Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Northern Europe

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.

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 noteLatvia maintains a separate register of operators, remote pilots, model flying clubs and drones. Registration of an operator or pilot in the CAA system costs EUR 5, while entering a drone used in the open and specific categories is free. This applies to operators acting in accordance with EASA rules.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the nearest point of the surface, keep VLOS and do not fly over gatherings of people.
Many operations in the open category require an A1/A3 certificate; A1/A3 training and the exam at CAA Latvia are free. Subcategory A2 requires additional competency and an in-person exam conducted by the CAA; issuing the A2 certificate costs EUR 5.
Before each flight you must check the airspace information on airspace.lv/drones, because the CAA designates this service as the only official and legally binding source of information on conditions and restrictions in Latvian airspace.
Since 1 January 2025, in UAS geo-zones where a notification or consent is required, the operator must submit the information or application via the BGKIS / UASIS system on e.caa.gov.lv or another integrated system. This also applies to a series of flights.
If the drone is class C1, C2 or C3 or has another geo-awareness system, the CAA also publishes an official ED-269 JSON set for the current geo-zones, which must be refreshed before flying.
Latvia maintains a national register of operators, remote pilots and drones used in the open and specific categories, so before flying you must ensure that the operator and the platform are correctly entered in the CAA system.
If a flight does not meet the conditions of the open category - e.g. it involves BVLOS or another elevated risk profile - the operation moves to the specific category and requires an STS declaration or an appropriate operational permit from CAA Latvia. The STS declaration costs EUR 30.

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 whether the operator and pilot are correctly registered in the CAA Latvia system; be prepared for the EUR 5 fee for operator or pilot registration.Step 2Make sure the drone used in the open or specific category is entered in the CAA register; entering the drone itself is free.Step 3Confirm the required pilot competency: A1/A3 for many flights in the open category and A2 if the planned operation is to be carried out in subcategory A2.Step 4Before take-off, verify airspace.lv/drones, the AIP, NOTAMs and local airspace restrictions; if the zone requires it, submit the flight via BGKIS / UASIS.Step 5If the drone supports geo-awareness, download the current ED-269 JSON file for the Latvian geo-zones before flying.Step 6If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category, including an STS declaration or an application to CAA Latvia.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

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

Authority websiteCivil Aviation Agency of LatviaOpen source Flight mapairspace.lv/drones / Latvia UAS geographical zonesOpen source

Information sources

CAA Latvia: services portal CAA Latvia: A1/A3 online training CAA Latvia: A1/A3 online exam CAA Latvia: registration of operators, remote pilots and clubs CAA Latvia: registration of drones used for open and specific flights CAA Latvia: declaration for specific category CAA Latvia: A2 certificate CAA Latvia: UAS geographical zones CAA Latvia: flight application in UAS geographical zones

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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.