Drone Laws in Poland: Registration, Insurance, and DroneTower Rules (2026)

Poland follows the EU/EASA framework with three operating categories: Open (low risk, no authorization needed), Specific (medium risk, requires operational authorization from ULC), and Certified (high risk, full certification). Most recreational and tourist flying falls under the Open category, which allows drones under 25 kg to fly below 120 meters AGL within visual line of sight.

What sets Poland apart from other EASA countries is the DroneTower app requirement. Every flight, regardless of drone weight, must be checked in through DroneTower before takeoff. This replaced the older DroneRadar system in May 2024. The app shows real-time airspace restrictions, PANSA zones, and temporary no-fly areas. Poland is the only EU member state that mandates flight check-in for sub-250g drones.

Registration

All drones weighing 250g or more must be registered through drony.gov.pl, Poland's National UAV Information System (NUIS). Registration is free. Drones under 250g also require registration if they carry a camera or any sensor capable of collecting personal data. The operator must be at least 16 years old. After registration, you receive an Operator Registration ID that must be displayed on every drone you fly.

If you hold an EASA registration from another EU member state, it is valid in Poland. You do not need to register again. Non-EASA visitors (from the US, UK, Canada, etc.) must register directly through drony.gov.pl before flying.

Mandatory insurance (effective November 13, 2025)

Poland became one of the first EU countries to mandate third-party liability insurance for hobby drone operators. Since November 2025, all drones weighing 250g to 20 kg must carry insurance with minimum coverage of 3,000 SDR (approximately 15,000 PLN or 3,500 EUR) per incident. This applies to recreational and commercial operators alike, including tourists.

Pilot certification

For drones 250g and above in the Open category, pilots must complete the A1/A3 online training course and pass the exam. This is a standard EASA requirement, not unique to Poland. The training covers airspace rules, operational limitations, and safety procedures. If you completed A1/A3 training in another EASA country, your certificate is valid in Poland.

For Specific category operations, pilots need additional competency certificates depending on the standard scenario or SORA risk assessment involved. The Certified category requires a fully licensed remote pilot.

Remote ID

Remote ID is required for all registered drones in Poland, following EASA standards. The exceptions are C0 and C4 class drones that do not have Remote ID capability. If your drone was placed on the market before January 1, 2024, transitional provisions may apply, but you should plan for full Remote ID compliance.

Poland's airspace is managed by PANSA, and the DroneTower app is the primary tool for checking restrictions before flight. The app uses a color-coded zone system: green (open), yellow (restricted with conditions), and red (no-fly).

Warsaw

Warsaw has two CTR zones (Okecie/EPWA and Babice/EPBC airports) and layered restrictions around government buildings. Flights near the Presidential Palace, Sejm, Senate, or Prime Minister's office require authorization from the State Protection Service (SOP). Temporary restricted zones are frequently declared for national celebrations, parades, and state events, sometimes covering large portions of the city. Always check DroneTower immediately before flying, as ad-hoc restrictions appear on short notice.

Krakow

Much of Krakow lies within the Kraków-Balice Airport (EPKK) CTR, which imposes a large restricted area over most of the city. Open category flights require a minimum 5 km distance from the airport boundary. The Old Town and Wawel Castle areas have such heavy tourist density that legal flying (no flights over crowds or assemblies) is virtually impossible. Special ATC permission is required for any flight within the CTR. The Wieliczka Salt Mine area has additional restrictions.

For more on airspace concepts, see our drone no-fly zones guide and where you can fly a drone.

Poland is a popular destination for drone pilots traveling through Europe, but the national rules add steps that other EASA countries do not require. Here is what to prepare before your trip.

Before you fly

1. Register your drone at drony.gov.pl if you do not hold an EASA registration from another member state.
2. Complete A1/A3 training and exam if you have not done so in another EASA country.
3. Purchase third-party liability insurance covering Poland (mandatory since November 2025 for drones 250g+).
4. Download the DroneTower app and create an account. Flight check-in is mandatory for every flight, including sub-250g drones.
5. Display your Operator Registration ID on your drone.

At customs

There is no special customs declaration required for personal drones entering Poland. Standard EU import rules apply. If traveling from outside the EU, your drone falls under normal personal electronics allowances. Keep your purchase receipt available in case customs officers ask about the value.

Tourist-specific rules

All standard operational rules apply equally to tourists. There is no tourist exemption for the DroneTower check-in, insurance mandate, or registration requirement. EASA tourists from other EU countries benefit from cross-recognition of their home country registration and pilot certificates. Non-EASA tourists (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) must register directly in Poland and obtain A1/A3 certification.

For general travel drone tips, see our taking a drone on a plane guide.

Poland's 2024 Aviation Law amendment significantly expanded enforcement powers and increased penalties. Six agencies now have authority to enforce drone regulations: police, municipal police (Straz Miejska), Border Guard, military police, customs officers, and aviation inspectors.

Enforcement case: Warsaw deportation (September 2025)

In September 2025, Poland deported a Ukrainian national for flying a drone over central Warsaw and imposed a 5-year entry ban. The incident occurred during heightened security following Russian drone incursions near Polish airspace at Rzeszow airport. This case demonstrates that Poland treats unauthorized urban drone flights as a serious security matter, not just an administrative infraction.

In February 2026, Poland charged six individuals with attempting to smuggle drone-making equipment to Russia, with potential jail sentences of at least 3 years under the same Aviation Law statute. The geopolitical context near Poland's eastern border has made enforcement especially aggressive.

For more on drone regulations in other countries, see our countries where drones are banned guide.