Portugal Drone Laws

Flying a drone in Portugal

Image by Pedro Szekely via Flickr

  • Portugal Drone Laws
  • Drone Permits In Portugal
  • Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes
  • Best Travel Accessories
  • Drone Travel Guide Articles
  • Traveling with Drone Batteries on a Plane
  • Contact Us with Questions 

Drone laws are constantly changing. Always verify using multiple sources to be sure you're rightly informed.

Portugal Drone Law

Drone use is allowed in Portugal, 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 Portugal,

  • Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds
  • Do not fly your drone higher than 120 meters. Drones under 250 grams may only fly to 30 meters
  • You must fly your drone within visual line of sight at all times
  • Respect other's privacy when flying your drone
  • Do not fly your drone over embassies, nature reserves, prisons, rescue services, schools, or security agencies
  • Do not fly your drone within 2.5 km of airports, 1 km of helipads, or in areas where aircraft are operating
  • You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions. You may fly your drone 25 minutes before sunrise and 25 minutes after sunset
  • Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited
  • Do not fly your drone at Terreiro do Paço, National Parliament, Belém Tower, Jerónimos, Monsanto Prison Facilities, Alfeite Naval Base and Oeiras NATO facilities

Best Travel Accessories

Travel Tracking Device
Secure the Whereabouts
of Your Personal Belongings
Order Here

Did you know that airlines only have maximum liability coverage for flights by the Montreal Convention of approximately 1,288 SDR (±$1,700 USD)? This is the most that airlines must pay a passenger or company for a lost, damaged, or delayed package or bag.

With a tracking device like an AirTag or SmartTag, you will know the whereabouts of your luggage/drone at all times when transporting it with a tracking device. Possible package loss or time loss due to transport will herewith be nearly minimized to 0% risk.

Get yourself a tracking device now and secure your luggage.

LiPo Battery Bags
LiPo Battery Bags
for Extra Safety
Order Here

Make LiPo bags an essential part of your travel and battery handling routine.

Batteries are a necessity for powering our electronics on the go, but can pose a hidden danger. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries, commonly found in RC drones, laptops, and camera equipment, are prone to overheating and even catching fire if damaged or mishandled.

Don't wait for an incident to happen and get yours today to ensure the safe transport and storage of your LiPo batteries. Remember: Your safety and the safety of those around you are paramount.

Video Equipment for Traveling
Video Equipment
To Capture Your Travels
Order Here

Don't just see the world, experience it and relive it forever. Get yourself a camera drone or action camera to let you capture your travels in stunning detail, from heart-pounding hikes to breathtaking landscapes.

Get a drone to soar above and see the world from a new perspective. Capture stunning aerial shots of your adventures and transform your travel memories from snapshots to cinematic adventures.

Are you looking more for something to capture every adrenaline rush and epic moment, that is waterproof, then also get yourself an action camera here.

Sunscreen for Skin Protection
Sunscreen
Skin Protection
Order Here

SPF is not just for sunny and the summer months. Whether it's the colder months, being on the ski slopes or going out in the forest in the spring, or laying on a sunbed at the beach.

Always have yourself covered with sunscreen. Before going on holiday, be sure to get the best bank for your buck. Order your sunscreen now prior to your trip!

World Travel Adapter
International
Travel Adapter
Order Here

As an international traveler, you always want to be sure to be able to charge your devices anywhere, anytime.

Whether it’s the wall plug you need, or the integrated USB slots, all is ready for you to go!

Order your international travel adapter now, and have yourself prepared anywhere you go.

Money Belt for Extra Safety
Money Belt
Security Deposit
Order Here

Keep your valuable belongings at safe at all times when traveling.

With this money belt security deposit, you always keep your personal belongings together.

Video by UAV Coach via YouTube

Bringing Your Drones on Airplanes

Carry-on is Key:
Whenever possible, pack your drone in your carry-on luggage. Airlines are only responsible for limited amounts (SDR 1,288, around $1,700 USD) for lost checked baggage according to the Montreal Convention. This means lost or stolen drones in checked luggage can be a big financial headache, especially with international flights and layovers.

High-Value Drones:
Consider Shipping: If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and can't fit in your carry-on, explore shipping options like DHL, FedEx, or UPS. Be sure to fully insure the shipment for peace of mind.

Battery Safety is Paramount:
Absolutely DO NOT pack drone batteries in your checked luggage. Lithium-ion batteries are considered hazardous materials by airlines due to past fire incidents. Pack them in a fire-resistant LiPo battery bag, and bring them in your carry-on.

Strict Rules, Big Consequences:
Airlines have strict regulations for lithium-ion batteries. Improper packing (like skipping the LiPo bag) can lead to confiscated batteries, fines, or even denied boarding. Don't risk it!

Permit Needed For
Recreational Drone Use?

A drone permit is not required for recreational drone usage if your drone weighs under 250 grams, and cannot fly faster than 90 km/h (56 mi). For all other drone usage, a permit is required.

However, please always adhere to the above General Portugal Drone Laws when flying your drone.

Permit Needed For
Commercial Drone Use?

A permit is required for commercial drone use in Portugal.

In case you are interested in obtaining one, please contact the local aviation authority in Portugal.

Are you interested in obtaining a permit yourself for your holidays or business trip?

To obtain a permit contact the local authorities yourself directly.

However, if you try to contact us about a permit for your destination, we will only respond if there is a way for us of helping you with the permit within 1-2 business days.

We do not guarantee permits to any destination due to the constantly changing domestic drone laws and only respond if help can be provided.

Buying Drones
in Portugal

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

Traveling with Drone Batteries
on a Plane?

Please check with the airline or carrier about which batteries you can take in your carry-on luggage.

This drone law page is up to date as per June 24, 2024.

Drone laws are constantly changing. Always verify using multiple sources to be sure you are rightly informed.

If you have any questions, please click on "Service & Support" or open the chat in the bottom corner and reach out to an agent.

Get yourself sorted!

Ready to take flight? Shop drones, parts, and accessories. Talk to our agents today!

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