EU Drone Regulations
Last Updated: August 19, 2026
This page provides a general overview of drone regulations applicable under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework.
It is intended for informational purposes only.
1. The Open Category
Most recreational and low-risk consumer drone operations take place within the Open Category.
The Open Category generally does not require prior operational authorization when all applicable Open Category conditions are satisfied. EASA
It is divided into:
A1 — Over People
A2 — Near People
A3 — Far From People
2. Maximum Flight Height
For Open Category operations, the standard maximum height is generally:
120 metres above the surface
subject to applicable exceptions and geographical-zone restrictions. EASA
Local geographical zones may impose lower limits.
3. Visual Line of Sight
The remote pilot generally must maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) with the drone during Open Category operations.
The pilot must be able to monitor the aircraft and surrounding airspace sufficiently to avoid hazards.
EASA provides limited exceptions for certain operations such as qualifying Follow Me or FPV operations with an observer. EASA
4. Drones Below 250g
A drone with a maximum take-off mass below 250g may generally qualify for A1 operation under applicable conditions.
However, less than 250g does not mean unrestricted flying.
Users must still comply with:
- Geographical zones
- Airspace restrictions
- Height limits
- Privacy requirements
- Safety requirements
- Crowd restrictions
5. Operator Registration
Operator registration may still be required for drones below 250g when the aircraft has a camera or another sensor capable of capturing personal data and the relevant exemption does not apply.
EASA states that the registration exemption generally applies where a drone weighs below 250g and has no camera or other sensor capable of detecting personal data, subject to the relevant regulatory conditions. EASA
Most camera-equipped consumer drones therefore should not automatically be assumed exempt from operator-registration requirements.
6. C0 Drones
For a C0 aircraft under the EASA system:
- It can generally operate in A1.
- It must not be flown over assemblies of people.
- The applicable maximum height must be respected.
- The manufacturer instructions must be read and followed.
EASA lists operator registration as generally not required for C0 only when the relevant camera/sensor registration trigger does not apply. EASA
7. Legacy Drones Below 250g
A drone without a C-class identification label is not automatically illegal.
Current EASA rules permit qualifying aircraft below 250g MTOM to operate in A1 subject to applicable conditions. EASA
This should not be confused with C0 certification.
A drone can be below 250g without being C0-class marked.
8. Flying Over People
A1 rules provide greater flexibility for small drones, but flying over crowds/assemblies of people remains prohibited.
Even where limited overflight of uninvolved persons is legally possible, unnecessary overflight should be avoided or minimized where required. EASA
9. Geographical Zones
Each participating state may establish drone geographical zones.
These may:
- Prohibit drone operations
- Require authorization
- Reduce maximum altitude
- Impose additional technical requirements
Always check the official drone map of the country in which you are flying.
EASA provides links to National Aviation Authorities for this purpose. EASA
10. Travelling Within Europe
Do not assume that every location within Europe has identical local flight zones.
EASA provides a common regulatory framework, but national and local geographical restrictions continue to apply.
Disclaimer
This information is a simplified overview and is not legal advice.
Customers must check the latest EASA rules and the requirements of the National Aviation Authority responsible for the country where the flight will take place.