Drone Laws in Cyprus

Last updated on April 26th, 2023 at 09:07 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation (DCA)

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

For a full explanation of EASA regulations simplified, please read our explainer: The rules for drone flyers in the European Union (Europe Drone Laws Simplified)

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Cyprus

The Cyprus agency responsible for drone safety, DCA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.

As of 31st December 2020, national drone rules will be replaced by common European regulations. This reform aims to create a truly harmonized drone market in Europe with the highest level of safety. In practice, it means that once a drone Οperator has received authorization from its state of registry, he/she will be allowed to circulate freely in the European Union. According to the level of risk involved, this new legal framework will introduce three categories of drone operations: Open, Specific, and Certified.

Drone operations are to be conducted according to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (as amended).

Are drones allowed in Cyprus?

According to DCA, drones are allowed in Cyprus, subject to DCA and EASA regulations. Read on for details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Cyprus:

Drone operators must register all drones in Cyprus. In the meantime, the Cypriot aviation authority has established an online form for this purpose. Following registration, you must adhere to the following rules.

• Drones may fly up to 50 meters (170 feet) above ground or sea level in the Open category and up to 120 meters (400 feet) in the Specific category. (The Department of Civil Aviation may grant exemptions to operators of specific category drones.) 
• Direct visual contact with the drone is required, and the operating distance should not exceed 500 meters. 
• Avoid flying too close to residential areas or populated areas. 
• Maintain a safety buffer zone of one kilometer around residential areas. 
• Unless the owner/person consents, a safety distance of 500 meters from isolated buildings, people, vehicles, animals, and structures is required. 
• Avoid flying near airports and heliports. Stay A minimum of eight (8) kilometers away from airports and three (3) kilometers from heliports for safety. 
• At no time is it permissible to fly a drone at night. 
• There shall be no flying over, within, or near military installations, public utility installations, archaeological sites, or public or private facilities.

Open Category

Given the low level of risk, neither prior authorization by the competent authority nor a declaration by the drone operator is required. The drone’s total takeoff mass must be less than 25kg and be operated within a visual line of sight at a maximum altitude of 120m.

Specific Category

Considering the moderate level of risk involved, flights in this category require authorization before the operation. The permission is given considering the mitigation measures identified in an operational risk assessment, except in specific standard scenarios where an operator declaration is sufficient.

Certified Category

Given the inherent dangers, certification of the drone and a licensed remote pilot are required. If your drone can carry people, you fall under the Certified category!

EASA Summary of Drone Flight Operation Requirements

Note for foreign operators

Operator Registration (Non-EU Residents)

• If you are coming from a non-EU country and this is the first time you will fly your drone in an EU country, you MUST register as an Operator into the DCA systems at the registration site linked here.
• Upon registration, you will receive a unique Operator Registration number which you MUST attach to your drone. If you have several drones, the same number must be attached to all of them.
• You are not allowed to fly in NO FLY ZONES, and you must keep a minimum of 8km distance from airports/heliports.
• If you have already conducted operations in another EU country before going to Cyprus, you must not register again. You always register to the first non-EU country you have conducted flights.
• To register successfully, you must pay the registration fee, which is €15. Method of payment is only by VISA card

Remote Pilot Certificate (Non-EU Residents)

• If you want to fly your drone in Cyprus and live in a non-EU country, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate from an EU country.
• You can get the A1/A3 Certificate by registering with the online Remote Pilot School.
• The online training and exam are required for those who want to fly a drone in the ‘Open’ category in subcategories A1/A3.
• The pass mark is 75%, and you have three attempts to pass.
• Once you pass your exam, you will receive your remote pilot certificate. Its validity will be five years.
• You must have your Remote Pilot Certificate in your possession whenever you plan to perform drone operations in Cyprus and present it when asked by the authorities.
• The fee for the online training and exam is €15. Method of payment is only by VISA card

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Cyprus

Not used commercially 

It is less than 3 kg in weight. 

You operate at the height of fewer than 50 meters. 

You operate exclusively during the day and away from clouds.

You must:

• Adhere to the provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (as amended). 
• Register nationally and have a drone identification number

You must not:

• Operate from the clouds, above crowds, in industrial areas, urban areas, and other restricted areas. 
• Operate at elevations greater than 50 meters

See general EASA rules above.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Cyprus

Commercial, scientific, or manufacturer testing 

Beyond the line of sight flying 

Nighttime operation 

Cloud-flying

You must:

• Adhere to the provisions of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (as amended). 
• Register your drone on a national level, obtain a drone identification number, and obtain a permit to fly. 
• Have a certificate of authorization for drones weighing more than 25 kg 
• Carry Third Party Liability insurance with a minimum limit of one million euros 
• Must be 18 years old and possess a National Drone Pilot Certificate.

Not permitted to fly in restricted areas

See general EASA rules above.

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What you must know about Cyprus No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

You need to know if you can operate your drone, under what limitations, whether authorizations are required, and how to get those authorizations.

We encourage you to read our explainer for more details on this topic here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

Useful published information on flying drones in Cyprus

• Where you are allowed to fly a drone in Cyprus
• Register in Cyprus as drone operator
• Online drone pilot training and tests in Cyprus 
• Apply for an authorisation to fly in Cyprus 

Here is a promotion video by the DCA highlighting the new regulations for flying drones in Cyprus…

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NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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