Drone laws in Portugal

Whether you’re a tourist looking to capture Portugal’s stunning vistas or a resident exploring drone photography as a hobby, it’s crucial to know the Portugal drone laws. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of drone laws in the country, from general rules to penalties for non-compliance. Read on to discover how you can enjoy flying your drone in Portugal while staying on the right side of the law.

Summary of The Portugal Drone Laws

• Drones cannot be flown over built-up areas, crowds, near airports/military establishments, and prisons unless given permission by the authorities.
• Drones can be used for recreational purposes, or for commercial purposes.
• Drones cannot be flown at night, over crowds of people, or above an altitude of 120 meters.
• Drone pilots are responsible for their drones and liable for any damages caused by them.
• Prior to flying, remote pilots should contact local authorities.

Drone Laws in Portugal

The regulation of drones in Portugal is overseen by several agencies in accordance with the laws set by the Portuguese Republic.

The main agencies responsible for regulating drones in Portugal is the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) and EASA in the European Union, which ensure compliance with safety standards and issue licenses for drone operations.

Additionally, the Portuguese Air Force and the National Institute for Civil Aviation (INAC) play important roles in monitoring and enforcing the general rules for flying drones in Portugal.

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Portugal

Drone use is allowed in Portugal, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying drones. Operators must adhere to the following laws when flying drones in Portugal:

• Drones must be registered with the National Aeronautical Authority (ANAC).
• Drones must be flown within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times.
• Drones must not be flown over people or large crowds.
• Drones must not be flown higher than 120 meters (400 feet).
• Drones under 250 grams may only fly to 30 meters (100 feet).
• Drones must not be flown over sensitive areas, such as government or military facilities.
• Drones must not be flown within 2.5 km of airports, 1 km of helipads, or in areas where aircraft are operating.
• Drones must not be flown at night, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
• Drones may not be used to capture images or video without permission from the ANAC.
• Drone pilots must be aware of the local laws and regulations for flying drones.

General Rules for Flying a Drone Within the European Union

Operators flying a drone within the European Union must adhere to specific regulations, including avoiding flying over people or large crowds, maintaining a maximum altitude of 120 meters (30 meters for drones under 250 grams), and ensuring visual line-of-sight during flight.

In addition to these regulations, there are also country-specific rules that drone operators in Portugal must follow. These regulations are put in place to ensure the safety and privacy of individuals and property. To provide a clear understanding of the drone regulations in Portugal, the following table outlines some of the general rules:

Penalties for Violating Drone Laws in Portugal

Drone operators in Portugal who violate the country’s drone laws may face fines of up to €2,500. Common violations include flying a drone without the proper authorization, flying in a restricted area, or flying too close to people or property. Drone operators should be aware of the drone laws in Portugal before flying their drone in the country.

Here are some specific examples of violations and their associated penalties:

• Flying a drone without the proper authorization: €500 to €2,500
• Flying in a restricted area: €500 to €2,500
• Flying too close to people or property: €500 to €2,500
• Flying a drone at night: €250 to €500
• Flying a drone over an airport: €2,500

Drone operators who violate the law may also have their drone seized. It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the penalties that may be imposed for violating drone laws in Portugal. The actual penalty may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation.

Drones Registration In Portugal

Registration is compulsory for operators in both the OPEN and SPECIFIC categories, with natural persons required to register in their country of residence and legal persons needing to register in the country where their principal place of business is located.

To register a drone in Portugal, follow the below steps:

1. Visit the website of the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) and create an account.
2. Once the account is created, users can access the online registration form. This form requires the submission of personal information, such as name, address, and contact details, as well as specific details about the drone, including its make, model, and serial number.
3. Additionally, individuals must provide proof of liability insurance coverage for their drone.
4. After submitting the registration form, applicants will receive a registration number, which must be displayed on the drone.

Failure to register a drone in Portugal can result in fines and other penalties. To ensure compliance with the drone laws, it is crucial to follow the proper registration procedures.

Are Drones Allowed In Portugal?

Yes, drones are allowed in Portugal, but there are some restrictions. Drones must be registered with the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) and must not fly higher than 120 meters (400 feet). They must also be kept within visual line of sight of the operator and must not be flown over people or populated areas. Commercial drone use requires a permit from ANAC. The fine for violating drone laws in Portugal is up to €2,500.

Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Portugal

One important consideration for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Portugal is to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and restrictions imposed by the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority. These regulations aim to ensure the safe and responsible operation of drones in the country’s airspace.

According to the current regulations, recreational drone pilots must keep their drones within visual line of sight at all times and fly them at a maximum altitude of 120 meters above ground level. Additionally, drones weighing more than 900 grams must be registered with the National Aviation Authority.

It is also prohibited to fly drones near airports, military installations, or other sensitive areas. Violation of these regulations can result in fines and other legal consequences.

Therefore, it is crucial for recreational drone pilots to familiarize themselves with the specific rules and restrictions before flying their drones in Portugal.

Conclusion

The article provides an overview of drone laws in Portugal for the year 2023. It discusses the regulations and requirements for registering drones in Portugal, as well as important notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun.

Portugal has specific laws and guidelines for the use of drones, primarily aimed at ensuring public safety. While the focus is on recreational use, commercial drone operations are possible but require special permissions. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is crucial for anyone looking to fly a drone in Portugal.

Drone flying offers numerous opportunities and benefits. However, it’s essential to operate within the legal frameworks that exist both in Portugal and Europe at large.