120m max height

Don't fly over crowds

Don't fly near airports

Don't fly over Reykjavik

All Drone Laws in Iceland in 2021 (Ultimate Guide)

Iceland is the country of breathtaking scenery and music fits. The place offers exclusive scenery for photography. The collection of glaciers and stunning waterfalls are endless as you fly about the open landscapes with hardly anyone in sight. This article is a collection of deep research on where to fly, where not to fly, what to do, how to do it, and so forth. I hope you find it helpful.

Are drones legal in Iceland?

he answer to that is yes -whether you are a local or foreigner. It would be unfair to rob the best in photographers an opportunity to get a piece of the beautiful Iceland landscapes.

Who do I contact?

For any queries or clarification on drone rules and regulations in Iceland, the body concerned os the Icelandic Transport Authority.

What are the drone laws in Iceland?

Island took more of an open-arms approach when it came to drone flying. The liberal approach has attracted drone pilots from far and wide, even nurturing a budding drone industry. Just as with everything that goes unchecked, cases of unfortunate incidents such as drones flying into airports or sensitive government areas have been reported.

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
Airport is in close proximity
Don't fly over crowds
Don't fly over crowds or prperty
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.
Contact Info
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 the 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, 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 in natural attractions, open spaces, and exclusive attractions make Iceland an incredible tourist attraction. The place draws in the best in 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.

What are my top drones to fly safely in Iceland?

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.

Dji Mini 2- The best international travel drone (under 250g)

31min

10km

No follow me

DJI has surprised us with this incredible camera drone under 250g, which is legal to fly in most countries without registration.
It comes at a very cheap price for it's incredible specs.

I have covered it much more in depth in my article review and even compared it with the Mavic Air 2.

2.Dji Mavic Air 2 - My favorite drone overall

If you want more control over things like shutter speed, iso and such, the best professional drone that still falls under the 500g category is the DJI Mavic Air.

It's made mostly for people who want to play around with settings and enter into the pro category.

DJI lowered it's price since it was first released.

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:

Drone laws Ending

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