Drone regulations in Portugal
In this article, you will find all the information you need to know for a trip to Portugal with a drone.
Maximum flight altitude: A drone is allowed to fly up to 120 meters in Portugal. Toy drones (maximum weight of 250 grams) should not fly higher than 30 meters.
Maximum horizontal distance and FPV: Flight maneuvers with a drone are only allowed in sight.
Compulsory insurance: In Portugal, you do not have to take out an appropriate policy. Nevertheless, we recommend you to complete drone insurance.
Maximum take-off weight (MTOW): The maximum take-off weight of multicopters is 25 kilograms.
Distance to airports: The distances and permitted flight altitudes near airports are different. Please check the links below for the relevant information. For many smaller airports, a distance of 2.5 kilometers is valid. You have to keep a distance of 1 km to helicopter landing sites.
Flight bans: Flights are not permitted over gatherings of people (from 12 persons), embassies, military services, security agencies, rescue services, prisons and education centers. Further no-fly zones can be determined using the Portuguese air traffic control Voa Na Boa app (Download via the link below).
Flight approval: A separate flight permit may be required for flights at historical sites and in national parks.
Time of operations: Night flights are not allowed in Portugal.
Specific regulations: If you want to make aerial photographs (photo or video) in Portugal, you need special permission from the Autoridade Aeronáutica Nacional (AAN), for which you have to apply on-site. It is irrelevant for which purpose the recordings are made. A contact can be made in advance at imagens.aereas@aan.pt.
Regulations for commercial pilots: In Portugal apply the same rules for hobby pilots and commercial pilots.
Helpful links: Voa Na Boa
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Portugal 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 Portugal!
Who wrote this?
Francis
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!
