Drone Laws in Kosovo
Drone regulations and links for people flying drones in Kosovo.
Kosovo Drone Regulations
According to Kosovo’s national aviation authority, the Kosovo Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), flying a drone is legal in Kosovo, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.
If you’d like to contact the KCAA directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: infocaa@caa-ks.org / +383 (0)38 248 629
Why fly a drone in Kosovo? To get great aerial shots like these!
General Rules for Flying a Drone in Kosovo
Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Kosovo.
- All drones must be registered with the KCAA. Registration fees may vary depending on the size of the drone being registered.
- A permit is required for all drone operations in Kosovo. See the section below for more information.
- Regulations do not apply to drones that are less than 500 grams (1 pound).
- Drone operator must maintain visual sight with their drone at all times.
- Transport of goods or passengers via drone is prohibited.
- Operation of drones must be conducted in a manner that respects applicable privacy laws and regulations.
- Drones may not be flown near governmental buildings, offices of international organizations, foreign diplomatic missions, law enforcement agency offices, or Kosovo Security Forces without prior written authorization.
- Do not fly within 1 kilometer (.5 miles) of the Kosovo border.
- Do not fly within 2 kilometers (1 miles) of Prishtina International Airport and any other approved airports or airfields.
- Do not fly within 1 (.5 miles) of NATO Camp Film City.
- Do not fly within 2 kilometers (1 miles) of any military base or other restricted or prohibited areas without prior authorization.
- Drones may only be flown during daylight hours.
- Do not fly within 150 meters (492 feet) of gatherings of people.
- Do not fly a distance greater than 500 meters (1,640 feet).
- Drones may not be flown under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances.
- Liability insurance is required for the operation of drones in Kosovo.
- Drone operators must be at least 16 years of age and pass a knowledge test.
For more information on Kosovo’s drone laws, see this document issued by the KCAA.
Know something we don’t about drone laws in Kosovo? Send us an email at support@horizonap.com. We are not international aviation attorneys and do our best to keep this page up-to-date for drone pilots, but the reality is that given the pace of the small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) industry and how governments are responding, drone regulations in Kosovo can change throughout the year, and those changes can be hard to track. If we missed something, please reach out to let us know.
Permit Requirements for Flying a Drone in Kosovo
A permit application must be submitted to the Kosovo Civil Aviation Authority at least five working days prior to the start of any drone operation. Flight approvals are valid for up to two years.
After receiving approval, requests for permission for a specific operation should be submitted 72 hours in advance to allow for civilian-military coordination with the Aeronautical Information Service of the Air Navigation Services of the Republic of Kosovo. Learn more about the permit process in this document issued by the KCAA.
Want to get a feel for the kind of footage you could get flying a drone in Kosovo? Here you go: