Hi everyone, I’m heading to London for four months to study abroad. I want to bring my DJI Mini 2 SE and fly it in places like Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, and a few other countries.
I’ve been reading about what I need to do to legally fly it, but I’m getting mixed information. Some say I can register once for the whole EU, others say registration depends on the country, and DJI’s site says I don’t need to register in Ireland as long as the drone is under 1kg (which it is).
Has anyone done something similar? I want to make sure I follow the rules and avoid upsetting locals. I’ll mostly fly in scenic spots and avoid crowded areas. Any tips would be great!
In Europe, drone rules depend on weight, not whether you’re flying for fun or work.
If your drone is under 250g, no license is needed.
If it’s over 250g, you’ll need an A1/A3 license.
If your drone has a camera, you’ll need an Operator ID, which works like a license plate for your drone. You can get this in any EU/EFTA country, and it’s valid across Europe (but not in the UK).
France offers free Operator IDs and licenses through their site: https://alphatango.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/login.jsp. Just make sure to follow official no-fly zones, not DJI’s maps. Also, consider getting EU-wide drone insurance for extra safety.
@SkyPilot
If you’re flying in Italy, use this official map for no-fly zones: https://www.d-flight.it/web-app/. Keep in mind, Italy has strict fines for violations. France doesn’t allow night flights, and some countries like Portugal and Croatia require flight authorization for each flight. Make sure to double-check specific rules for each place.
For flying in the UK, you’ll need to register with the CAA for an Operator ID. You can do it here: https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/individual/register-as-drone-operator. It costs about £11, and you’ll need to label your drone with the Operator ID. You don’t need a Flyer ID for your drone.
Don’t forget to check if you need drone insurance in the countries you’re visiting. In some places, it’s required even for drones under 250g. Insurance is especially important in case you damage property or cause injury.
I’m not from the EU, but I’ve looked into this before. Most countries require registration, but there are differences for tourists vs. locals. It’s worth spending the time to make sure everything is in order to avoid problems.
Every country has its own rules. For example, Ireland requires registration for any drone with a camera, no matter the weight. Also, don’t forget the UK isn’t part of the EU anymore, so the rules there are separate. Some countries might even confiscate your drone at the airport if you don’t have the right paperwork.