Drone regulations in Estonia

Last update on 01.05.2021 | 7 Kommentare

In this post, you will learn which rules apply to the operation of drones in Estonia.

In Estonia, you are always allowed to fly with your drone. However, there are areas where special permits are required. This map shows several regions. For the blue area around Tallinn, you get a permit for 45 euros (application here), which is valid for twelve months. For the red-marked areas, you can apply for individual permissions per flight. The processing time for such applications is about three to seven working days.

As a member of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Estonia is expected to adopt the EU drone regulation, which entered into force in many countries on 31 December 2020. At the moment, it doesn’t look like this has happened yet and the EU rules may be implemented sometime this year. Information about the new rules can be found in our overview article and on the pages linked there.

Overview: Drone rules in Estonia

Recreational use of drones allowed? Yes, without further requirements
Commercial use of drones permitted? Yes, without further requirements
Maximum Altitude:150 Meter (492,1 Fuß) in uncontrolled airspace.
Is drone insurance mandatory? No. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Does the drone need a badge?No.
Drone labels can be ordered here
Is a registration necessary? No.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people
Contact information

Civil Aviation Administration: [email protected]

Resources:ECAA

General rules for the operation of drones in Estonia

In controlled airspace (Tallinn, Tartu, and Aemari) flights are only possible with permission from the tower.

Permits can be issued for one year if you want to fly over 150 meters or in controlled airspace. The license is 45 euros and valid for up to one year. Despite the permission, the respective flights in this airspace must be coordinated with the air traffic control. Use this form. The processing time is 3 or 7 working days.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Estonia to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Estonia!

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About the author

Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use a Yuneec Typhoon H. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a copter. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

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Discussions

  • Kris | 15.03.2018

    In Estonia you can fly in the red zone if you have a permit (it taks up to 3 to 7 days to get it). In the blue zone you have to have a permit that is released for a year (45 euros). Everywhere else you can fly if you do not go over 150m and you can see a drone.
    Map with teh zones:
    https://droonipiloodid.ee/

    It is possible to apply for a permit in here (for the blue zone) :
    https://droonipiloodid.ee/permit/application

    And for the red zone (for applying for this one you have to have permit for the blue zone)
    https://droonipiloodid.ee/permit

    Reply
  • Rachel | 02.10.2018

    Can anyone recommend me a professional drone operator in Tallinn?
    Possible half-day shoot of architectural building material.
    Thanks

    Reply
  • Milan | 03.07.2021

    This is now outdated. First part of getting in line with the EU rules is now in place (from 1st July; the second half will be implemented from Jan 2022), so
    1. max height is 120m
    2. and you need to register as a pilot here – https://lois.transpordiamet.ee/
    3. and you must have an european A1/A3 certification (or you can do one here, but it’s rather hard compared to the Luxembourg one) – https://leks.transpordiamet.ee/

    A2 certification so far is not available, as far as I’ve seen, but it will be rolled out in cooperation with private companies providing the training.

    Reply
    • Drone Traveller Team | 01.08.2021

      Hello Milan,
      Thank you for bringing this to our attention! We will update the article as soon as possible.

      Reply
  • kaihvo | 06.07.2021

    Since 1st July EU regulations apply to Estonia as well, max altitude 120m etc

    Reply
    • Drone Traveller Team | 01.08.2021

      Hi Kaihvo,
      Thank you for your comment! We will update the article soon.

      Reply

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