🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links and known rules about recreational and commercial drone use in Ukraine (Kiev). 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 Ukraine
Ukraine does not seem to differentiate commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. However, both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weigh, different rules may apply.
✅ In Ukraine, drone laws falls under the State Aviation Administration & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: vdz@avia.gov.ua
Phone: (+380) 44 461 5401
Can I bring my drone to Ukraine?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Ukraine 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 Ukraine?
✅ The State Aviation Administration provided a sweet online map showing where you should avoid to fly (in red). This includes the while region of Crimea, the borders of the country (especially with Russia).
Ukraine drone fly map
🚨 You should not fly above or near military installations & strategic infrastructure. Fly away from airports & the region of Chernobyl.
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities. 🐢🦎
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Ukraine
✅ Ukraine is currently reviewing its drone regulation & there is a simple mention that you should register any drones weighting over 20 kg. Several websites have confirmed existing rules are already in place but we couldn't find any official reference to them other than a note mentionning that they are under revision.💡 Find here UAV temporary recommendations (in English) provided by the Ukrainian State Aviation Administration.
Additionally, it isn't because we didn't find current drone regulation or that the rules are under revision in Ukraine that you should do crazy things. As for a minimum behavior, it is always advised to:
fly away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
keep your drone in visual sight when flying and fly below 120 m during daylight.
avoid flying above people without their consent or moving vehicles.
ask before flying over military facilities, archaeological sites or religious buildings.
fly away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
How to register my drone in Ukraine?
✅ Currently, if you have drone weights more than 20 kg, you will need to contact Ukraerocentr to register in a one time open letter process via:
Email: nach_smeny@ukrsatse.aero
Phone: +380 44 351 59 92 (24/7)
🕔 Allow at least 10 working days to give time to local authorities to process your query.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Ukraine?
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've got everything in order, you can start flying above Ukraine's awesome landscapes and 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 the Ukraine! 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.
Other resources
Register your drone in Ukraine (for drones over 20 kg)
Sources