In 2016, the public raised concerns over the unregulated state of the drone industry in Iceland. Their concerns centered on the high number of pilots and the minimal level of experience. Here are the reviewed drone laws as of 2018
- Avoid hospitals and airports
- Don't fly over Reykjavik
- The airport is in close proximity
- Don't fly over crowds
- Don't fly over and close to someone’s property
- Height limit of 120m: Do not fly your drone above 150 meters. Fly within the airport control zone but maintain a 3 Km distance away from the runways.
The maximum distance of flight is 50 meters. Do not fly your drone above a crowd of people. Always maintain a 50-meter gap.
- Drones should be marked with numbers and contact information.
- Avoid government facilities; NO access for drones close to sensitive government facilities or military installations
- No night flying; Restrict your drone flight to daylight hours
How can I register my drone in Iceland?
Only drones intended for commercial use need to undergo registration. Registering a drone is simple and absolutely free. You can do it here. Once you register your drone, you will be given a confirmation number. It’s worth noting that a recreational drone weighing above 25 Kg needs express authorization from the Transport Authority before the first use.
Can I fly a drone in Iceland without having it registered?
Yes. But this is limited to drones used only for recreational purposes. You can also fly drones above water with the same regulation.
What happens if my drone isn’t licensed?
If you are a commercial drone user and your drone is not licensed you can get yourself into trouble. Now, why would you want to do that?
Can I travel with my drone to Iceland by Airplane?
Many people ask this question, the answer is yes. However, not every airline has the same policy when it comes to drone travel. Before you book your flight ticket, run a search of the flight policy, regulations, and rules guarding the airline concerned. If you happen to fly with Delta, the rules are quite vague, others like American airlines have a crystal clear policy.
American airlines give their passengers leeway to transport their drones provided they do not package anything above 160-watt hours. In several cases, you are mandated to eject the batteries and store them in a different compartment.
The argument or rationale behind this is to contain the worst in the vent of a fire. Lithium-ion batteries do create a stubborn fire, a fact most airlines would rather take preventive measures over.
What are the restricted areas for flying drones in Iceland?
Drones are prohibited from National Parks and popular tourist attractions. If you happen to approach a site that features a yellow sign with the picture of a drone and a red line running across it, this indicates a no-fly zone.
What are the best locations for drone photography in Iceland?
Recreational drone use in Iceland
The global drop in prices for recreational drones has seen more people purchase them
The wealth of natural attractions, open spaces, and exclusive attractions make Iceland an incredible tourist attraction.
The place draws in the best photographers and filmmakers from far and wide. In 2016, recreational drones were banned in the national parks as part of regulations aimed at protecting wildlife by preserving the peace and calm of their natural habitats.