Switzerland Drone Laws (2022)

Switzerland Drone Laws

Img 1: Aerial Photography In Switzerland

  1. General Switzerland Drone Laws
  2. Drone Permits In Switzerland
  3. Brining Your Drone On Airplanes Guide
  4. Buying Drones In Switzerland
  5. Drone Travel Guide Articles
  6. Contact Information For Questions

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General Switzerland Drone Laws

Drone use is allowed in Switzerland, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Switzerland,

Simplified rules for drones under 7 kg - category 1

  • Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds
  • Do not fly your drone higher than 150 meters
  • Do not fly your drone within 100 meters of gatherings of more than 24 people
  • Respect others privacy when flying your drone
  • Do not fly your drone within 5km of airports or in areas where aircraft are operating
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
  • Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited
  • The Bernese Oberland is off limits due to drones since it is surrounded by restricted airspace
  • You must have insurance for your drone if it is over 500 grams

To take a look at the restricted areas in Switzerland, click here

Permit Needed For Recreational Drone Use?

A drone permit is not required for recreational drone use.

is only required for those wishing to fly drones…

Weighing more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds)

Closer than 5 kilometres to airfields and heliports

More than 150 metres above the ground in control zones

Close to where emergency services are working Over, or less than 100 metres from, groups of people [more than 24 persons] Without direct eye contact with the drone

Please adhere to the above General Switzerland Drone Laws however when flying your drone. (What Is Recreational Drone Use?)

Permit Needed For Commercial Drone Use?

A permit is required for commercial drone use in Switzerland. Click here to purchase a permit, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)

Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes Guide

For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.

You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered ""dangerous goods"" by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.

Here is some video footage shot by Sr-prod when flying a drone in Switzerland.

Buying Drones In Switzerland

Read all of our Switzerland Drone Laws, and now looking for drones, parts, accessories, or something else? Read our guide for Buying Drones In Switzerland. It includes information on drones for sale in Switzerland, import taxes, payment options, and shipping.

Drone Travel Guide

Switzerland drone laws are up to date as of March, 2022. Please email [email protected] , or click “leave a message” at the bottom right of the screen if you have any questions or comments.