Yes, you can fly drones in Iceland. There are no restrictions imposed by the country on anyone bringing drones into its borders as long as the drone is used for recreational purposes.
Hello, fellow drone enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle and I am a drone pilot and long-time drone enthusiast. I have visited the beautiful country of Iceland and experienced its many wonders. This country is drone friendly.
In this article, I will cover some of the laws and rules for recreational and commercial flights in Iceland. I will also give some information on places where you can and cannot fly in the country.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Iceland is a great place for recreational drone use but there are certain regulations that must be followed.
- Most drones do not require registration in Iceland.
- It is important to be aware of and respect the sensitive natural environment of Iceland.
Can You Fly Drones in Iceland
Here are some of the basic rules and regulations for flying drones in Iceland.
Iceland Hobby Drone Regulations
Users flying recreational drones that weigh less than 25 kg are not required to have a license to fly in Iceland. The regulations are similar to those in the US. Drones must not fly more than 400 feet from the ground and are not allowed to be flown over crowds of people.
Some other basic rules include keeping the drone in your line of sight at all times and not flying near commercial air traffic.
Iceland Commercial Drone Regulations
Commercial drone flyers can get a license to fly from the Icelandic Transport Authority (ITA). The authority requires information on the registrant and the purpose of the flight. Additionally, the authority requires information on the drone for registration purposes.
Where You Can Fly a Drone in Iceland
Iceland is a country with many amazing views. Some of the protected areas in the country restrict drone flights.
However, there are many areas where you can fly your drone. Some of them include less populated or tourist areas like the Icelandic countryside areas.
Where You Can Not Fly Drone in Iceland
While Iceland is a drone-friendly country, some of the more popular areas are no drone zones.
National Parks and Nature Reserves
The national parks and reserves in Iceland are protected areas and drones are not allowed. The authorities post signs informing the public of the no drone fly zones.
Popular Touristic Points, Such as Blue Lagoon, Black Sand Beach, and Others
Many of the popular tourist sites like the Blue Lagoon, the Gullfoss Waterfall, Black Sand Beach, and Reynisfyara are no-fly zones.
Reykjavik and Other Cities
Drones are not allowed to be flown in the capital city of Reykjavik and other cities in the country.
How to Bring a Drone to Iceland
Bringing a drone into Iceland is a fairly simple process. The Customs Department the country does not impose any restrictions on bringing drones into the country.
Check with your airline on any specific carry-on or check-in rules. Get a proper drone case and keep your batteries in a carry-on bag.
FAQs
Below are some common questions about flying a drone in Iceland.
Do You Need a Drone License to Fly in Iceland?
No, you do not need a license to fly a drone in Iceland for recreational purposes.
Where Are Drones Banned in Iceland?
There are no drone fly zones in national parks, reserves, and certain cities and tourist areas.
Can You Fly Drones in National Parks in Iceland?
No, you cannot fly drones in the national parks or national reserve lands in Iceland.
Can I Fly My Drone in Reykjavik?
The capital city of Reykjavik is a no-drone zone.
Final Thoughts
Iceland is a great place to fly your drone. With the very lenient rules for flying and the ease of bringing your drone into the country, Iceland is an appealing place to fly.
Have you ever traveled to Iceland with your drone? Share your experience and tips for other drone owners in the comments section below.
