Drone regulations in Estonia

Last update on 14.08.2021 | 7 Kommentare

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

Since July 2021, Estonia has been implementing the EU Drone Regulation during a six-month transition period. This has largely harmonized the rules for remote pilots. You only have to register as an operator in one European country and your EU drone license is also recognized across countries.

If you want to register in Estonia, you can do it via this link.

Overview of the European rules that apply in Estonia

In Estonia, the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) apply. The following is a summary of the key facts. For a complete overview, read our article on the new EU drone regulation.

Is registration necessary? Registration is mandatory for all drone operators, unless the drone weighs less than 250 grams and is NOT equipped with sensors to collect personal data (e.g. camera, microphone). Drones that fall under the EU Toys Directive are also exempt. The registration is recognized in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
LabelsAll drones must be visibly marked with the individual registration number (e-ID). If available, the number must also be loaded into the drones remote identification system. More info on drone badges
Drone licence:Depending on the category, pilots must take exams to obtain the EU drone licence. These are recognised in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
Differentiation by category: Open Category (with three subcategories), Specific Category and Certified Category; no distinction between private and commercial pilots.
Maximum Altitude:120 Meter in uncontrolled airspace in Open Category.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people

National peculiarities in Estonia

Each country can define certain aspects of its drone regulations. For Estonia, the following requirements apply in addition to the European regulations.

Is drone insurance mandatory? No. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Minimum age for remote pilots16 years
Contact information

Civil Aviation Administration: [email protected]

Resources:ECAA

In the transition phase, the system for the A1/A3 driver’s license is already available at this link. The A2 certificates are not yet available.

If you want to fly above 120 meters or in controlled airspace, you can apply for a permit that is valid until Dec. 31, 2021. The application form is available on this page. The permit costs 45 euros. Despite the permit, the respective flights in this airspace must be coordinated with 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 several drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a drone. 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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