Drone Laws in Italy (updated for this year 2020)

italy-drone-laws
height flight limit

70m above ground

can't fly over crowds of people

Don't fly over crowds

plane icon white

5km from airports

FPV only with observer

All Drone Laws in Italy in 2020 (Ultimate Guide)

Are you ecstatic about flying drones in Italy? Will it be Florence, Milan, Rome or Naples? Your choice. Flying a drone in Italy is regulated by strict regulations that rely on weight among other factors. The laws expressly distinguish a recreational hobbyist from a professionally Certified Drone Pilot.

Table of Contents

Can I fly my drone in Italy?

Yes, you can. Just abide by ENAC Laws and you are good to go. You can find the English version here: If you are a drone pilot from another EU country, all you require is to convert your pilot license and go about your operations. 

 

Who do I contact?

Drone regulations are guided by the ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority who are solely in charge of the industry.

 

Email: comunicazione@enac.rupa 

Tel: +3906445 961

italy landscape by drone

How are drones classified in Italy?

Italy has put some restrictions on the following drone categories:

  • Below 300 g should not exceed a max speed of 60 Km/h
  • 300 g and 2 Kg
  • 2 Kg and 25 Kg
  • Drones over 150 Kg fall under a manned aircraft category

Recreational drone use in Italy

Any drone weighing less than 300 g needs adequate safeguards to prevent it from exceeding 60 Km/hr. For other forms of recreational flights within Italy, you must:

  • height icon
    Don't exceed 70m altitude
  • checkmark
    Identification system
    The drone and remote need an identification system clearly providing ownership details
  • plane icon
    5km from airports
    Do not interfere with a manned aircraft
  • crowd icon
    Don't fly over crowds
    Keep off people, buildings, sporting events, and generally private property.
  • line of sight icon
    FPV prohibited unless..
    Unless there is another pilot observing from the sideliness
  • checkmark
    Frequency
    Maintain a frequency of 2.5GHz or 5.8 GHz & max 100Mw
  • ambulance icon
    In case of accident
    In case of a serious incident, informa the Agenzia Nazionale Sicurezza.

Commercial use

A license is important when operating your drone while in Italy. Part of the regs and eligibility criteria is:

  • Maintain a max height of 150 m
  • Keep a 50 m distance away from crowds of people, 150 m from major events
  • 5 Km radius from airports
  • Mandatory license requirement
  • Drones heavier than 25 Kg mandatory registration
  • FPV frequency should be 2.4 GHz to 5.8 GHz, at 100 mW.

Some more frequently asked questions

Can I travel with a drone in Italy?

So far, there is no law prohibiting travel with drones to Italy provided it is under your ownership.

What happens if my drone isn’t licensed?

If you are required to by law, failing to do so can land you into problems.

What is the penalty for breaking the drone rules?

The severity of the charges labeled against you is determined by the legal system after which there will be a penalty. To remain on the safe side, do not contravene any laws required of you.

Can I travel with my drone to Italy by Airplane?

Yes. Provided you adhere to all laws and regulations set out by the airline and Italian Aviation Authority as pertaining to foreigners.

What are the restricted areas for flying drones in Italy?

Italy has special zones where flying drones are prohibited. You can check the flight interactive D-Flight map. This guide is mainly for recreational pilots and hobbyists. The map is marked by four colors. 

As a general rule, try as much as you can not fly your drone into urban centers. Keep off Venice or the Vatican. The potential for world-class footage is unlimited, however, take care near tourist attractions as the drones might be confiscated and charges pursued. 

 

In my opinion, I would advise any drone pilot to stay off the main cities that are densely populated with people. You can get stunning shots while out in the countryside. 

What are my top drones to fly safely in Italy?

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)

DJI has surprised us with this incredible camera drone under 250g, which is half of the weight required for registering in the first place.

 

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

Check Price and reviews

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

mavic air 2 package fly more combo
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.

Check Price and reviews

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
romania flying map dji

These would be the current updated drone laws for China. I suggest checking my full map with all the countries drone laws to see where it's best to travel to.