🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Hungary (Budapest). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in our Hungary Drone Discussion Group. 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 Hungary
Hungary does not differentiate much commercial & recreational drone uses. Both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct.
✅ In Hungary, drone regulation falls under the General Directorate of Air Transport (CAA) & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: caa@itm.gov.hu
Phone: (+36) 1 273 5526
Mail: Aviation Authority, H-1675 Budapest, Pf. 41.
✅ The country will also differentiate your weight based on its weight:
below 250 g (exempt from regulations).
between 250 g & 2 kg
between 2 & 10 kg
above 10 kg
Can I bring my drone to Hungary?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Hungary as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
✅ Good to know, Budapest airport used to completely ban carry on drones (no matter which airline). Thanks to Lukasz's feedback in the comments at the end of this post, we can safely confirm this specific airport policy has been removed. However expect stronger security controls at Budapest airports and get ready to to unpack your drone and show your batteries' voltage. For full safety, the Budapest authorities recommend to store them safely which basically means in drone battery fireproof bags.
🚨 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.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in Hungary
🚨 We didn't find any official governmental map however we found a sweet alternative however the company Legter.hu built a detailed flight map organised in a 3 colour scheme:
red = temporary restricted zone
blue = airport controlled zone
green = environment/national park zone
Hungary Drone Fly Map
✅ The live version also showcases sky diving activities (in black) & other drone activities (in orange) "How cool!"
🚨 You should not fly above or near South & Eastern borders of the country.
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the park or reserve authorities.
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Hungary.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Hungary
🚨 For any flight in Hungary, you will need a license & an insurance to fly your drone.
✅ There are no flight restrictions described or available other than your need for a license. Saying this, it isn't because their aren't any official regulation that you should do crazy things. As for a minimum behaviour, it is always advised to:
fly away from airports & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see an aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
Keep your drone in visual sight when flying and fly below 120 m during daylight.
Avoid flying above moving vehicles or people & respect individual's privacy.
Always check before flying any residential, governmental, religious or military sites.
💲 Depending on your drone's weight, you will need a different level of third party insurance:
below 2 kg, be insured for about 10,000€
between 2 & 10 kg, be insured for about 17,000€
above 10 kg, be insured for about 33,000€
How to obtain my license to fly my drone in Hungary?
✅ This is done in one simple step by completing this form. You may send it to the Military Aviation Authority at rpas@nfm.gov.hu (they can also help you for more info).
You will need to include/explain:
your full contact details (& the operator's if different)
the full details of your drone flight including airspace, altitude, date, time
the purpose of your flight.
🕔 For recreational flights, send it at least 4 days prior your intended flight day.
🕔For commercial flights, send it at least 30 days prior your intended flight day. The approval itself, should take between 3 & 4 working days.
💲 For recreational flights, it will cost you nothing.
💲 For commercial flights, it will cost you about 10€ to obtain the license (or 65€ if above a national park 🦅). To be paid by bank transfer.
💡 The whole process might require some Hungarian skills, however Letger.hu can help you here if you contact them at least 35 days prior your flight schedule.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Hungary's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Hungary! Have fun and safe flight! #hungary #hungaria #hungarian #regulation #rule #rules #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Hungary Drone Discussion Group
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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Source
Ministry of National Development (Transport Authority).
Other resources