authorization for flights over 50m
Don't fly over crowds
Need insurance
can't fly over institutions
All Drone Laws in Greece in 2020 (Ultimate Guide)
This is a guide for Greece drone laws in 2020 (updated every year) where you'll get a clue about what you can or shouldn't do while flying and travelling through this country.
Table of Contents
Are drones legal in Greece?
Flying a drone in Greece feels like a dream come through. Snaking above the island of Patmos or Crete generates remarkable footage. Greek laws distinguish recreational from commercial drones. Both categories are governed by a strict set of laws that depend on the drone’s features. For instance, where you fly, the weight and the purpose are key in categorizing your drone.
Contact Information
The body responsible for overseeing everything drone-related in Greece is the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). You can contact them through:
Email: d4@hcaa.gr
Tel: (+30) 210 891 6476
Drone classifications in Greece
Drones vary depending on their weight:
- Drones weighing less than 1 Kg
- Drones weighing between 1 & 4 Kg
- Drones weighing between 4 & 25 Kg
And another category of classification is:
- Open flight
- Specific flight
- Certified flight
What are the drone laws in Greece?
Based on the available data we researched, here are the most important rules you need to know when flying your drone in Greece.
Permit for flying over 50m distanceIf your flight plan involves the drone exceeding 164 feet (50 meters) from point of origin, you must apply for a special permit for that single flight. The application process can be submitted through this link. On receiving clarification by HCAA, you should share your flight plans with the respective police department.- No authorization fo fly within 50m off ground
- Commercial pilots need permission for all their operations
- No night flyingDo not fly at night unless your drone has lighting
- Commercial pilots need insurance
- Recreational Insurance (if drones weigh over 4kg)
- You cannot fly over...people, hospitals, prisons, government facilities, military installations, etc.
- Consult owner before flying over private property
How can I register my drone in Greece?
Recreational drones are exempted from mandatory licensing. Alternatively, commercial drones require a permit and license provided you maintain your flight path. To qualify as a recreational drone, maintain an open class drone flight and ensure your drone weighs less than 4 Kg.
Can I fly a drone in Greece without having it registered?
Only if it falls under the criteria of a recreational drone.
What are the restricted areas for flying drones in Greece?
Remember you can not fly your drone anywhere in the country 30 min after sunset. Other areas where drone flights are restricted are military zones, major events, urban centers, emergency areas, and several others clearly stipulated in the HCAA laws. Maintain a distance of 8 Km from any aerodrome.
Areas that are restricted to a flight can be determined in the following application.
If you intend to fly close or over archeological sites you must get advance authorization from the Ministry of Culture.
Commercial drone use in Greece
Commercial flight requires the user to be registered as a drone pilot. Any drone intended for commercial purposes has to be registered.
How to obtain a drone license for commercial use?
To qualify for these services you must:
- Have a valid Class 3 Medical certificate.
- Should be 18 years and above
- Decent knowledge of English and Greek
The license is split into two categories
- The first part is the theory part and the second is more practical. Passing the practical exam requires the drone pilot to achieve 4 successful landings and take-offs. That way you get a firm understanding of all the rules involved.
- Once everything is set, you can contact weight.public.relations1@minpress.gr to get more insights on professional flight issues.
Can I be reprimanded for flying a drone illegally?
The fine imposed on the drone owner will vary depending on the severity of their contravention of the rules. In the worst-case scenario, you will be fined 250,000 Euros.
How to register a drone for commercial use
As a foreigner wishing to fly with your drone higher than the required minimum ( up to 500 m away) you will not have a Greek Tax Number, so fill in your details on this form.
- The form will requre you to enter:
- Personal details and qualifications
- Flight information and model of drone
- Once you have it figured out, send an email to d4@hcaa.gr
What are my top drones to fly safely in Greece?
My following two recommendations are 2 great compact drones that are quite silent and also small enough to travel with and not stand out as annoying.
1.Dji Mavic Mini - The best international travel drone (under 250g)
I have covered it much more in depth in my article review and even compared it with the DJI Spark and Mavic Air.
Advantages
- 30 min battery life
- under 250g
- super portable
- 4km range
- can edit videos in the app
DISAdvantages
- no obstacle avoidance
- no settings for iso and shutter speed
2.Dji Mavic Air 2 - My favorite drone overall
DJI lowered it's price since it was first released.
Advantages
- 3 way sensors
- 68kph (fastest among the 3)
- follow me mode(quite a few options)
- 8gb internal storage
- ISo & shutter speed settings
- 6 photo modes
- takes RAW photos
- 100mbps bitrate
DISAdvantages
- battery life ins't that amazing
Restricted Areas and Geofencing (drone FLying map)
The best way to figure out what areas you can fly in, while you're here is by consulting DJI offilicial map.
They do a great job mapping the places that one should avoid while flying in every country:
- airports
- military bases
- prisons
- power plants
- any high risk areas
These would be the current updated drone laws for Greece. I suggest checking my full map with all the countries drone laws to see where it's best to travel to.
