Can I bring a drone to Greece?

Yes, you can bring a drone to Greece, but you must follow European Union drone regulations and Greek national rules. The rules are complex because Greece adds extra requirements for aerial photography and has strict no-fly zones. Always check the official Drone Aware Greece (DAGR) platform before every flight.

  • Registration: EU/EASA residents can use their existing operator registration. Non-EU residents must register with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) if Greece is their first EU destination.
  • Aerial Photography: Taking photos or video from a drone requires a separate authorization from the Greek authorities. This applies even for recreational flights.
  • Insurance: Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for professional use and for recreational drones weighing 4 kg or more.
  • No-Fly Zones: Drones are prohibited near airports, archaeological sites, military areas, and critical infrastructure. Check the DAGR map for yellow and magenta zones.
  • Flight Rules: Maximum altitude is 120 meters. Keep the drone within visual line of sight. Do not fly over crowds or sensitive areas.
  • Customs: Consumer drones for personal use are generally allowed. No declaration is required for a single unit.

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Detailed Answer

Registration Requirements for Visitors

Greece follows the European Union drone regulations under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947. If you are a resident of an EASA member state, your existing operator registration and remote pilot certificate are valid in Greece through mutual recognition. You do not need to register again with the HCAA.

If you are a resident of a country outside the EU, you must register with the National Aviation Authority of the first EU country where you intend to operate. If Greece is that country, you must apply to the HCAA for registration. After registration, you may request information for UAS activities in Greece by emailing the HASP Drone Aware Greece team.

Aerial Photography Authorization

Greece has a unique requirement that goes beyond standard EU rules. Any aerial survey, which includes taking photographs or video from a drone, requires a separate authorization. This applies regardless of whether the flight is for recreational or commercial purposes.

The authorization process involves submitting an application to the HCAA at least 5 working days before your planned flight. You must use the Drone Flight Notification Form and include your remote pilot certificate, operator registration, insurance (if required), and flight area maps drawn using the DAGR platform. The HCAA forwards the request to relevant authorities including the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP) and the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) for evaluation.

Insurance Requirements

Under Greek law, third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all drones used professionally, and for recreational drones weighing 4 kilograms or more. The minimum coverage is set by national and EU legislation, with EU Regulation 785/2004 defining a minimum of 750,000 SDR for drones up to 500 kg.

Several insurance companies in Greece offer drone liability coverage, including Atlantiki Enosi, Allianz, and Ydrogios Asfalistiki. If your home policy does not cover flights in Greece, you should purchase a local policy before flying.

No-Fly Zones and Geographical Zones

Greece has extensive no-fly zones that are strictly enforced. Before conducting any drone flight, it is mandatory to check airspace restrictions through the DAGR (Drone Aware Greece) platform.

In DAGR, airspace is categorized with yellow and magenta zones. These include airports, archaeological sites, military installations, government buildings, ports, and hospitals. Flights in these areas may require prior approval or be entirely prohibited. Outside these zones, flights are allowed without special approval as long as Open Category regulations under EASA are followed.

Temporary Restrictions: Greece frequently issues NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) that create temporary restricted areas. In September 2026, Greece imposed a ban on drones over the southeastern Aegean, covering Karpathos, Kasos, and nearby islets from September 16 to October 31, 2026, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The ban covers altitudes from ground level to 400 feet. Violations carry severe penalties and administrative fines.

Open Category Flying Rules

The Open category covers low-risk drone operations with drones under 25 kilograms. The rules are set out in EU Regulation 2019/947 and apply across Greece.

  • Maximum altitude is 120 meters above ground level.
  • The drone must be kept within visual line of sight at all times.
  • The drone cannot be flown over assemblies of people.
  • For drones under 250 grams with no camera or sensor, no registration or pilot certificate is required.
  • For drones 250 grams or more, registration and a remote pilot certificate (A1/A3 or A2) are required.
  • Maintain a safe distance from people and do not fly over critical infrastructure without authorization.

Customs and Import

Consumer drones for personal use are generally allowed for personal-use carriage into Greece. Greek customs treats single-unit personal effects as routine. No declaration is required unless the quantity suggests commercial intent. The personal-import duty-free threshold applies, with carriage above the threshold attracting duty plus 24% VAT.

Real Traveler Experiences

"I brought my drone to Greece and registered with the HCAA. The process was free and straightforward. But I was surprised that I needed a separate authorization for filming. I had to submit a request for each area I wanted to fly in. It took a few days but was manageable." US traveler, forum post

"The DAGR platform is essential. I checked it before every flight. There are many no-fly zones in Greece, especially around Athens, the islands, and archaeological sites. Without checking, I would have been flying illegally without knowing it." UK traveler, travel review

"I tried to fly near the Acropolis and was told it is a total no-fly zone. I had no idea archaeological sites were off-limits. I moved to a different location and had no issues." German traveler, forum post

Pro Tips

  • Check whether your EASA operator ID and pilot certificate are valid in Greece before travel
  • Non-EU visitors must register with the HCAA if Greece is the first EU country they will fly in
  • Obtain aerial photography authorization from the HCAA at least 5 working days before flying
  • Ensure you have third-party liability insurance for professional use or recreational drones over 4 kg
  • Check the DAGR platform before every flight to identify yellow and magenta zones
  • Never fly near airports, archaeological sites, military areas, or critical infrastructure without authorization
  • Keep your drone within visual line of sight and below 120 meters
  • Check for temporary restrictions (NOTAMs) before traveling to the Greek islands

Related Questions

Sources

AskTravel.org gives you the answer first, then the detail. Every answer is built from official sources and updated when rules change. See how we answer: How We Answer.

AskTravel.org is an information website only. Always check local regulations and operator policies before traveling, as rules change frequently.

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