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The Ultimate Guide to Malta (Valletta) Drone Laws & Rules

Updated: Apr 16, 2019

🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Malta (Valletta). 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.

Malta drone laws and rules

Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Malta


Malta does not differentiate commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. However both are subject to a code of conduct & registration.


✅ In Malta, drone regulation falls under the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) which can be contacted anytime via:

  • Email: drones.aviation@transport.gov.mt

 

Can I bring my drone to Malta?


✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Malta as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).


Drone Travel Gear

🚨 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 Malta?


✅ We did not find a complete Malta drone fly map & flight permitted zones. "If you have any information about this, please let us know & we will update this page." Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way:


Malta drone fly map

Malta drone fly map
Source: app.airmap.io

🛬 Fly your drone 1 km away from airports & 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 over public, energy, diplomatic & military buildings or services


🦅 Do not fly over nature reserves which are under a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the park or reserve authorities.

 

Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Malta


✅ Good things first, you will not need a license to fly your drone in Malta. However, you will need to register your drone to Transport Malta & an insurance to fly your drone in Malta. Within Malta's permitted zones, you will need to follow a few rules:

  • fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 60 m above the ground & 300 m away from you (do not fly above water or seas).

  • fly your drone always in sight and during daylight

  • fly a drone weighting less than 25 kg

  • fly your drone during day time & always in sight.

  • fly 50 m away from vehicle, people & respect individuals' privacy.

  • fly 120 m away from first emergency infrastructures, energy & other public facilities, military & national security buildings, international & diplomatic organisations & buildings, roads, ports, nature reserves & crowds (more than 12 people).

  • have a third party insurance to fly your drone safely.

  • do not fly near a natural disaster or somewhere emergencies will need to intervene.


Join the community

How to register my drone in Malta?


✅ You only need to register your drone every 6 months via this online form. Simply complete it with your personal information and return it to You will need to include with the form:

  • the area you are hoping to fly above (a simple Google Maps overview is enough).

  • the details of your drone including its weight & its safety features.

  • a risk assessment & emergency plan in case of problem.

  • a copy of any license or previous license / permit you might have received in the past.

  • a copy of your third party insurance.

🕔 You should submit your completed application at least 7 working days prior your flight.


What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Malta?


🚨 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.

 

Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Malta's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:



 
Drone laws world map

✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Malta! 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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