Drone regulations in Malta

Drone Blog | 10 Kommentare Last update on 02.10.2020

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

In Malta, there are currently no specific laws geared to operate drones. Furthermore, there is also the complicating fact that Malta is entirely within the controlled airspace. Because of this, Malta is in a unique situation. In contrast to the most other European countries, Malta permits the operation of multicopters in controlled airspace.

Please note that Malta, as a member of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), adopts the EU drone regulation, which will enter into force on 31 December 2020. Information about the new rules can be found in our overview article and on the pages linked there.

Overview: Drone rules in Malta

Recreational use of drones allowed? Yes, after registration or approval
Commercial use of drones permitted? Yes, after registration or approval
Maximum Altitude:60 Meter (196,9 Foot) in uncontrolled airspace.
Is drone insurance mandatory? Yes, for private drone flights. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Does the drone need a badge?No.
Drone labels can be ordered here
Is a registration necessary? Yes.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people
Resources:Transport Malta
Times of Malta

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The Maltese rules explained in detail

Currently, all drones must be approved by the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) if the copter weighs more than 250 grams. Thus, a permit is required for all relevant camera drones. You will receive the permission if you send a self-declaration (similar to the German general decrees). You can download a form from the CAD website. The processing time is about seven days.

When applying, you must prove valid drone insurance. In addition to information on the type of your drone (type/manufacturer/ model), you should of course also include your contact details, which you can reach in Malta.

If you refer to the Self Declaration, the following rules apply in Malta. For drone flights that exceed these limits, you will need a separate individual permit.

Good to know: The permit issued by the self-declaration is valid for six months.

Your drone must always be within visual line of sight in Malta and never be more than 300 meters from the pilot.

Unmanned aerial vehicles may not be heavier than 25 kilograms.

Safety distances and flight bans

In Malta, there is a safety distance of one kilometer to airports.

To uninvolved persons, vehicles, ships, and structures are to be kept a distance of 50 meters. Around many other objects, the minimum distance is 120 meters. These include police properties, military and industrial plants, power plants, hospitals, embassies and consulates, ports, buildings of international organizations, and crowds of people (minimum 12 people).

Flying 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 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

  • 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

    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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