🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Kosovo (Pristina). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to comment your experience or any updates 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 Kosovo
Kosovo does not differentiate much commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both are subject to tight restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone, different rules will apply.
✅ In Kosovo, drone regulation falls under the Civil Aviation Authority of Kosovo (CAA) & they can be contacted anytime via;
Email: MBJ3AIRDESK@hq.kfor.nato.int
Phone: (+383) (0)38 248 629 🕔 Mon-Fri: 8am - 4pm
🚨 Kosovo differentiates four categories for flying areas:
Cat 1: non constructed or populated area.
Cat 2: commercial constructed facilities in a non populated area (e.g. farm barn).
Cat 3: constructed area with low density inhabitants.
Cat 4: high density populated area such as city centres.
✅ Kosovo exempts permission rules if your drone:
weights less than 500 g (Spark & Mavic Air for e.g.).
cannot go faster than 72 km/h
And that you're flying:
below 30 m altitude and no further than 15 m away from you
at least 2 kms away from any airport or military facilities (incl. NATO Camp Film City).
🚨 For all other drones, the country differentiates four drone categories:
Cat 1: below 1 kg, max speed 72 km/h, max range 100 m, max altitude 50 m
Cat 2: between 1 & 5 kg, max 72 km/h, max range of 2.5 km, max altitude of 150 m
Cat 3: between 5 & 20 kg, max 198 km/h, max range of 2.5 km, max altitude of 500 m
Cat 4: between 20 & 150 kg, above been considered as an aircraft.
Can I bring my drone to Kosovo?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Kosovo (Prishtina) 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 Kosovo?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Kosovo "If you have more information about this, please share it in the Forum".
🛬 Controlled airport airspace operates up to 2 km around Pristina airport which is the only airport of the country. If for any reason you are within their range, please contact them before any take off at:
(+383) (0) 38 595 8206) Pristina Control Approach
(+383) (0) 38 595 8207) Pristina Airport Tower
🚨 Fly at least 2 km away from any military bases and troops
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Kosovo
🚨 Unless your drone weights less than 500 g and you intend to fly below than 30 m, you will to register and systematically need to apply for a permit to take off in Kosovo. Once all done, you must fly your drone:
at a maximum of 150 m altitude, during daylight and within your sight at all times or 500 m (whichever comes first).
500 m horizontally and 305 m vertically away from any other drone.
only during good weather conditions (over 5 km visibility).
150 m away from crowds or 30 m away from anyone person, animal or building and respect other's privacy.
300 m away from any clouds.
with a third party insurance.
run a back check of your drone and the flights' surroundings prior any take off.
fly at least 2 km away from Pristina airport. You must also give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see n aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
do not transport, tow or drop anything from your drone.
fly away from urban areas unless Cat 4 flight permission granted.
How to register my drone in Kosovo?
✅ This is a one off process that can be done by completing this document (2 pages) and returning it to MBJ3AIRDESK@hq.kfor.nato.int at least 5 working days before your intended first flight.
When filling it up, make sure to have
completed your full personal and overseas contact details
provided a copy of your identification used when travelling in Kosovo
informed the type of unmanned aerial vehicle you intend to fly with photos
have your flight manual with you when travelling
signed the declaration
💲 The cost to register your drone will depend on its category:
Cat 1: 10€
Cat 2: 20€
Cat 3: 50€
Cat 4: 100€
🕔 Once confirmed, it will be valid for 2 years.
How to obtain a permit to fly my drone in Kosovo?
✅ If you intend to fly your drone in a Cat 1 or Cat 2 zone, this is done in one simple step by completing this online form (you must have registered your drone prior). You will need to complete this process for each single flight you intend to make in Kosovo. You may contact the Croatian Airspace Cell (AMC) for more info around an application by:
E-mail: MBJ3AIRDESK@hq.kfor.nato.int
When sending your completed form, make sure to include:
a copy of your identification
a license or anything that proves your flight experience (for Cat 3 & Cat 4 flights)
a copy of your insurance
🚨 About the insurance, you will need to provide a copy and certify by completing this document (2 pages) certifying that you are taking full responsibility of your operations.
🕔 You will need to submit your permit form at least 36 hours before your intended flight.
✅ If you're already too late or in a real rush, you can contact:
Phone: (+383) (0) 38 503 603 2310 or 2311
Email: JOCLANDDESK@hq.kfor.nato.int
🚑 In case of an emergency, you need to contact immediately the Aeronautical Accident and Incident Investigations Commission
Phone: (+383) (0) 38 503 603 2710
Email MBJ3AIRDESK@hq.kfor.nato.int
💲 This is a free process.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Kosovo's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
If you are considering getting your first drone or upgrade, feel free to check our recommendations in the travel page or click on the model you like below to get its full specs. Any purchase done from one of our affiliate links helps Dronemade stay free and available to all. Thanks for your support and safe flights ahead!
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Kosovo! 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 rules and regulations.
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