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Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Kosovo
Kosovo Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Kosovo
The Kosovo agency responsible for drone safety, KCAA, has provided several details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Kosovo?
According to KCAA, drone use is allowed in Kosovo, subject to strict KCAA regulations. Read on for more details.
Are Drones required to be registered in Kosovo?
Toy drones are exempt from the regulations if they meet all the following:
- The drone is less than 500 grams in weight.
- The drone is incapable of generating kinetic energy greater than 79 joules.
- The top speed is limited to 20 meters per second.
- The flight distance is limited to 15 meters.
- The maximum elevation is 30 meters above sea level.
No permission from the Kosovo Aviation Authority is required for these toy drones.
However, Toy drones must receive an AIS notification 72 hours before the flight (see below).
Kosovo categorizes drones according to drone weight.
All other drones are classified into four categories.
| Characteristics | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 |
| Take-off Weight | <1 kg | 1-5 kg | 5-20 kg | 20-150 kg |
| Maximum Altitude | 50 m | 150 m | 500 m | Without limit |
| Maximum Distance | 100 m | 2500 m | 2500 m | Without limit |
| Maximum Speed | 30 m/s | 30 m/s | 55 m/s | Without limit |
Registration with the Civil Aviation Authority is required for all four classes (KCAA).
Following registration, you will receive an identification number that you must display as a QR code attached to your drone.
Permit Requirements for Flying a Drone in Kosovo
Permits from the KCAA are required for all four categories.
Permission must be obtained at least five business days in advance and is valid for a period of up to two years. In addition, your application must include the following information:
- Name and address of the copter pilot
- Copy of the passport
- Description of the intended flight with location information
- Type of unmanned aerial vehicle
- Photos of the drone
- Flight manual or user manual
- Signed declaration
To obtain a permit, you may be required to demonstrate your pilot skills to the authorities in advance. After obtaining permission, you must register each flight with the Aeronautical Information Service 72 hours in advance (AIS).
Along with the categories, maneuvers are classified according to the environment in which they occur:
- Class 1: An Undeveloped area without people
- Class 2: Built-up area that is not used as a residential area and there are no people.
- Class 3: An inhabited area for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes (offices, residential buildings, parks, schools, etc.)
- Class 4: Densely populated zones in cities
Every flight of a drone must be documented in a flight log. Per flight, you must record the pilot in command, the date, the take-off and landing times, the times, the total flight time, the purpose of the operation, and the controller’s signature.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Kosovo.
- The KCAA requires that all drones be registered. Registration fees vary according to the size of the drone being registered.
- All drone operations in Kosovo require a permit. For additional information, see the section below.
- Drones weighing less than 500 grams are exempt from the regulations (1 pound).
- At all times, the drone operator must maintain visual contact with their drone.
- Drone transportation of goods or passengers is prohibited.
- Drone operations must adhere to all applicable privacy laws and regulations.
- Without prior written authorization, drones may not be flown near governmental buildings, offices of international organizations, foreign diplomatic missions, law enforcement agency offices, or Kosovo Security Forces.
- Avoid flying within a one-kilometer (.5-mile) radius of the Kosovo border.
- Do not fly within a two-kilometer (1-mile) radius of Prishtina International Airport and any other approved airports or airfields.
- Avoid flying within a radius of 1 (.5 miles) of NATO Camp Film City.
- Without prior authorization, do not fly within 2 kilometers (1 mile) of any military base or other restricted or prohibited areas.
- Drones are permitted to be flown only during daylight hours.
- Avoid flying within 150 meters (492 feet) of crowds.
- Never fly more than 500 meters (1,640 feet).
- Drones may not be flown while intoxicated or under the influence of psychoactive substances.
- In Kosovo, drone operators are required to carry liability insurance.
- Operators of drones must be at least sixteen years old and pass a knowledge test.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Kosovo
See general rules above.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Kosovo
See general rules above.
Useful published information on flying drones in Kosovo
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Kosovo…
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 aircraft, Remote controlled aircraft, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone
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