
Do you need to register the drone or the operator?+
That depends on the country, the drone weight, onboard equipment, the category of operation, and whether the obligation applies to the operator, the pilot, or the aircraft itself. For people travelling across Europe, the key point is that even when rules look similar, local implementation may differ. On country pages we show whether registration should be verified before the flight and link to the correct system.
What is the maximum drone altitude?+
In many European countries the limits are similar, but the real operating condition also depends on geographical zones, local exceptions, and the type of operation. Knowing only the general limit is not enough. In Check2Fly we show the altitude as a starting point for further verification.
Is training or an online test required?+
In some countries and scenarios, basic training, an online exam, or additional competency may be required. For people flying while travelling, it is also important to confirm whether a document or certificate obtained earlier in another European country can be used. Check2Fly indicates when training is something to verify before takeoff and links to official materials.
Can a tourist fly abroad using their operator number from another country?+
That depends on local implementation, recognition of registration, and how the authority describes the rules for visiting operators. For a short city break or holiday trip, it is best to check this before travelling because some formalities may take time. The country page lets you move quickly from the rule summary to official explanations and procedures.
Is the flight map alone enough before takeoff?+
No. The zone map is very important, but before flying you still need to check the basic rules, registration requirements, possible training, local procedures, and official sources. Check2Fly combines these elements in one place so your decision is not based on the map alone.
Do you need drone liability insurance?+
In some countries or flight scenarios, liability insurance may be required or strongly recommended. For travel across Europe, this is one of the points worth checking before departure, because lack of suitable insurance may immediately rule out a legal flight. If a country signals such a requirement, it is best to go directly to the official source.
Can you fly a drone in a city or over a beach?+
Very often, those are exactly the places with extra restrictions. For travellers, this means that a flight near landmarks, on a beach, in a city centre, over a promenade, or close to a popular attraction may be prohibited even when the general rules look fairly liberal. Besides the general rules, you should always check the local map and notices for the exact place.
Can I fly a drone near an airport or heliport?+
This is one of the most important points to verify before every flight. In practice, many travellers want to fly near hotels, resorts, marinas, or viewpoints, and such places can be located close to airports, heliports, or other sensitive areas. Check2Fly does not replace an airspace map, but it helps you reach the official tools you must check before takeoff.
Are the rules for recreational and commercial flights the same?+
Not always. Sometimes the requirements are determined not by whether the flight is hobby or paid work, but by the exact type of operation, the location, the drone mass, and the level of risk. For travellers it also matters whether they want only holiday footage or material for commercial use. On country pages we highlight which elements need closer verification.
When is the best time to check the rules before travelling with a drone?+
Ideally twice: first before departure, so you know whether the flight will be possible at all and whether anything must be arranged in advance, and again just before takeoff on site. This is especially important when moving through several countries or making a quick trip between cities, because zones, notices, and local conditions may change. Check2Fly is a good starting point for both stages.
How can I be sure the information is still current?+
The safest approach is to treat Check2Fly as a quick guide and starting point, then make the final decision after checking the official sources listed on the country page. That is exactly why every country includes links to the authority, flight maps, and official materials that let you confirm the current position for a given day.
All countries
Go directly to a country page
This list links straight to pages with a drone rule summary, pre-flight checklist, and official sources for every available country.
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
Report an issue
Found an inconsistency or broken link?
Send the report to the contact email address. The information identified in it will be checked by an automated process and, if found to be incorrect or outdated, corrected or removed.
Important
Check2Fly provides a simplified overview and does not replace official aviation regulations or current airspace data. Always verify local restrictions in official sources before flying.