Can You Fly a Drone in Portugal? (Drone Laws in Portugal 2024)
Explore Portugal, and experience Europe’s beauty. Portugal is a fantastic place where thousands of people live because of the beauty of Portugal. Portugal boasts unique beaches unlike any other worldwide.
Some islands have their respect not only in Portugal but in the other world also.
If you see the communities and the houses of people who are natives, then you will feel that you are in some movie. The red-colored roofs of the buildings look very stunning.
The same color of the roofs of the buildings makes a perfect mark on your heart. It is the beauty of Portugal also Portugal is the home country of our outstanding footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
It would help if you visited Portugal for once it will not disappoint you.
Now the world is so much progressed, and intelligent screens are in the hands of everybody. You can see all the news and every moment worldwide right in your hands.
Whenever we visit a lovely place like Portugal, we share photos and videos of that place.
As tourism increases and social media pops up, the need for photos and videos with different angles also comes out. After some years, drone photography and videography are another way of sharing videos and pictures.
This brings us to our pivotal inquiry. Can you fly a drone in Portugal? Received numerous inquiries about this. In this article, I’ll address related questions and provide a concise response to satisfy your curiosity, allowing for a thorough read.
If you are thinking about traveling and visiting the most beautiful country in the world, then a question should come to your mind if you love to make videos with a drone. The question is:
Can you fly a drone in Portugal?
As per official regulations, you have full authorization to bring your drone to Portugal and operate it within the country.
There are some rules and regulations that are different for recreational and commercial drone pilots. Other European nations share the same regulations.
So now that you have your answer let’s discover some more information about flying a drone in Portugal and Portugal’s drone laws.
What are the Common Rules for Flying Your Drone in Portugal?
The first and essential rule you must remember to fly a drone in Portugal is that your drone should be familiar. Get a drone purchased last month, and make sure it doesn’t have any identification label.
Most common rules
The second most important rule is that your drone should have less than 20-25kg takeoff weight. Drones with greater significance than this criterion are deemed unacceptable for flight in Portugal.
This rule is in place to prevent accidents caused by drones.
You should know flying a drone very well(at least a suitable drone controller) because all you have to do is keep your drone away from the reach of people; as you know, privacy is crucial for everybody.
The weight of your drone should be less than 250g. Without permission, recreational drone flights are prohibited.
It is because if you are flying a drone in a public area and suddenly your drone falls off, then because of less weight, it won’t hurt someone.
Important Rules
While flying your drone, it should be in your visual line of sight and not cross the 400 feet height rule. As you know, some new drones have features in which the drone can drop something.
This tool should not be attached to your recreational or commercial drone.
Fly your drone at a minimum height of 30 meters. This is a safe altitude for various situations. Flying above 30 meters ensures no disturbance on streets or roads, causing no fear or interruptions.
If you want to fly a more prominent drone, control it through your remote controller’s screen, and send it to the other corner of a city, you need special authorization from NCAA(National Civil Aviation Authority).
This authority controls all the drone rules in Portugal.
READ MORE: How to get a drone license in Florida?
The Most Important Rules
No matter what kind of your drone, it should not be flown in or near the airport.
The more important rule for you is do not fly your drone near prisons, security authority buildings, educational institutes, military buildings or areas, or any site related to the government.
You can’t fly drones in Portugal’s national parks because many people visit for peace and a break from cities.
So do not fly your drone in national parks or places made for rest. To fly your drone in the national parks, you must get a special permit from the NCAA.
There are also airports and helipads on the roofs of buildings or the ground. It would help if you were allowed to fly your drone near them.
Distance between your drone and these areas should be about 2.5km from the airports and one km from the helipads.
Don’t fly drones at night in Portugal; it’s not allowed. The police and NCAA have a strong network in the country, so it’s best not to attempt it.
If you want a video shot of the city or anywhere in the country at night, you can fly your drone at sunrises and sunsets for 25 minutes each.
If you want to fly your drone more at night, you need permission from the NCAA.
Do You Need the Drone Insurance in Portugal?
Portugal is a country that can give you all the experiences of nature and human-made things also. Flying in Portugal is more relaxed than in other countries, but they have stringent drone laws.
The drone rules are so strict that most accidents don’t happen because of drones. So it is not recommended to have drone insurance to bring the drone with you or fly it there.
Authorities recommend having civil liability insurance as a prudent measure to protect against potential damages associated with drone operations. This insurance is not for bringing the drone to Portugal, nor will it help you for acquiring permission to fly a drone in Portugal.
If you want to buy civil liability insurance in Portugal, you can visit any authority website to give you the insurance, and you can have it from wherever you want. There is no specific insurance company required.
What do You need to Do for Shooting Videos Legally in Portugal?
Suppose you want to do commercial work, or you are a movie maker or someone with bigger drones or intend to shoot videos in Portugal.
In such instances, obtaining consent from the National Aeronautical Authority will be necessary. This authority can permit you to fly your drone in Portugal legally.
If you take photos or make videos in Portugal without the permission of the AAN, then you can get yourself in trouble. Now you might be thinking about getting authorization from the NAA to fly your drone and take pictures.
It is straightforward to go to the website called AAN.PT and send your email to them to have permission.
On the website, log in and make an accurate account there. After then, open a form in which you will send the request to get permission.
Form filled, inbox receives email with extra form.
Afterward, your account on the website will open, and you can easily register with the AAN authority.
