🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Finland (Helsinki). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Finland
Finland does not differentiate much commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. However both are subject to restrictions and code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight and where you want to fly your drone, different rules will apply.
✅ In Finland, drone regulation falls under Finnish Transport Safety Agency (TRAFI), & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: kirjaamo@trafi.fi
Phone: (+358) 29 534 5000
🚨 Be aware that a new bill came into effect on the 18th of March 2019 allowing police force to "stop your drone" when flying where you shouldn't.. The means are not clearly identified but you're now aware.
Can I bring my drone to Finland?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Finland or at Helsinki Airport as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Finland?
✅ We did not find a complete one in all drone fly map in Finland, however the country defines quite well where you should not fly into 3 zones
Prohibited Zones: not many, neither very big, these are essentially in Helsinki' city centre and a few other ones dispatched around the country.
Restricted Zones: includes the full Russian Border
Danger Zones: a sum up of both above maps
😍 Interesting approach from the Finnish Authorities who also designed a 100% safe drone fly map which basically lists all the model aircraft fields in the country - find it here.
🚨 You're not allowed to fly near nuclear power stations, oild installations and government used areas
🦅 Finland is very respectful of mother Nature and they will remind you such. You might need a special authorization for National Parks & Nature Reserves, best to always check 🌲
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Finland
✅ Good things first, you will not need a license to fly your drone in Finland as long as you do not fly near airports or within nature reserves. However, if its your first time you fly your drone in the country, you will need to register it.
Within the permitted zones, you will need to follow a few rules:
you need to be at least 18 years old
mark your drone with your full contact details
create and maintain a flight log book (& store the information for min 2 years).
prepare an emergency plan in case your drone is not responding suddenly.
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 150 m above the ground within restricted area
fly a drone over an urban area only if you are familiar with it (3 kg drone weight max).
fly a drone of maximum weight of 25 kg, 7 kg if flying near people/crowds, 3 kg if flying in an urban area (rescue accessories in excess tolerated).
fly your drone during day time & always in sight.
fly away from people or large crowds (50 m) & respect individuals' privacy.
fly your drone at least 600 m away from heliports
fly at least 1 km away from airports (if between 1 & 3 km distance, your flight is limited to 50 m max altitude) & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see a plane or helicopter during your flight, land immediately your drone.
do not fly near a natural disaster or somewhere emergencies will need to intervene.
How to register my drone in Finland?
✅ You only need to register your drone once per year, before undertaking your first flight within Finland. You will need to enter your personal & drone's details via this online form.
💲 It will cost you about 20€.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Finland?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Finland's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or tell The Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Finland! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
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