Taking your drone abroad: what applies in Europe?

Good news for your holiday: a registration and EU drone licence issued in an EU country are valid in all EU states and in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Outside these countries, for example in the United Kingdom, the Western Balkans or Turkey, separate rules apply. Here is what to check before flying abroad.

Where your documents are valid

The same basic rules apply in all EU states and in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Your operator ID and your proof of competency (A1/A3 or A2) are recognised there. You do not need a new label.

What you still need to check

• Restricted zones: Every country defines its own zones where flying is prohibited or restricted. An overview with links to the maps of the individual countries is provided by the “Geographical zones in Europe” page of the dipul platform (in German).
• Insurance: Check whether your liability insurance also applies abroad. In Switzerland, cover of at least CHF 1 million is required from 250 g.
• Minimum age: Some countries have lowered it. That then only applies in that country, not elsewhere.

Austria and Switzerland

• Austria: The EU rules apply. Your operator ID from another EU country is sufficient; Austro Control shows the zones on dronespace.at. Liability insurance with cover of at least 750,000 Special Drawing Rights is required for drones there; check whether your insurance applies in Austria.
• Switzerland: Switzerland has applied the EU drone rules since January 2023. Anyone who lives in the EU, Norway or Iceland and is registered there does not need a Swiss registration; EU certificates are recognised. What matters is your place of residence, not your nationality. Switzerland has its own rules on minimum age (12) and insurance.

Example: United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has its own system. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) does not recognise foreign registrations or certificates. Before flying there, you need your own Flyer ID (from 100 g) and an Operator ID (from 250 g, or from 100 g with a camera). Information is available on the CAA website.

The ID plate

Abroad, too, your drone must carry your operator ID exactly as it appears in your registration, without the three secret characters after the hyphen. An engraved ID plate withstands wind, weather and travel.

As of October 2026. This overview is not legal advice; the rules and information provided by the authorities in the respective country are authoritative.