🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Iceland (Reykjavik). 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 Iceland
Iceland differentiates commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both are subject to restrictions & a code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight, different rules may apply.
✅ Drone regulation is under the responsibility of the Icelandic Transport Authorities (ITA) which you can contact anytime via:
Email: icetra@icetra.is
Phone: (+354) 480 6000
Can I bring my drone to Iceland?
✅ Currently, there are no restrictions on bringing drones within the Iceland 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 Iceland?
🚨 We did not find a handy live map of Iceland's drone fly zones. However, aside from airports and bird wildlife sanctuaries which you should remain away from, the country is pretty tolerant.
See below a map of the flight ban zone around Reykjavík airport (the main one). Iceland also listed all its aerodromes here.
🦅 National Parks will require a separate permit to fly and film above - see an e.g. here with the Vatnajökull National Park.
Recreational Drone Use in Iceland
✅ You do not need a permission or a license for drone recreational use in Iceland. However, for any drone heavier than 250 g , you must before & during flying:
mark your drone with full name, address & phone details.
fly at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground & sea.
fly a drone of 3 kg+ in urban areas or 25 kg+ in rural areas *Note, if your drone is over 20 kg, you will need an insurance prior flying.
it is advised to subscribe to an insurance covering all risks.
away from private property without approval (50 m within urban areas & 150 within rural areas), people or crowds & respect individuals' privacy.
at least 2 km away from Keflavík, Akureyri, Reykjavík &Egilsstaðir airports or 1.5 km away from any other airport & give way to all other type of aircraft.
fly a minimum of 150 m away from any public building.
only during permitting weather, during day time & within your sight at all times.
do not fly over wildlife sanctuaries, for example bird colonies.
🎬🍿 Movie Time! See below a little sum up video of Iceland's drone flight rules
Commercial Drone Use in Iceland
You will need to register your drone for any commercial use prior taking of in Iceland. This can be done online quite easily via this link. Information such as your personal details, the drone's ones & your intentions of flight will be asked.
✅ Differences that apply on top/instead of recreational flying rules;
mark your drone with full name, address & phone details & record flight data.
carry out a risk assessment for operations in urban area
fly a drone of 7 kg+ in urban areas or 25 kg+ in rural areas *Note, if your drone is over 20 kg, you will need an insurance prior flying.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Iceland's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Iceland! Have fun & 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.
Source
Other resources
Register your drone for commercial purposes - link
Use of drones in Iceland - pdf