Drone Laws in Russia(updated for 2020)

russia-drone-laws
wieght limit of 500g for registration

register over 250g

can't fly over crowds of people

Don't fly over crowds

plane icon white

5km from airports

night flight law

Only daytime flight

All Drone Laws in Russia for 2020 (Ultimate Guide)

This guide focuses on Russia's drone law and will offer an in-depth view of the rules entail. Part of the information covered is how and where to get a permit and the rules and regulations regarding drone flights.

In June 2015, the state legislature of the Russian Federation made a few amendments to the country’s air code. The changes classified all unmanned aerial vehicles as aircraft. That means they are now under the authority of civil aviation. 

Table of Contents

Can I fly a drone in Russia?

Flying drones across Russia is legal, however, the experience differs slightly from other areas within the region. Most Russian cities have GPS jammers hindering the operation of electronic aircrafts such as drones. Expect a lot of radio interference and proceed with the utmost caution. Both commercial and recreational drones need to have certainty that they are following the laid out rules to the later.

 

Contact information

 

For more information on drone laws in Russia, get in touch with the Russian Civil Aviation Authority.

Tel: 74956458555

Email: rusavia@scaa.ru

moscow russia drone shot

What are the drone rules in Russia?

The rules and regulation is quite clear and concise compared to many countries, and if you make sure to respect the following rules, you're good to go.

Any other rule I might have left out can be downloaded.

  • checkmark
    Register your drone over 250g
    Any drone weighing over 250g must be registered with the Federal Agency for Air Transport
  • plane icon
    No flying near airports
    Maintain a distance of 5km away from any aerodrome, helipad or airport
  • crowd icon
    Don't fly over crowds
    Do not fly over any person or moving vehicle
  • moon day icon night flying
    No night flying
  • city icon
    Stay away from cities as they are fitted with GPS jammers

How do I get a drone permit in Russia?

You do not need to have a drone permit to fly about in Russia. What’s most important is registering your drone with the Federal Agency for Air transport. This information must then be presented when emailing the chief expert, who is charged with handling the paperwork and registering the aircraft. The information required is:

  1. Proof of drone insurance
  2. Serial number marking the model and type of drone
  3. Contact information

It normally takes a few working days for all this information to be processed. Any drone that weighs over 4.4 pounds will require a waiver to fly. The same applies to the right to fly during the night. 

Can I carry my drone to Russia?

If you opt to travel with your drone via air, have in mind that airlines only refund property damage below $1000. With that being said, most airlines have strict rules and regulations in regard to a hazardous material that can cause fire such as batteries. Take time to check their websites for the policy on drones. Some airlines demand you to store the battery separately from the drone, encase it and store away in a different compartment. 

If it involves travels via sea, it depends on the cruise liners’ policy.

So far we are yet to identify any official flying zones for drones in Russia.

However, as part of the regulations, you must not fly anywhere close to a military installation, airport or urban area.  

Reserves and National Parks are granted permits on a case by case basis. Try not to fly over sporting events too.

What is the penalty for violation of drone rules?

If you fly illegally, you are calling for trouble. The justice system will determine your fate as they try to ascertain whether you contravened the laws intentionally or not. 

Where to fly my drone in Russia

So far we are yet to identify any official flying zones for drones in Russia.

However, as part of the regulations, you must not fly anywhere close to a military installation, airport or urban area.  

Reserves and National Parks are granted permits on a case by case basis. Try not to fly over sporting events too.

What are my top drones to fly safely in Russia?

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