🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Poland (Krakow). 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 Poland
Poland (Krakow) differentiates commercial & recreational drone uses - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both are subject to restrictions and code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone and where you want to fly your drone, different rules will apply.
✅ In Poland, drone regulation falls under the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). They can be contacted any time via:
Email: kancelaria@ulc.gov.pl
Phone: (+48) 22 520 72 00
Can I bring my drone to Poland?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Poland (Krakow) 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 Poland?
✅ Poland built a detailed drone flight map showing flight restricted areas for recreational use mainly. The map is organised in a 3 color scheme to help drone owners to fly responsibly and safely within the country:
Green = military zones
Purple = airport/heliport controlled zones, you should not fly there without permission. 🕔 You can ask one to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, allow 7 days.
Pink = border control zone, you can ask authorisation by calling (+48) 85 714 5011
The map also showcases Poland's heliports, airports, glider & hang glider fields which comes in convenient when in seek of where you can fly in total safety.
🚨 Most of Poland's North & East borders are next to countries non member of the Schengen agreement, so take extra care when flying around there. Although Lithuania is part of it, according to this map, you should also call local authorities prior flying at the border between Lithuania and Poland.
🚨 If you want to fly above Krakowskie Przedmieście in Warsaw (the city center), you will need to ask for a 'ROL 48' flight zone permission. To do such, you will need to:
Download this form online
Complete your form & attach a map of your planned flight.
Send the complete form to kancelaria@sop.gov.pl 🕔 allow 5 working days
Information will be processed from Monday to Friday (08.15 - 16.15) & you may contact them for an update via phone at: (+48) 22 606 52 23
Recreational Drone use in Poland
✅ Good things first, you will not need a permit or a license to fly your drone for recreational purposes in Poland as long as you do not fly in a restricted zone without permission.
Saying this, within the permitted zones, you will need to follow a few rules:
fly a drone that weights less than 25 kg.
fly your drone only during daylight & always in sight.
fly away from roads, buildings & from any urban area without permission.
fly your drone away from people or large crowds & respect individuals' privacy.
fly your drone at least 5 km away from any airport or heliport or ask for permission before flying closer & give priority to all other categories of aircraft. If you see a plane or helicopter during your flight, land immediately your drone.
What do I risk for flying a recreational drone illegally in Poland?
🚨 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.
Commercial Drone use in Poland
For any drone commercial use in Poland, you will need:
- a recognised license* by Polish authorities & a proof you can fly drones safely. This is a two step exam by passing a theoretical & a practical exam.
- an aero-medical certificate to prove you're fit to fly
- an insurance covering this parties in Poland in case of an accident.
- for videos & photos, a permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
*🌏 If you hold another European drone pilot license, you may be able to make it valid by by contacting the CAA at kancelaria@ulc.gov.pl.
How to register my drone for commercial use in Poland?
The registration process requires 2 steps;
Apply for a PH number (registration mark) for your drone; this can be done online here. You will to specify who owns the drone (you or your company for e.g.).
You will need to request for a proof of enrollment via this link. You will to include at this stage; your proof of ownership (invoice), photos of your drone's serial number, your registration mark (PH number) & send it all to luchtvaartuigregister@ilent.nl
🕔 Allow 2 weeks for the Dutch authorities to process it all. If something is missing in your application and the need to get back to you, expect a process time between 6-8 weeks.
How to register my drone company in Poland?
The Netherlands offers 2 type of registrations; a full & a light one. Depending on which registration you will apply for, different costs scheme could apply:
for a full certificate (up to 150 kg drones, flying at 120 m altitude & 500 m away from you max); expect around 10,000EUR
for a light certificate (up to 4 kg drones, flying at 50 m altitudes & 100 m away from you maw); expect between 600-1,500EUR
What do I risk for flying a commercial drone illegally in Poland?
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 Poland's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Poland! 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.
Source
Other resource
Government Protection Bureau (for permission to fly above Warsaw)