Make sure to put the correct information in your account to be genuine. If you want to make your drone able to fly in Portugal and also can take photos, then click here and go to the official website of the authority.
My last advice to you is to be gentle with the form and patient because the reply can take some days.
Commercial drone pilots need a permit to fly a drone in Portugal. If you are flying your drone with recreational intent, you have nothing to worry about.
READ MORE: Can you fly a drone in a National Forest?
Can You Travel to Portugal with Your Drone?
Yes, you can travel to Portugal with your drone. For international flights to Portugal, remember to carry your drone in your handbag.
Keep your drone in your luggage bag because drones are costly, and you also want to protect your drone.
If you are transporting your drone through customs, then use a very trusted company, and also, before shipping the drone, make sure you have drone insurance, as you know that the drone batteries are a huge problem for every drone pilot.
The battery timing of the drones is very low, and keeping two or three batteries is essential.
When traveling on an international flight, ensure your drone’s battery is not in the drone or the bag. Keep drone batteries separate, and there are strict rules for them on planes.
It would help to buy a perfect bag to keep lithium-ion drone batteries. If you don’t have the bag, don’t travel because the airport allows you to take your drone and batteries with you if you have secured them.
What are the Best Places in Portugal to Fly Drones?
If you want to make videos of Portugal, you also need to fly your drone where there is water. If you are a person like me who likes historical buildings and stuff, then you need to go to Coimbra city.
This city has perfect places to fly your drone, and also you can make excellent videos there.
If you are a person who also loves water bodies, greenery, beaches, caves, and cliffs, then you need to visit the Algarve. This location showcases the inherent beauty of Portugal.
Can you fly a drone in Lisbon?
As I have explained, in places that are not related to the prisons or police, you can fly your drone there.
According to Portugal’s civil aviation, you can fly your drone in Lisbon. The National Civil Aviation Authority expressly permits drone flights in Lisbon. If you are a content creator, you can show the world what Portugal looks like.
The video made by a drone will be unique and beautiful and depict the real Portugal. It would help if you thanked the Nationa Civil Aviation Authority for allowing you to fly your drone in Lisbon.
If the Portugal government has allowed you to fly your drone there, then that doesn’t mean there are no rules.
Please follow the rules that are discussed there. Violating regulations in Portugal can result in penalties and imprisonment.
Can you fly a drone in Sintra, Portugal?
The Sintra is a beautiful historic place, and of this place taking pictures is going to pay off the money of the trip. Unfortunately, taking photos of Sintra is not allowed because it’s part of a military base.
So if you are thinking of taking pictures of the Sintra in Portugal, then with my advice, you should not do it.
Be cautious: flying your drone in Sintra might lead to military intervention, not police or other authorities. Avoid flying where Portugal prohibits drone use.
No drone flights near military bases; drones can be destroyed.
Your money for the trip and drone will be wasted, so do not take any risks with your drone. If you want to take photos of the Sintra that are important for your content, you need to get permission from the NCAA.
Nobody can stop you if they allow you to fly your drone.
Important FAQs
Yes, it would help if you had a permit to fly a done in Europe. No license, no drone flying. Access is not the sole requirement. You must also pass the drone flying test and get the certificate to fly your drone in Europe.
Drone laws in Portugal are flexible. If you want to fly your drone at the beach in Portugal, you can fly it. The NCAA allows recreational drones to fly at the beach in Portugal.
Yes, you can fly the drone weighing 250 g anywhere in Portugal. But it would be best to remember that you could not fly your drone near airports, military, or police-related areas.
Yes, it would help if you had a permit to fly a commercial drone in Portugal. No license, no commercial drone photography or videography. To obtain the license, visit the NCAA’s official website.
No, there are some rules for drones in Portugal. Only one drone can be flown anywhere, and that is the drone with a weight of 250 grams. If your drone is more critical, you are not allowed to fly the drone.
The best time to fly a drone in Portugal is the daytime. No drone restrictions; keep drone in sight.
If you want the best images or videos of Portugal, you can fly your drone in the evening or before sunrise.
Is a permit required for drone flying in Europe?
Can you fly a drone at the beach in Portugal?
Can you fly a drone of 250g weight in Portugal?
Do you need a permit to fly a commercial drone in Portugal?
Can you fly any drone in Portugal?
What is the ideal time for drone flights in Portugal?
If you want the best images or videos of Portugal, you can fly your drone in the evening or before sunrise.
Do you need to register the drone to fly to Portugal?
Who controls the drone rules in Portugal?
Final Thoughts
Portugal offers rich history and natural beauty. It is also a wonderful country to make videos for content for any social media platform.
Whenever you visit Portugal, it will be just like you are in a movie scene.
If you plan on bringing your drone to Portugal, you may wonder: is drone flying permitted in Portugal?
After reading this article, you can take your drone to Portugal. Portugal does not restrict drone pilots from flying their drones there.
You can take your drone with you to Portugal and fly it quickly. If you want to fly your drone with commercial intent, you must contact the NCAA.
This institute governs all the drone flying rules in Portugal. Three are some rules that will stop you from flying your drone near police-related areas.
I recommend you not fly your drone there. So your question was: Can you fly a drone in Portugal? I hope you have got your answer.
We’re here to assist you and provide further clarification. I’m here, awaiting your comment.
Have you ever visited Portugal? What was the experience?
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