Drone Laws in Norway: EASA Rules, NSM Registration, and Svalbard Restrictions (2026)

Norway adopted the EU's EASA drone framework through its EEA membership. The core system mirrors what you find in any EU country: Open, Specific, and Certified risk categories, with subcategories A1, A2, and A3 determining how close you can fly to people. There is no distinction between recreational and commercial flying. Every operation is classified by risk level, not purpose.

Under EU Regulation 2019/947, you must register as an operator for any drone weighing 250g or more, or any drone equipped with a camera or sensor regardless of weight. Registration is done through flydrone.no, valid for one year, and your operator number must be displayed on every drone you fly.

Insurance is mandatory under Luftfartsloven section 11-2 for all drones over 250g in the Open category. The minimum coverage is 750,000 SDR (roughly EUR 1,000,000). Sub-250g drones and CE-marked toys are exempt from the insurance requirement. This threshold is higher than what some other EASA countries enforce.

Two rules set Norway apart from every other EASA country: the NSM sensor registration requirement and the complete ban on Russian citizens flying drones.

NSM sensor registration (foreigners only)

Foreign citizens must register any use of cameras, video recorders, infrared sensors, laser scanners, or radar equipment on drones with the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM) before flying. Norwegian citizens are generally exempt. This is a national security measure with no equivalent in any other EASA country.

The registration process works through an online form at geodataonline.no. You specify what equipment you will use and where you plan to fly. Ports, energy facilities, government buildings, and defense installations have additional restricted sensor zones visible on a separate NSM map layer. Processing times vary, so submit your application well before your trip.

Russian drone ban

Since 2022, Russian citizens and entities are completely banned from flying drones anywhere in Norway. This ban extends to dual citizens. In November 2022, a Russian man was sentenced to 90 days in jail for flying a drone in southern Norway, despite claiming he was only photographing nature. He was not suspected of espionage. The sentence was the first known prison term under the Russian drone ban.

On Svalbard, a dual Russian-British citizen was jailed after flying a drone. The Norwegian Supreme Court upheld the detention, establishing the legal precedent that drones are "aircraft" under aviation sanctions law (documented by the Library of Congress). Several additional Russian citizens were arrested near oil platforms and airports in autumn 2022, with PST (Norway's security service) taking over investigations citing possible infrastructure mapping.

Norway's combination of airport restrictions, national parks, and Arctic territories creates a layered map of no-fly zones. The three largest cities each have significant restrictions, and Svalbard is nearly off-limits entirely.

Oslo

A permanent flight restriction zone (EN R-102) covers a 1 nautical mile (approximately 1.85 km) radius around the Royal Palace in central Oslo. All drones are banned in this zone without prior exemption from the CAA, and approvals are rare. In May 2023, an American tourist had a drone seized by police after flying over the Royal Palace grounds on Norway's National Day (May 17). Oslo Airport Gardermoen sits 47 km from the city center, so its 5 km restriction zone does not affect most tourist locations. Embassies, military areas, and prisons are permanent no-fly zones.

Bergen

Bergen Airport Flesland's 5 km no-fly zone covers much of the city. Permission applications go through the Ninox Drone app (a planned replacement called Avidrone is on hold due to technical issues). Port areas may carry additional NSM sensor restrictions. The Bryggen waterfront area requires checking proximity to heliport operations. In September 2025, Bergen Flesland was closed for two hours after a drone alert, part of a broader European drone sighting wave.

Tromso

Tromso is one of the most restricted cities in Scandinavia for drone flying. The entire island of Tromso, including Kvaloya, Hakoya, and Tromsdalen (where the Arctic Cathedral and cable car are located), falls within restricted airspace due to proximity to Tromso Airport Langnes. Flying anywhere in this area requires permission from local air traffic control. Enforcement is strict: fines, confiscation, and possible deportation. Legal flying options are limited to areas well outside the 5 km airport zone, such as outer Kvaloya.

Svalbard

Svalbard operates under a separate and much stricter drone regime. Longyearbyen is completely off-limits because the entire town falls within the airport's 5 km zone. All national parks and nature reserves on Svalbard ban drones outright, with 2025 regulations further tightening restrictions. Bird cliffs require a 500 m buffer from April 1 through August 31. Ny-Alesund has a 5 km drone-free zone around its airport and a 20 km radio silence zone around the town, effectively banning drones in the entire Kongsfjorden area. Night flying is not allowed on Svalbard at any time.

Lofoten

Standard national rules apply in Lofoten (5 km from airports, 120 m altitude), but Reine and several popular villages sit close to Leknes Airport. Check the 5 km zone carefully before flying. Wildlife disturbance rules are strictly enforced, with sea eagles and puffins receiving full protection. For more on flying around wildlife, see our national park drone rules guide.

National parks

Norway allows temporary import of drones for personal use without special customs duties. The steps you need to complete depend on whether you hold an EU/EEA passport or not.

EU/EEA visitors

Your home country EASA registration is valid in Norway. Your EASA certificates (A1/A3, A2) transfer directly. You must still register camera and sensor use with the NSM if you are not a Norwegian citizen. Carry proof of registration and liability insurance (required for drones 250g+).

Non-EU visitors

Register as a drone operator at flydrone.no (available in English). Complete the A1/A3 online course and exam through the same portal. Register your camera/sensor use with NSM through the online form at geodataonline.no. Obtain liability insurance covering at least 750,000 SDR for drones over 250g. The A2 certificate, if needed, requires an in-person exam at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office in Norway.

What to carry

• Proof of operator registration (flydrone.no confirmation or home EASA eID)
• EASA certificate (A1/A3 minimum)
• NSM sensor registration confirmation
• Liability insurance documentation (drones 250g+)
• SafeToFly app installed with offline maps

For general advice on traveling with drones, see our taking a drone on a plane guide. For more on countries with strict drone rules, check our countries where drones are banned overview.

Norway does not distinguish between recreational and commercial drone use. All operations are classified by risk category under the EASA framework.

Open category (most hobby and many professional uses)

Covers drones under 25 kg flown within visual line of sight at or below 120 m. Subcategories A1, A2, and A3 set different proximity rules for flying near people. A1/A3 certification requires an online course and exam at flydrone.no. A2 certification adds an additional course and an in-person exam at a Norwegian licensing office.

Specific category (higher-risk operations)

Required when you exceed Open category limits: drones over 25 kg, BVLOS operations, flights above 120 m, or operations closer to people or populated areas than Open allows. Authorization methods include SORA (Specific Operation Risk Assessment) or PDRA (Predefined Risk Assessment) templates. Cross-border operators must first obtain home country authorization, then apply to Luftfartstilsynet under Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947.

Night flying rules

Night operations are allowed in the Open category with a mandatory flashing green light visible from the ground (required since July 1, 2022). VLOS must be maintained throughout the flight, and takeoff and landing areas should be adequately lit. Night is defined as the period between evening and morning civil twilight. BVLOS at night requires Specific category authorization from Luftfartstilsynet. Night flying is not allowed on Svalbard under any category.

Insurance requirements

Liability insurance is mandatory for all drones over 250g under Luftfartsloven section 11-2. The minimum coverage is 750,000 SDR (approximately EUR 1,000,000). Sub-250g drones and CE-marked toys are exempt. This applies to both Norwegian and foreign operators. For more on drone insurance, see our drone insurance cost guide.