Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Western Europe

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.

Altitude: 120 m AGLRegistration: May be required depending on the operation or aircraft.

Flight rules

Quick overview for this country

This is a short overview of the most important requirements. Always confirm details and exceptions in official sources.

Registration requiredYes, depending on the operation or equipment.

Training requiredYes, often needed for compliance in the open category.

Maximum altitude120 m AGL

Camera / registration noteOperator registration takes place in dLIS and is required for flights in the open and specific categories, unless the drone weighs less than 250 g and at the same time has no sensor for recording personal data. Registration costs CHF 10, is valid indefinitely across EASA states and requires a minimum age of 12. Only the main part of the operator number CHE... is placed on the drone, while the three characters after the hyphen are kept solely for Remote ID.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the nearest point of the earth's surface, keep VLOS, and do not fly over assemblies of people.
Many operations in the open category require an A1/A3 certificate; the A2 subcategory requires additional A2 competencies and keeping a distance of at least 30 m, or 5 m in low-speed mode, as well as the 1:1 rule.
Before every flight you must check the FOCA map and DABS, because geographical and time restrictions apply in both the open and specific categories, and consent is usually granted by the relevant zone manager, not FOCA.
In Switzerland, for drones above 250 g, third-party liability insurance with a sum of at least CHF 1,000,000 is required. When registering lighter drones in dLIS, the technical placeholder dronebelow250g is entered instead of the policy details.
Night flights are permitted in the open category, but only while keeping VLOS and with position lights on; FOCA additionally recommends activating a green flashing light.
In Switzerland and EASA states, an operator registers in only one state of the EASA system. An operator from outside the EASA system who wants to fly in Switzerland registers in Switzerland, unless already registered elsewhere in the EASA system.
If the flight does not meet the conditions of the open category - e.g. it involves BVLOS, flying above 120 m, over assemblies of people, transporting dangerous loads or a drone of 25 kg+ - the operation moves to the specific category and requires FOCA authorisation.

Pre-flight checklist

Check everything before takeoff

Tick off the steps to verify the most important points before the flight.

0/6 done

Step 1Check that the operator is correctly registered in dLIS and that the operator number is marked on the drone; place only the CHE... part on the fuselage, without the three characters after the hyphen.Step 2Confirm the required pilot competencies: A1/A3 for many flights in the open category and A2 if the planned operation is to be carried out in the A2 subcategory.Step 3Verify the national, cantonal and time restrictions of the airspace on the FOCA map and in DABS before take-off.Step 4Make sure the operator has the required liability insurance if the drone weighs more than 250 g, and that the flight fits within the appropriate subcategory of the open category.Step 5If the flight takes place at night, keep VLOS and switch on the position lights; for better visibility, activate a green flashing light.Step 6If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category. If in the future the flight takes place in active U-space airspace, you will also need to obtain a flight authorisation according to FOCA and USSP operator rules.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

Open the authority or official flight map to confirm zones and current restrictions.

Authority websiteFOCA / BAZLOpen source Flight mapFOCA drone map / DABSOpen source

Information sources

FOCA: flight rules for drones FOCA: registration as a drone operator FOCA: geographical flight restrictions FOCA: FAQ drones FOCA: specific category FOCA: U-space services

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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.