Drone Flying in Iceland: Dos & Don'ts

Responsible Drone Use

• Prohibited to fly over crowds of people.
• May only be flown for leisure within densely populated areas if the maximum take-off mass does not exceed 3 kg.
• May not be flown closer than 50 meters to residential buildings or premises without approval by the owner, caretaker or resident’s association.
• May be flown outside densely populated areas if the maximum take-off mass does not exceed 25 kg.
• May not be flown closer than 150 meters to holiday cottages, residential buildings or premises outside urban areas without approval by the owner or caretaker.
• Aircraft weighing less than 3 kg may be flown beyond visual line of sight.

Do Not

• Operate drones under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Exceed a maximum height of 120 meters (394 feet).

Laws and Regulations

• Drones are permitted for both recreational and commercial use in Iceland.
• Commercial drone use requires registration with the Icelandic Transport Authority (ITA).
• Insurance is mandatory for commercial drone vehicles.
• Drones are prohibited at many of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions.
• Protected Areas/National Parks have specific drone usage policies.
• Aircraft must be within visual line of sight or beyond visual line of sight for drones under 3 kg.

Travel Tips

• Pack your drone in your carry-on bag.
• If checking your drone, mark it as “FRAGILE”.
• Use a lithium battery bag or risk having your batteries confiscated by the airline.
• Most of our tours visit popular sites where drones are not allowed.
• We encourage bringing handheld cameras for capturing adventures.

Protected Areas and National Parks

• Some popular natural attractions where drones are prohibited include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Reynisfjara Beach, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve requires permission from the agency to fly over protected areas.

Airports

• The distance limit for airports with scheduled international air services is 2 km.
• The distance limit for other airports with scheduled services is 1.5 km.
• A permit from Isavia, the airport operator, is required for flying a remotely piloted aircraft within certain distances from airport boundaries.