Drone regulations in Malta

Last update on 13.05.2022 | 10 Kommentare

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know if you want to use your drone in Malta.

The EU Drone Regulation has been in force in Malta since December 31, 2020. 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 Malta, you can do so via this link (costs 25 euros per year or ten euros for two months).

Overview of the European rules that apply in Malta

In Malta, 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 Malta

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

Is drone insurance mandatory? Yes, for private and commercial drone flights. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Minimum age for remote pilots16 years
Resources:Transport Malta
User guide for the registration portal

Further regulations for drone pilots in Malta

If you would like to acquire a drone license in Malta, you can find out more about the modalities on this page.

Malta has a safety distance of one kilometer from airports. 

A minimum distance of 120 meters applies to many other objects. These include police properties, military and industrial facilities, power plants, hospitals, embassies and consulates, ports, buildings of international organizations and gatherings of people (from 12 people).

Flying a drone is prohibited in Maltese nature reserves.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Malta 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 Malta!

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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

  • jess | 19.09.2017

    all flights must be approved individually by the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) if the copter weighs more than 250 grams.

    Does this mean I could not bring mavic to malta ?

    Reply
    • Hassan | 15.10.2017

      Hello,

      Got any update on that?

      Reply
      • Lukasz | 28.01.2018

        Interested in this as well.

        Reply
        • Matej | 25.02.2018

          Hello, DJI created a new dron TELLO in March 2018. The body weight is 80 grams (0.08 kg). Flight with this drones is allowed? do I need no permission or paper from the office?

          Reply
  • Jennifer | 26.02.2018

    Hello, I’m going to Malta in some days and I’m taking my drone with me. I wanted to know if i need some kind of Maltese permission to fly it or I can just feel free to fly it as long as it’s not in important buildings, hoses or over cars and people off course. Wanted to get some feedback of drones in Malta. Thank you. Cheers !

    Reply
    • Francis Markert | 28.03.2018

      Hi Jennifer,
      As I wrote in the article, you need a permission for each flight from the CAD.

      Reply
  • Joonas | 08.04.2018

    Hi,
    I am trying to contact Malta’s CAD for a permission to fly my drone over there, but I have not been able to get a hold of anyone who would have properly responded to my emails. How was your experience with this?

    Reply
    • Artsem | 13.06.2018

      I waited for an answer about a week. I was answered from the e-mail address [email protected]

      Reply
  • Artsem | 13.06.2018

    New rules from 01/04/20148
    http://www.transport.gov.mt/aviation/operational-requirements-for-the-use-of-drones-in-malta
    Please update information from official source.

    Reply
    • Francis Markert | 29.06.2018

      Thank you Artsem, I check the new rules.

      Reply

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